Short answer
A Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad on Apple's eSIM list, a Galaxy tablet on Samsung's UK list, or a Windows PC that shows an eSIM can hold its own cellular data plan. Apple's current MacBook Air and MacBook Pro wireless specs list Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and do not list an eSIM, Samsung says a Wi-Fi-only Galaxy tablet does not support one, and a Wakamo Japan plan lists no phone number and no voice calls.
Apple's iPad model list is on the Japan eSIM phone support page. Sharing a phone connection with a Mac, a Wi-Fi tablet, or a laptop that has no eSIM of its own is covered on Japan eSIM hotspot.
Fact table
As of 2026-10-21
Each claim names its source. The full source list, with the date each page was read, is below.
| Claim | Source |
|---|---|
| Apple says an eSIM on iPad is a cellular data plan. You need a wireless carrier or worldwide service provider that supports eSIM, and a Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad on the list on that page. While traveling, Apple says you can purchase an eSIM from a local carrier that supports eSIM in the country or region you are visiting. | Apple Support, set up eSIM on iPad |
| Apple says a Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad can sign up for a cellular data plan and stay connected to the internet when you are away from a Wi-Fi network. eSIM on supported models is not available from all carriers or in all countries and regions. One way to add it is a QR code from the carrier, or entering the details manually. You can store more than one eSIM on the iPad, and you can use only one eSIM at a time. | Apple Support, cellular service on iPad |
| Apple says that if you have an iPhone, you can use the iPad or the Mac to make and receive iPhone cellular calls. The iPhone relays those calls. The iPhone has to be turned on and nearby, unless you set up Wi-Fi calling so the other device can call when the iPhone is not nearby. | Apple Support, calls on iPad and Mac |
| Apple says to connect a Mac to the internet with Wi-Fi, Personal Hotspot, or Ethernet. Personal Hotspot on that page shares the cellular data connection of an iPhone or a Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad with the Mac. | Apple Support, connect a Mac to the internet |
| Apple's current MacBook Air tech specs are the 13-inch and 15-inch models with the M5 chip. Each wireless section lists an Apple N1 chip, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. Those sections do not list a cellular modem or an eSIM. | Apple, MacBook Air tech specs |
| Apple's current MacBook Pro tech specs are the 14-inch model with M5, M5 Pro, or M5 Max, and the 16-inch model with M5 Pro or M5 Max. The M5 wireless section lists Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The M5 Pro and M5 Max wireless sections list an Apple N1 chip, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. Those sections do not list a cellular modem or an eSIM. | Apple, MacBook Pro tech specs |
| Microsoft says an eSIM on a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC connects to the internet over a cellular data network, without a physical SIM card. While traveling, you can add a local data plan from a supported mobile operator. The PC supports cellular connectivity if Settings, then Network and internet, lists a Cellular page. It has an eSIM you can select if Use this SIM for cellular data lists eSIM, SIM2, or a similar option. You can add a profile by scanning a QR code or entering an activation code. The same article says support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. | Microsoft Support, eSIM on a Windows PC |
| Microsoft says some Windows 11 devices, and some Windows 10 devices, have a SIM card or an eSIM for a cellular data network. If the device does not have a SIM card or an eSIM, Microsoft says you can plug in an external cellular device, also called a cellular modem or mobile broadband device. Either way, you need a data plan from a mobile operator. | Microsoft Support, cellular settings in Windows |
| Samsung's UK page says a Galaxy eSIM lets you use mobile data without a physical SIM card, and that eSIM service may vary by country and carrier. The tablets on that list are Galaxy Tab S11, Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S10+, Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S9, Galaxy Tab S9+, Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S10 FE, Galaxy Tab S10 FE+, Galaxy Tab S9 FE, Galaxy Tab S9 FE+, Galaxy Tab A 11+ for North America only, Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro, and Galaxy Tab Active5. Depending on the country of origin, eSIM may not be supported even when the tablet is listed. Samsung says Wi-Fi only tablet models do not support eSIM. That device list does not name a laptop. | Samsung UK Support, Galaxy eSIM devices |
| Google says the Pixel Tablet does not support mobile data or SIM cards. Away from Wi-Fi, Google says you can connect the tablet to your phone's hotspot. Google also says the Pixel Tablet does not support mobile data plans and does not have a native dialing app. | Google Pixel Tablet Help, FAQ |
| A Wakamo Japan plan lists no phone number and no voice calls. | Wakamo Japan plan page |
FAQ
Can a cellular iPad hold the eSIM instead of a phone?
Apple says an eSIM on iPad is a cellular data plan. You need a wireless carrier or worldwide service provider that supports eSIM, and a Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad on the list on that page. While traveling, Apple says you can purchase an eSIM from a local carrier that supports eSIM in the country or region you are visiting. Apple says a Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad can sign up for a cellular data plan and stay connected to the internet when you are away from a Wi-Fi network. eSIM on supported models is not available from all carriers or in all countries and regions. One way to add it is a QR code from the carrier, or entering the details manually. You can store more than one eSIM on the iPad, and you can use only one eSIM at a time.
What if the iPad or tablet is Wi-Fi only?
Apple says an eSIM on iPad is a cellular data plan. You need a wireless carrier or worldwide service provider that supports eSIM, and a Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad on the list on that page. Samsung says Wi-Fi only tablet models do not support eSIM. Google says the Pixel Tablet does not support mobile data or SIM cards. Away from Wi-Fi, Google says you can connect the tablet to your phone's hotspot.
Which Galaxy tablets does Samsung list for eSIM?
