What Really Is eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded-SIM) is essentially a chip inside a device designed to store a single or multiple SIM card profiles. It is a forward-looking technology that offers greater flexibility and can lead to more compact and durable device designs. As with any new tech, there are challenges to overcome, but the benefits, especially for frequent travelers and those who juggle multiple numbers, are significant.

How It Came To Be

The journey of eSIM is a reflection of the tech world's constant push towards more efficient and compact solutions. Here's a brief history of eSIM:

• Traditional SIM Cards: Before eSIM, we had the regular, physical SIM cards. These started as credit card-sized cards in the early mobile phones of the 1990s. Over time, they evolved into mini-SIM, micro-SIM, and then nano-SIM as phones became more compact.
• First Mention: The idea of an embedded SIM started gaining traction around 2010. The telecom industry began to see the potential benefits of a soldered, non-removable SIM, especially for devices where space was at a premium.
• GSMA Standardization: The GSM Association (GSMA), which represents mobile network operators worldwide, began working on standardizing eSIM technology. By 2016, they released the first universal standard for eSIM.
• Early Adopters: Around 2016-2017, some of the first devices with eSIM started to appear. These weren't smartphones but rather Internet of Things (IoT) devices and wearables. The Apple Watch Series 3, released in 2017, was one of the first mainstream consumer devices to feature eSIM technology.
• Smartphones Join the Party: In 2018, Apple introduced eSIM in its iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR models. This marked a significant step for eSIM adoption in the smartphone world. Google's Pixel 2 also had eSIM, but it was initially limited to Google's Project Fi.
• Growing Adoption: Post-2018, more smartphone manufacturers began integrating eSIM into their devices. Alongside this, telecom operators worldwide started offering eSIM support, allowing users to activate cellular plans without a physical SIM card.
• Current Scenario: As of now, eSIM technology is becoming more common, not just in smartphones but also in tablets, laptops, and other connected devices. Its adoption is seen as a move towards a more seamless and flexible cellular connectivity experience.

In essence, the history of eSIM is relatively short but rapid, reflecting the tech industry's pace. Find out more about the decade of iPhone's development and eSIM.

eSIM vs Physical SIM: Power Consumption and Network Speed

Because an eSIM operates the same way a physical SIM card does, there is no significant difference in power consumption or network speed. Both types of SIMs rely on the device's hardware and the carrier's network for their performance