In a world of technological breakthroughs and rapid development, the advent of eSIM was a key milestone in changing the way we interact with mobile communications. Replacing traditional SIM cards with eSIMs has opened up new opportunities for consumers and the communications industry.
According to the latest statistics, the global adoption of eSIM technology will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 30% between 2020 and 2025, reflecting its growing popularity and widespread acceptance, according to renowned eSIM provider ESIM-Man.
Let’s break down what eSIM is and find out its strengths and weaknesses in our article. In addition, we will share interesting facts of large companies that have been associated with this technology.
What is an eSIM & How Does It Work?
An eSIM is an abbreviation for “Embedded SIM.” It works virtually — having no physical form as it is placed on the motherboard of the device. Thus, the user can only obtain it online.
If you’re wondering what an eSIM is, remember that such a card:
- Is stored in a module embedded in the device you are using.
- Have all the functions of a traditional plastic carrier, including network connectivity.
Importantly, a virtual SIM card can work as a Dual SIM in combination with a physical one. This allows the use of multiple phone numbers, such as personal and work numbers, on a single smartphone. This is advantageous as it eliminates the need to carry two phones and to swap cards constantly.
Advantages & Disadvantages of eSIM
Like all technological solutions, an eSIM card has its advantages and disadvantages. This of them will prevail when making a purchase decision largely depends on the user’s expectations and needs.
Advantages of an eSIM card include:
- Ecology. Since the card is virtual and not made of plastic, it positively impacts the environment.
- Flexibility. Such a card can be used on various devices, such as a phone, tablet, smartwatch, and some laptops.
- Security. A digital card cannot be extracted from the device, making it easier to find a lost or stolen smartphone and preventing its use or sale by unauthorized persons.
- Convenience and time-saving. To activate an eSIM card, you don’t even need to leave your home since it can be done online.
Disadvantages of an eSIM include:
- Limited support. Not all modern mobile operators support this technology.
- Lack of support in older devices. If your device was released before 2016, it most likely does not support eSIM.
Additionally, there are some potential technical issues among the disadvantages. These include difficulties with activation, network failure, or conflicts with the device’s software. In such situations, support from the manufacturer or operator may be required.
eSIM and Vendors: Apple, Samsung, and Google
- Apple was one of the first major manufacturers to adopt eSIM technology. The iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, released in 2018, were the first iPhone models to support eSIM alongside a physical SIM card, enabling dual SIM functionality.
- Samsung followed closely, incorporating eSIM technology in its devices starting with the Galaxy S20 series in 2020. Samsung’s integration of eSIM allowed users to seamlessly switch between different carriers and plans without the need for a physical SIM card swap.
- Google incorporated eSIM technology even earlier with the Pixel 2 in 2017. This made Google one of the pioneers in the adoption of eSIM, setting a precedent for other manufacturers.
Conclusion
These days, it’s safe to say that eSIM is not just a trendy gimmick, but a really cool and useful technology. Although it won’t change the world, it will certainly make it a little bit better. It will be especially useful for people who travel a lot and use their phones abroad. We are sure that in the near future mobile operators will simplify the activation process as much as possible, more gadgets with virtual SIM cards will appear on the market, and this technology will become a new standard.