Samsung's UK page says a Galaxy eSIM lets you use mobile data without a physical SIM card, and that eSIM service may vary by country and carrier. The tablets on that list are Galaxy Tab S11, Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S10+, Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S9, Galaxy Tab S9+, Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S10 FE, Galaxy Tab S10 FE+, Galaxy Tab S9 FE, Galaxy Tab S9 FE+, Galaxy Tab A 11+ for North America only, Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro, and Galaxy Tab Active5. Depending on the country of origin, eSIM may not be supported even when the tablet is listed. Samsung says Wi-Fi only tablet models do not support eSIM. That device list does not name a laptop.
Can a Windows laptop hold the eSIM?
Microsoft says an eSIM on a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC connects to the internet over a cellular data network, without a physical SIM card. While traveling, you can add a local data plan from a supported mobile operator. The PC supports cellular connectivity if Settings, then Network and internet, lists a Cellular page. It has an eSIM you can select if Use this SIM for cellular data lists eSIM, SIM2, or a similar option. You can add a profile by scanning a QR code or entering an activation code. The same article says support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft says some Windows 11 devices, and some Windows 10 devices, have a SIM card or an eSIM for a cellular data network. If the device does not have a SIM card or an eSIM, Microsoft says you can plug in an external cellular device, also called a cellular modem or mobile broadband device. Either way, you need a data plan from a mobile operator.
Can a MacBook hold the eSIM?
Apple's current MacBook Air tech specs are the 13-inch and 15-inch models with the M5 chip. Each wireless section lists an Apple N1 chip, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. Those sections do not list a cellular modem or an eSIM. Apple's current MacBook Pro tech specs are the 14-inch model with M5, M5 Pro, or M5 Max, and the 16-inch model with M5 Pro or M5 Max. The M5 wireless section lists Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The M5 Pro and M5 Max wireless sections list an Apple N1 chip, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. Those sections do not list a cellular modem or an eSIM. Apple says to connect a Mac to the internet with Wi-Fi, Personal Hotspot, or Ethernet. Personal Hotspot on that page shares the cellular data connection of an iPhone or a Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad with the Mac.
Does the tablet or laptop become a phone?
No. Apple says that if you have an iPhone, you can use the iPad or the Mac to make and receive iPhone cellular calls. The iPhone relays those calls. The iPhone has to be turned on and nearby, unless you set up Wi-Fi calling so the other device can call when the iPhone is not nearby. Google also says the Pixel Tablet does not support mobile data plans and does not have a native dialing app. A Wakamo Japan plan lists no phone number and no voice calls.
Sources
Apple Support, set up eSIM on iPadsupport.apple.com
An eSIM on iPad is a cellular data plan. You need a carrier or worldwide service provider that supports eSIM, and a Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad on the list on that page. While traveling, you can purchase an eSIM from a local carrier that supports eSIM where you are visiting. The model names are not repeated here.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Apple Support, cellular service on iPadsupport.apple.com
A Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad can sign up for a cellular data plan and stay connected away from Wi-Fi. eSIM on supported models is not available from all carriers or in all countries and regions. A carrier QR code, or the details entered manually, is one way to add it. The iPad can store more than one eSIM and can use only one at a time.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Apple Support, calls on iPad and Macsupport.apple.com
If you have an iPhone, the iPad or the Mac can make and receive iPhone cellular calls. The iPhone relays them. The iPhone has to be turned on and nearby, unless Wi-Fi calling is set up for calls when the iPhone is not nearby.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Apple Support, connect a Mac to the internetsupport.apple.com
Connect a Mac with Wi-Fi, Personal Hotspot, or Ethernet. Personal Hotspot shares the cellular data connection of an iPhone or a Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Apple, MacBook Air tech specsapple.com
The current 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models use the M5 chip. Each wireless section lists an Apple N1 chip, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. Those sections do not list a cellular modem or an eSIM.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Apple, MacBook Pro tech specsapple.com
The current lineup is the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5, M5 Pro, or M5 Max, and the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro or M5 Max. The M5 wireless section lists Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The M5 Pro and M5 Max wireless sections list an Apple N1 chip, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. Those sections do not list a cellular modem or an eSIM.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Microsoft Support, eSIM on a Windows PCsupport.microsoft.com
On Windows 10 and Windows 11, an eSIM is a cellular data connection without a physical SIM card. A Cellular page under Network and internet means the PC supports cellular connectivity. eSIM, SIM2, or a similar choice under Use this SIM for cellular data is how you select the eSIM. A profile can be added with a QR code or an activation code. The article says support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Microsoft Support, cellular settings in Windowssupport.microsoft.com
Some Windows 11 devices, and some Windows 10 devices, have a SIM card or an eSIM for cellular data. A device without either can use an external cellular device. A data plan from a mobile operator is still required.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Samsung UK Support, Galaxy eSIM devicessamsung.com
A Galaxy eSIM is mobile data without a physical SIM card, and service may vary by country and carrier. The tablet names on the list, the country-of-origin caveat, and the line that Wi-Fi only tablets do not support eSIM. The list does not name a laptop. Phone models on the same page are not repeated here.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Google Pixel Tablet Help, FAQsupport.google.com
The Pixel Tablet does not support mobile data or SIM cards. Away from Wi-Fi, Google points to the phone hotspot. It does not support mobile data plans and does not have a native dialing app.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Wakamo Japan plan pagewakamo.io
Wakamo product information. No Japan plan lists a phone number or voice calls.
Accessed 2026-10-21.