HELP…..iPadOS 26.1 update destroys ipad ability to locate and use physical SIM card in tray

Have you previously been able to use the SIM that you have with this iPad? The presence of the default carrier settings file iPad 67.0 - and an "unknown" mobile number - indicates that the iPad is not being (and likely never has been) used with a Cellular Provider's physical SIM or eSIM.

You indicate that the SIM can be successfully used with another device. Would this other device a mobile phone, an Android tablet, or something else?

The majority of mobile phone SIMs are not useable with iPad - as iPad lacks Cellular calling and messaging capabilities. If using a WiFi+Cellular model iPad to access Cellular Data, you will require a physical DataSIM or an eSIM from your preferred Cellular Provider.

DataSIMs are provisioned explicitly for use with tablet computers or Cellular Routers (the latter sometimes referred to a mobile broadband - or MiFi) and cannot be used with mobile phones. Similarly, most physical mobile phone SIMs are not suitable for (and may not even be recognised by) iPad.

The majority of mobile phone SIMs are not useable with tablet computers - as iPad lacks Cellular calling and messaging capabilities. If using a WiFi+Cellular model iPad to access Cellular Data, you will require either a physical DataSIM (sometimes known as Mobile Broadband - or MiFi) or equivalent eSIM plan for iPad.

Annabelleqld wrote:

Yes, ipad has been used with an active DATA sim onboard for more than 2.5years….up until the installation of the software, the Sim card and sim tray both worked perfectly fine, no problems at all. It was an instantaneous kill switch immediately the software had completed the installation….no sim tray recognition, no data service connection to 4G or 5G. does not even recognise AU country carriers for use of the eSIM.

You would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page.

Alternatively you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044

You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple