ESIM

In November 2010, the GSMA began discussing the possibility of a software-based SIM.{{cite news | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2010-11-18/gsma-explores-software-based-replacement-for-mobile-sim-cards | title=GSMA Explores Software-Based Replacement for Mobile SIM Cards | first=Diana | last=ben-Aaron | work=Bloomberg News | date=18 November 2010 | url-access=subscription}}

In March 2012, at the meeting of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute, Motorola noted that eUICC is geared at industrial devices, while Apple foresaw eSIMs in consumer products.{{cite news | url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/6/1/3057577/etsi-euicc-embedded-sim-apple | title=Embedded SIMs: they're happening, and Apple thinks they could be in consumer products | work=The Verge | publisher=Vox Media | last=Ziegler | first=Chris | date=1 June 2012}}

In February 2016, Samsung released the Samsung Gear S2 Classic 3G smartwatch, the first device to implement an eSIM.{{cite news | url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/2/18/11044624/esim-wearable-smartwatch-samsung-gear-s2 | title=Samsung's Gear S2 has the first certified eSIM that lets you choose carriers | last=Vincent | first=James | work=The Verge | publisher=Vox Media | date=18 February 2016}}

In March 2017, during Mobile World Congress, Qualcomm introduced a technical solution, with a live demonstration, within its Snapdragon hardware chip associated with related software (secured Java applications).{{Cite news | url=https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/technologies/esim/highlights-of-mobile-world-congress-2017-seminar-esim-a-new-sim-for-a-new-generation-of-connected-consumer-devices/ | title=Highlights of Mobile World Congress 2017 Seminar: eSIM – a New SIM for a New Generation of Connected Consumer Devices | work=GSMA | date=26 March 2017}}

In September 2017, Apple first introduced eSIM support with the Apple Watch Series 3.{{Cite press release | url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2017/09/apple-watch-series-3-features-built-in-cellular-and-more/ | title=Apple Watch Series 3 features built-in cellular and more | publisher=Apple Inc. | date=12 September 2017}} In 2018, it introduced it to iPhone, with the iPhone XS{{Cite press release | url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2018/09/iphone-xs-and-iphone-xs-max-bring-the-best-and-biggest-displays-to-iphone/ | title=iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max bring the best and biggest displays to iPhone | publisher=Apple Inc. | date=12 September 2018}} and iPhone XR,{{Cite press release | url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2018/09/apple-introduces-iphone-xr/ | title=Apple introduces iPhone XR | publisher=Apple Inc. | date=12 September 2018}} and iPad, with the iPad Pro (3rd generation).{{Cite press release | url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2018/10/new-ipad-pro-with-all-screen-design-is-most-advanced-powerful-ipad-ever/ | title=New iPad Pro with all-screen design Is most advanced, powerful iPad ever | publisher=Apple Inc. | date=30 October 2018}} The first iPhone models to not have a SIM card tray and work exclusively with eSIM were the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, announced in 2022.{{Cite web | url=https://www.apple.com/iphone-14-pro/specs/ | title=iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max - Technical Specifications | website=Apple Inc.}} Outside the United States, all iPhone models continue to be sold with support for physical SIM cards, but the iPad Air (6th generation), iPad Pro (7th generation), and iPad Mini (7th generation), announced in 2024, work exclusively with eSIM.{{Cite news | url=https://www.macrumors.com/2024/05/07/2024-ipad-air-ipad-pro-no-sim-slot/ |title=Apple's New Cellular iPad Air and iPad Pro Models Are eSIM Only | first=Tim | last=Hardwick | work=MacRumors | date=7 May 2024}}

In October 2017, Google unveiled the Pixel 2, the first mobile phone to use an eSIM, available via its Google Fi Wireless service.{{Cite news | url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/10/4/16424740/google-pixel-2-xl-esim-technology-project-fi-first-ever | title=Google's Pixel 2 phones are the first to use built-in eSIM technology | first=Nick | last=Statt | work=The Verge | date=4 October 2017}} In 2018, Google released the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL and in May 2019, the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL, with eSIM support for carriers other than Google Fi.{{Cite web | url=https://support.google.com/fi/answer/6078618 | title=Set up and manage eSIM - Google Fi Help | website=Google}}{{Cite web | url=https://www.xda-developers.com/google-pixel-3a-hands-on-review/ | title=Google Pixel 3a hands-on: a cheaper Pixel with stunning camera | website=xda-developers | date=7 May 2019}}{{Cite news |url=https://venturebeat.com/2019/05/07/google-unveils-the-pixel-3a-and-pixel-3a-xl/ | title=Google unveils the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL | last=Wiggers | first=Kyle | work=VentureBeat | date=7 May 2019}} In October 2019, Google released the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL with eSIM support.{{Cite news | url=https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-4-xl-update-1056084/ | title=Latest Verizon Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL update enables eSIM support | first=Nick | last=Fernandez | work=Android Authority | date=17 April 2019}}

In December 2017, Microsoft launched its first eSIM-enabled device, the Microsoft Surface Pro LTE.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/10/31/16576218/microsoft-surface-pro-lte-release-date-price | last=Warren | first=Tom | title=Microsoft's Surface Pro with LTE launches on December 1st | work=The Verge | date=31 October 2017}} In 2018, Microsoft also introduced eSIM to the Windows 10 operating system.{{Cite press release | url=https://www.idemia.com/press-release/idemia-partner-microsoft-facilitate-esim-management-windows-10-enterprise-devices-2018-09-26 | title=IDEMIA to partner with Microsoft to facilitate eSIM management for Windows 10 Enterprise Devices | publisher=IDEMIA | date=26 September 2018}}

