Embedded-SIM (eSIM) technology has been in use for a few years, but there are signs that in the not-too-distant future it might replace the current removable SIM card in mobile and portable devices. We offer a quick primer on eSIMs: what it is, along with key advantages and disadvantages.
On Wednesday, 7 September, global smartphone manufacturer, Apple, announced that its latest set of phones, the iPhone 14 line, that are produced for the United States (US) market will no longer accommodate a SIM card, but will use eSIM (or embedded SIM) technology. The SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) card is an integrated circuit that holds a number of unique numbers and security codes, including the international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) number, which allowed a device to connect to a mobile/cellular network.
Initially, a SIM card was the size of a credit card, but has decreased significantly in size over the years, to what is now a nano-SIM, which is about the size of a fingernail and measures 12.3 mm × 8.8 mm × 0.67 mm (0.484 in × 0.346 in × 0.026 in). However, Apple is the most prominent brand to announce that it is stepping away from removable SIM cards, and using eSIMs exclusively in future phones.
This posture from Apple may be the sign of things to come: with other smartphone manufacturers adopting a similar stance. Although the removable SIM cards will remain in iPhones sold outside of the US – at least for the foreseeable future – many Caribbean consumers purchase their smartphones in the US, and so are likely to be affected by the change announced. More importantly, within the next few years, eSIM may become the norm. However, what exactly is an eSIM and what are the associated pros and cons? We provide some answers below.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a type of programmable SIM card that, instead of being removable, is embedded directly into and permanently attached to a device. The technology was first used in consumer products in 2016, and currently, all of the major smartphone manufacturers have integrated it into their offerings, alongside the existing removable SIM card configuration.
Although eSIM technology has been in use for about six years, it has been costly to implement. As a result, it has only been available in top-end smartphones (as well as wearables and other portable computing devices).
What are the advantages of eSIM?
Uses less space. With smartphone manufacturers trying to pack more features and functionality in a very confined space, every millimetre counts. An eSIM eliminates the need for a physical SIM card and tray, thus freeing up space for other uses, or making even more compact products. Further, the absence of the removable SIM card tray is one less area of vulnerability on the device, which could improve its overall robustness.
Lower risk of damage or loss. In being embedded into a device, the risk or likelihood of an eSIM being damaged or lost is considerably lower than with a removable SIM card and tray that are more susceptible to dust and moisture, for example.
Greater security. Once again, and in being embedded into the device, should a smartphone be lost or stolen, it would be easier to track and locate it, since the network providers can access and control eSIM remotely.
Allows multiple SIM profiles. Similar to phones that allow dual-SIM cards, an eSIM allows you to have more than one SIM programmed and available on a single device. Depending on how the device is configured, it may be possible to have the eSIM programmed to use different carriers and switch between the networks as you wish. This feature can be especially useful when travelling and wanting to use a local SIM, or when individuals want to have separate numbers for different purposes
What are the disadvantages of eSIM?
Not as easy to transfer SIM. Currently, should you want to change your phone, data can be stored on the SIM card and easily inserted into the new phone. With an eSIM, your profile would need to be retrieved and downloaded from the cloud, which takes more time than just transferring a removable SIM card.
Users are easier to track. With the growing concerns about personal data, privacy, and the increasing ways in which we can be traced, users can disconnect from the network by removing the SIM card. However, with eSIM technology users can longer do that, which in turn makes them even easier to track.
Security. Although eSIMs are generally safe since they cannot be easily removed from devices, as a software-driven technology, potentially, it is vulnerable to hacking. Much of the eSIM data is controlled by servers at the network provider and/or hosted in the cloud, which could be hacked, thus exposing or otherwise adversely affecting users (and their data).
A potential cost to users. As noted earlier, so far, it is only top-of-the-line devices that have integrated eSIM technology, which is automatically included in the price or the service plans. Currently and for more budget-friendly devices, users may have to pay extra, such as to switch from a removable SIM card to an embedded one.
Network operators may not support your device. eSIM technology is not yet being offered by all major network operators worldwide. So when travelling, you may not be able to add a local eSIM profile to your device, as you could do with a removable SIM card. Further, although a network operator may support eSIM, it does not automatically mean that it supports all eSIM-activated devices. It is thus important to confirm with your local network operator whether it supports your specific device.
Images credit: Simon Yeo (flickr); Wikimedia Commons
