According to an Apple support file, Apple SIM will no longer be used to activate the new cellular data program on compatible iPad models starting from October 1.

Apple SIM was launched in 2014 and aims to allow iPad users to activate cellular data packages from multiple carriers around the world. At first, the Apple SIM was a physical nano-SIM card, but it was embedded in the later iPad Pro model. Apple SIM is similar to modern eSIM technology, but operator support is more limited.
or less cellular iPad models come with a physical Apple SIM card:
iPad Air 2
iPad mini 3
iPad mini 4
first generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro
iPad 5
iPad 6
The following iPads have Apple SIM cards built in:
9.7-inch iPad Pro
10.5-inch iPad Pro
Second Generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro
All models of iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad mini and iPad have been released since October 2018, support standard eSIM technology without requiring Apple SIM.
source / Weifeng.com