In June 2018, Singapore sought public consultation on introducing eSIM as a new standard.{{Cite web | url=https://www.imda.gov.sg/-/media/imda/files/inner/pcdg/consultations/consultation-paper/public-consultation-on-embedded-sim-technology/consultation-document-for-esim.pdf | title=CONSULTATION PAPER ISSUED BY THE INFOCOMM MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ON EMBEDDED SIM TECHNOLOGY | work=Infocomm Media Development Authority | date=6 June 2018}}

In July 2018, Plintron implemented the eSIM4Things Internet of things product.{{Cite news | url=https://www.telecompaper.com/news/plintron-launches-esim4things-iot-connectivity-brand-in-india-with-bsnl--1254302 | title=eSIM for Internet Of Things: A review | work=telecompaper | date=26 July 2018 | url-access=registration}}

Motorola released the 2020 version of the Motorola Razr, a foldable smartphone that has no physical SIM slot since it only supports eSIM.{{Cite web | url=https://ee.co.uk/help/mobile/getting-started/esim/esim-for-motorola-razr | title=Using an eSIM with the Motorola Razr | publisher=EE}}

Samsung shipped the Samsung Galaxy S21 and S20 in North America with eSIM hardware onboard but no software support out of the box. The feature was enabled with the One UI version 4 update in November 2021.{{Cite news | url=https://www.androidcentral.com/one-ui-40-brings-esim-support-galaxy-s21-series-us | title=One UI 4 (Android 12) brings eSIM support to US Galaxy S21 devices | work=Android Central | date=16 November 2021}}

In 2023, there were 650 million installed devices with eSIM capability.{{Cite news | url=https://independent.ng/esim-technologyadoption-in-iot-to-accelerate-by-2025/ | title=eSIM Technology Adoption In Iot To Accelerate By 2025 | first=Justus | last=Adejumoh | work=Independent Nigeria | date=23 October 2024}}

• Several SIMs can be stored at the same time.{{cite news | url=https://www.forbes.com/uk/advisor/mobile-phones/esims/ | title=A Guide To eSIMS | first=Emma | last=Lunn | work=Forbes | date=24 March 2022}}
• There is no need to obtain, store, and insert/eject (and potentially lose) small physical SIMs.
• If the phone is stolen, it can be tracked by "find my phone" services, while a physical SIM can be removed.
• The risk of damaging a SIM socket's delicate contacts inserting and removing a SIM is eliminated.
• Phones with eSIM only do not need to be built with hardware SIM holders or means to insert them. This is particularly relevant for small devices such as smartwatches.
• Users can update to a new plan or switch carriers instantly online.{{Cite web | url=https://saily.com/blog/esim-vs-physical-sim/ | last=Andriekute | first=Aurelija | title=eSIM vs. physical SIM: What is the difference, and which is better? | website=Saily | date=7 August 2024}}
• eSIMs are better suited for Wi-Fi hotspots due to seamless network switching and enhanced security.{{Cite web | url=https://roamless.com/blog/can-esim-be-used-for-hotspot | title=eSIM Hotspot: Can eSIM be Used for mobile Hotspot? | work=Roamless}}
• The eSIM chip is half the size of the smallest physical SIM card, allowing phone designers to use space for other applications.{{Cite news | url=https://www.mobiliseglobal.com/when-did-esim-come-out-who-invented-esim-the-history-of-esim/ | title=When did eSIM come out? Who invented eSIM? – The history of eSIM | first=Hamish | last=White | work=Mobilise | date=27 February 2024}}
• eSIMs provide cost savings when traveling internationally.

• eSIMs cannot be easily transferred to another phone; the process usually requires technical support.{{cite web | url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/118670 | title=Move from Android to iPhone or iPad | publisher=Apple Inc. }} If a phone is broken, anything restricted to the eSIM's network becomes inaccessible; in particular, calls cannot be received, and resources (calls, SMS, data) paid for cannot be used. A physical SIM can be transferred from a broken to a working phone.
• The eSIM, which allows communications to be made and charged to the account-holder, cannot be removed if having the phone repaired, or lending it to someone.
• eSIM accounts must be deleted or transferred from a phone when it is sold or disposed.https://support.apple.com/en-us/102421
• There may be compatibility issues with some phones.
• An eSIM cannot be physically removed from a device, which some might view as a disadvantage if they are concerned about being tracked.
• The implementation of the eSIM on the Samsung Galaxy series in North America (USA and Canada) is different than the implementation in the rest of the world:
• North American variants lack the ability to specify different default SIMs for different functions, e.g., one SIM as the default for data and the other SIM as the default for voice. They require that the same eSIM be the default SIM for data, voice, and SMS.
• The US variants also force a reboot each time the user switches eSIMs, while other models do not, because the CSC codes correspond to a single carrier.
• If a phone is bought directly from a carrier with a SIM lock, the phone can only add eSIMs from the same carrier as the one on the physical SIM card, even after a carrier unlock.{{Citation needed|reason=No reference given|date=May 2025}}
• Foreign eSIMs may have limited support.{{Citation needed|reason=No reference given|date=May 2025}}

{{reflist}}

• [https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/technologies/esim/ eSIM overview] from the GSMA

Category:Computer access control

Category:Cryptographic hardware

Category:Mobile phone standards

Category:Smart cards

Category:Telecommunications-related introductions in 2016