eSIM: Is the era of SIM cards coming to an end? From Samsung to Apple, why are phones shifting to eSIM?
Will we have to forget the small plastic SIM cards in the coming times? Apple has strengthened this question by launching its thinnest iPhone Air last week. The special thing is that this phone comes only with eSIM support.
From the beginning, we have been connecting to the network by inserting a SIM card in the phone. But now those who buy the iPhone Air will no longer need a SIM tray. The advantage of eSIM is that users can use different networks and plans without changing their cards.
Companies moving towards eSIM
Apple's new iPhone Air has only an eSIM facility. This is the world's first global model that is completely based on eSIM. However, only iPhones with eSIM are available in the US since 2022. In the US, the iPhone 14 and all the models launched after that come only with eSIM support. While introducing the iPhone 14 series in 2022, Apple promoted eSIM as more secure. Apart from this, new models like iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max have also been launched in many markets with only eSIM support.
Talking about Samsung, Samsung Galaxy S series smartphones S21, S22, S23, S24, and S25 come with eSIM support. At the same time, under the Z Series, the company is also offering Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip with eSIM support. The company is also offering an eSIM option in some Note and A-Series devices. However, companies have not eliminated the need for a physical SIM from premium phones. Most of the premium smartphones of today are coming with support for one physical SIM and one eSIM.
The benefits of eSIM make it special.
According to the report of CCS Insight, about 103 crore eSIM-based smartphones were in use in 2024. It is estimated that by 2030, this number can reach 301 crore. That is, gradually, the world is adopting this new method of mobile connectivity. Smartphone companies are rapidly moving towards eSIM (Embedded SIM). There are many big reasons behind this, which are important to understand:
1. Saving space
Every smartphone has very limited space inside. When a SIM card tray and its slot are provided in the phone, it takes up a lot of space. The eSIM chip is installed directly on the motherboard of the phone, which eliminates the need for a SIM slot and tray. Companies can use this saved space to add a bigger battery, a more powerful camera sensor, or new hardware technology.
2. Better design and durability
Removing the SIM tray makes the phone more compact and slim. Also, due to fewer open ports in the phone, the chances of water and dust entering it are reduced. That is, the waterproofing and dust resistance capacity of the phone improves. This is the reason why premium phones are now putting more emphasis on eSIM.
3. Convenient network switching
To change the physical SIM card, the user has to remove the tray from the phone and insert a new card. There is no such hassle in eSIM. You can change the network or activate a new plan in just a few clicks by going into the phone settings. Many phones have the facility to save more than one eSIM profile simultaneously, so that the user can easily change the number.
4. Global connectivity
eSIM is most beneficial for those traveling abroad. Earlier, a new physical SIM had to be purchased to use the local network, but now, through eSIM, you can activate the local plan online. This saves roaming charges, and the user can use the network immediately.
5. Good for the environment
Every year, billions of plastic SIM cards are made and thrown away around the world. This increases plastic waste. With eSIM, the need for this plastic card will end. That is, this step is very important in the direction of sustainable technology and green initiatives.
6. Future-Ready Technology
eSIM is important not only for smartphones but also for smartwatches, tablets, laptops, and upcoming IoT devices (such as smart cars, smart gadgets). In the coming times, when 5G and 6G networks become completely common, then eSIM technology will prove to be even more effective. This is the reason why companies are gradually pushing it as a new standard.
At present, eSIM technology is limited only to expensive and premium smartphones. But the way companies are emphasizing this technology, it would not be wrong to say that this technology will also be used in cheap phones in an effort to make smartphones more convenient. However, change is not always easy. Especially the elderly and people less familiar with technology may be reluctant to adopt it immediately. This is the reason why telecom companies will have to pay more attention to teaching customers to use eSIM.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
