Technological evolution rests on three pillars: innovation, convenience, and efficiency. These three elements converge in the eSIM, introduced to the market less than a decade ago. This breakthrough in communication technology has transformed the way we connect and interact.
What is an eSim?
An eSIM is a virtual SIM that enables users to activate a mobile plan without needing a physical SIM card. Unlike traditional SIM cards, which require manual insertion into a device, eSIMs are built into the device itself. This integration allows users to easily switch carriers or activate new plans remotely, often with just a few taps on their device.
How revolutionary is this technology?
Anything that simplifies communication between people is revolutionary.
This innovation has a significant impact on the roaming market and benefits those who, for professional or personal reasons, must travel frequently. The eSIM makes it easy and practical to adopt a communication plan tailored to the country being visited, offering more advantageous pricing and convenience. Given the high costs of roaming services imposed by operators, the eSIM is undoubtedly a major advantage.
We must also consider the emerging Internet of Things (IoT). Devices such as cars and household appliances are now connected to the internet, requiring tailored data plans. Due to their digital nature, eSIMs are the ideal solution.
Supported phones and tablets list
Find out the list of devices compatible with eSIM. You should always check compatibility before buying any device and you should also check the rules of the country you are in or travelling to.
iPhones
- iPhone XR / XS / XS Max
- iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE 2 (2020)
- iPhone 12 / 12 Mini / 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 / 13 Mini / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max
- iPhone SE 3 (2022)
- iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 / iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone SE 4
- iPhone 17
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and other Samsung devices
- Samsung Galaxy S20 / S20+ / S20+ 5g / S20 Ultra / S20 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21 / S21+ 5G / S21+ Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S22 / S22+ / S22 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S23 / S23+ / S23 Ultra / S23 FE (China and Hong Kong models don’t support eSIM)
- Samsung Galaxy S24 / S24+ / S24 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 / Note 20 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G / Fold3 5G / Fold4 / Fold5 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip / Flip3 5G / Flip4 / Flip5 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A54 (SCG21 (Japanese Model), SC-53D (Japanese Model), SM-A546B/DS (International Model), SM-A546S (Korean Model), SM-A546U1 (International Model))
- Samsung Galaxy S25 (to be launched in 2025)
Google Pixel devices
- Google Pixel 3 / 3 XL / 3a / 3a XL
- Google Pixel 4 / 4a / 4 XL
- Google Pixel 6 / 6a / 6 Pro
- Google Pixel 7 / 7a / 7 Pro
Xiaomi phones
- Xiaomi 13 / 13 Lite / 13 Pro / 13T Pro
- Xiaomi Redmi 14 (to be launched in the 1st half of 2025)
- Poco M7 (to be launched in the 1st half of 2025)
Huawei phones
- Huawei Pura 80 series (to be launched in the 1st half of 2025)
Oppo phones
- Oppo Find X3 Pro / Find N2 Flip
- Oppo Find X5 / Find X5 Pro
- Oppo Find X8 Pro (to be launched in the 1st half of 2025)
eSIM Sony Xperia and other Sony devices
Motorola phones
- Motorola Razr 2019 / 5G / 40 / 40 Ultra
- Motorola Edge 40 / 40 Pro / 40 Neo
Sharp phones
Rakuten phones
Honor phones
Vivo devices
- Vivo V29 Lite 5G (Europe)
Nokia devices
Tablets that suport eSIM
- Galaxy Tab S10 (to be launched in the 1st half of 2025)
Galaxy Tab S9 Series
Galaxy Tab S8 Series
Galaxy Tab S7 Series
iPads
- iPad Pro 11″ (model A2068, from 2020 1st generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9″ (model A2069, from 2020 3rd generation)
- iPad Air (model A2123, from 2019 iPad Air 3)
- iPad (model A2198, from 2019 iPad 7)
- iPad Mini (model A2124, from 20 iPad Mini 5, The new A17 Pro)
- iPad 10th generation (model 2022)
- iPad 11 Gen (to be launched in the 1st half of 2025)
Microsoft Tablets
- Surface Pro 12 (to be launched in 2025)
- Surface Pro X (all generations): All models with LTE Advanced Pro
- Surface Pro 9 with 5G: Models equipped with the Microsoft SQ3 processor
- Surface Pro 8: LTE Advanced models
- Surface Go 3: LTE Advanced models
Xiaomi Tablets
- Xiaomi Pad 7 (to be launched in the 1st half of 2025)
Huawei Tablets
- MatePad Pro 13.2 (to be launched in the 1st half of 2025)
Lenovo Tablets
- Lenovo Legion Y700 (to be launched in the 1st half of 2025)
SmartWatch that support eSIMs
Samsung Watch with eSIM technology
- Samsung Watch Active 2 4G
- Samsung Watch Active 3 4G
- Samsung Gear 2 3G Classic
- Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 LTE
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 LTE
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 LTE
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
- Galaxy Watch 8 (to be launched in the 1st half of 2025)
Xiaomi Watch with eSIM technology support
Huawei Watch with support for eSIM technology
OPPO Watch with eSIM technology
- OPPO Watch X (to be launched in the 1st half of 2025)
Laptops:
- Microsoft: Surface Pro and Go series.
- Lenovo: ThinkPad X1 series.
Industrial and IoT Devices
- Quectel Modules: Widely utilised in fields such as smart metering and telematics to enable efficient data communication.
- Sierra Wireless Modules: Renowned for industrial IoT applications, particularly for vehicle tracking systems and monitoring environmental conditions.
- Thales IoT Solutions: Provide cutting-edge M2M and IoT connectivity tailored to diverse industry needs.
- Sony Altair IoT Platforms: Specialise in supporting energy-efficient applications, including NB-IoT and LTE-M technologies.
Specialised IoT Applications
- Vehicle Telematics: eSIM technology is integral to many fleet management systems, enabling real-time vehicle tracking and predictive maintenance.
- Health Monitoring Wearables: Devices like fitness trackers and glucose monitoring systems are increasingly incorporating eSIM to ensure continuous, reliable connectivity.
What you need to know
Here are some key insights and frequently asked questions about the future of eSIM technology:
- Storage Capacity on iOS Devices: Most iOS devices support storage for eight or more eSIMs. However, it’s essential to verify the specific settings of each device, as this capacity may vary.
- Global Expansion of the eSIM Market: The eSIM market is growing rapidly, with certain regions showing faster adoption than others. Notably, China is poised to become the largest market for eSIMs. Although it was a late adopter, it is projected to achieve approximately 500 million eSIM-enabled smartphone connections by 2025.
- Cost Comparison: Plastic SIM vs eSIM: The average cost of a traditional plastic SIM card, including the card itself, packaging, and shipping, is about $2.50. In comparison, an eSIM costs significantly less, ranging between $0.20 and $0.50, as per Mobilise’s Consumer eSIM White Paper.
- Growth in eSIM Connections: In 2021, there were approximately 850 million smartphone connections using eSIM technology, according to GSMA. By 2025, this number is expected to rise dramatically, reaching 4 billion, as projected by GSMA Intelligence.
These statistics highlight the transformative potential of eSIM technology in terms of cost efficiency, scalability, and global connectivity.
Unlock the power of eSIM with Lifecycle Software
Lifecycle Software allow operators to provide a smooth digital experience to onboard users and provide connectivity with eSIM out-of-the-box.
Our solution covers all components required for eSIM sales including offer Catalogue, optional Front End, Provisioning & Activation and optional CCS to charge & control usage.
Contact us for more information.