eSIM: The future of SIM cards

If Correspondent

An integrated SIM card, also known as an eSIM, eliminates the need for a physical SIM card and, consequently, a SIM card slot on your smartphone. Though Apple's iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro are switching to eSIM-only in the US, the number of devices using it has stayed comparatively modest. Still, it's only time before other smartphone makers follow suit.

The first fully eSIM-only phone debuted as the firstgeneration Motorola Razr flip phone, not Apple's. However, until now, smartphones have tended to accommodate both eSIM and traditional SIM.

Under such circumstances, these devices replace a second SIM with an eSIM. They still have room for a conventional nano-SIM, which you can use as usual, but you may add a second number or data contract via the eSIM.

Since consumers may save plans from many networks on their eSIMs, there are benefits for both device manufacturers and networks using eSIMs.

The customer may, for instance, have a data roaming SIM for abroad use or use one number for work and another for personal conversations. In addition, if one opts for the eSIM, he/she might have different voice and data plans.

What is an eSIM? What exactly will it give to its customers, then? Now let's elaborate.

eSIM: What is it?

eSIM stands for embedded SIM, which is all it refers to. No physical SIM cards are involved, and you do not need to switch over physically. However, not all networks currently accept eSIM, and the network/ carrier must support and enable it.

Like the NFC chip used in payment systems like Apple Pay and Google Pay, an eSIM is essentially a tiny chip within your smartphone.

Since the data on an eSIM is rewritable, you can choose to switch operators with just a quick phone call. Likewise, adding them to a data plan and linking devices with eSIMs to a mobile account takes just a few minutes.

The GSMA, the association of mobile networks, supports eSIM and has established the global standard for innovation.

Does eSim have drawbacks?

There may be fewer choices, which would be bad for customers. Devices might come pre-loaded with one particular network rather than if it is sold exclusively. For example, customers getting iPhones with Vodafone eSIM, due to the business deal between Apple and the network provider.

Additionally, eSIM users can only quickly swap phones after contacting their network. Of course, most people won't give that any thought, but it will be off-putting for some.

Thanks to cloud backup, SIM card storage is no longer necessary for most Android or iOS users, but it does need a mental shift for those using older/ less expensive phones because you can no longer physically switch a SIM card to a new phone.

Which devices are eSIM compatible?

After discontinuing dual SIM compatibility with the iPhone XS, Apple's iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro are the company's first eSIM-only smartphones, at least in the US. The iPad Pro and every Apple Watch since the Series 2 also employ eSIM.

Although it was first exclusively used in the United States with Google Fi, the Google Pixel 2 also supported eSIM. Since the Pixel 3, every Pixel phone has offered it as a choice in addition to a standard SIM. The same is valid for Samsung Galaxy phones, starting with the S20 series.

How to use an eSIM to activate Google Fi on your iPhone

The Moto Razr flip phones now have eSIM support, and both Windows 10 and Windows 11 have eSIM support. In addition, some devices with cellular modems, like computers with Snapdragon processors, can use an eSIM as an alternative to inserting a nano SIM card.

Oppo's Find X3 Pro phone featured the first 5G standalone (SA) capable eSIM. This development means the rollout of lower latency 5G SA networks worldwide has enabled eSIM to support the most recent 5G networking standards.

Which networks accept eSIM cards?

Some carriers offer eSIM. A carrier's app or a QR Code one can scan is required. Once more, the page must support eSIM.

EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three all support eSIM in the United Kingdom. Users merely need to stop by a nearby store, call customer care, or download an eSIM to obtain an eSIM pack.

Let's examine the EE SIM pack. With EE, one can get a SIM card with a conventional appearance from a similar retailer. However, there is no SIM inside, you receive instructions and a QR code that your device can use to access the information. In the same way as a standard SIM card, each eSIM pack has its unique number.

Truphone has started offering eSIM data plans independent of established carriers. These are