Since the 90s, the plastic SIM card has been the gateway to mobile connections. However, we’re seeing a shift as the push for eSIM-enabled devices is slowly sunsetting the SIM. eSIM services are also becoming widespread globally, giving travelers more flexibility in connections. In fact, global technology intelligence firm ABI Research is forecasting over 633 million eSIM-capable devices to ship in 2025. Key among these is the surge of eSIM-capable smartphones and IoT devices. Are we moving towards an eSIM-only future?
Tipping point of adoption
As a quick overview of how the eSIM has gained ground over the past few years, the first smartphone with eSIM capability was Google’s Pixel 2 back in 2017. In 2019, Motorola released the first eSIM-only smartphone with the RAZR. Apple followed suit and released its eSIM-only iPhone 14 lineup in the US in 2022. This move forced carriers and consumers to fast-track adoption. In September 2025, Apple introduced its new iPhone Air with only an eSIM option globally, further solidifying the eSIM push.
While eSIM was gradually being rolled out globally, the largest mobile phone market in the world, China, stayed put. Regulatory hurdles have slowed adoption for years, but things are rapidly changing for the Chinese market. Tech giants such as Huawei, Xiaomi, and Oppo, as well as Chinese carriers, are starting to embrace eSIMs. According to the GSM Association (GSMA), between 25 to 40% of China’s smartphone connections will be using eSIM technology by 2025, making it a global leader in the field.
ABI Research saw that eSIM-enabled device shipments have grown from 66% in 2024 to 74% in 2025. While the physical SIM is still the king globally, the GSMA is predicting that eSIM smartphone connections will increase by 76% in 2030. In addition, the new SGP.32 specification will make eSIMs more powerful. This will enable more smart appliances and IoT devices with eSIM connectivity, which are projected to reach over 140 million eSIM-enabled devices by 2025.
Convenience or challenge?
While eSIMs promise to make our lives easier, not everyone is on board just yet. According to Dmitri Verbovski, the founder of Yesim (a travel eSIM provider), traditional carriers are hesitant to provide an option for easy switching to another carrier. Many customers also don’t feel confident in switching due to confusing instructions and device compatibility. It doesn’t help that carriers complicate the process with expiring QR codes and manual provisioning. The education about the technology is also lacking, which leads to misunderstanding and frustration.
In China, Apple delayed the release of the eSIM-only iPhone Air due to regulatory issues. Only the third largest carrier, China Unicom, has been openly adopting eSIM as of this writing. China Mobile and China Telecom, the two largest carriers, have yet to announce support for the technology as well.
For now, travel eSIM providers such as Holafly and Airalo are filling in the gap by showing how easy it is to use for travel. However, they remain niche voices in the field. While the numbers are showing promise, we are still in the growing stage of the technology.
The road ahead
As eSIM becomes a more viable option and hurdles to adoption ease, one may wonder if the physical SIM’s days are numbered. While we might not think much of the little plastic unsung hero as we use our phones, they’re slowly being replaced with embedded SIMs on our daily devices.
Personally, while I’m open to adopting eSIM, my phone does not support the technology. I am also hesitant to convert to eSIM due to carrier inconveniences. Adopting eSIM would mean I would have to visit the store or request a QR code to switch devices, which could take time. Local carriers are also charging a fee to switch eSIM devices after transferring a few times. I would love an eSIM option as my secondary for traveling, as it’s far more convenient to buy an eSIM plan online instead of having to purchase one upon arrival. However, I’ve noticed that eSIM plans can cost more compared to a physical SIM, depending on the country and service.
In my opinion, despite the current hurdles, eSIM is the future, and it seems that we’re just a few steps away from it. The convenience of having an embedded SIM that can be transferred to any device instantly is game-changing. It makes travel, switching providers, and enabling smart appliances all seamless. The numbers and new device offerings show that it’s only a matter of time before we hear less of the little plastic SIM card that could.
Photo credits: The feature image is symbolic and has been taken by Opal Pierce. The image in the body of the article is symbolic and has been taken by Andrey Matveev.
Sources: PR Newswire / Duncan Lawson (Better Roaming) / Chris Donkin (GSMA Mobile World Live) / Pablo Iacopino (GSMA Intelligence) / Jazz Rosende (Onomondo) / Dmitri Verbovski (Forbes) / Frank Chen (South China Morning Post)
