There are rumors that Apple could ditch the physical SIM cards and switch to eSIM technology only with the iPhone 14 series. While this is not the first time we hear about it, rumors suggesting that Apple would only offer the eSIM facility on the iPhone 14 series are surfacing and pointing towards that it could indeed be true.
The first evidence that Apple would ditch physical SIM cards appeared then: MacRumors reported that Apple had asked major US carriers, including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, to prepare to launch an eSIM-only iPhone model by September 2022. Now, there’s a new one report from The Wall Street Journal suggests that Apple is taking steps behind the scenes to make this a reality. Here are five reasons why we think Apple will ditch the SIM card and only offer eSIM connectivity with the next iPhone.
1. eSim adoption has increased significantly
Over the past few years, eSIM adoption has grown significantly, especially in Asia and Europe. People in these regions tend to get the most value out of their carriers – one of the reasons people in these regions switch between multiple prepaid plans is to get the best data package available – and eSIM technology will only improve as a result. become more popular.
Even in the US, eSIM is becoming a popular option among users. 40% of all phones sold through Verizon this year have eSIM capabilities. Likewise, AT&T and T-Mobile have started offering easy ways to activate eSIM on compatible smartphones. Despite the interest in eSIMs, analysts believe this won’t be a sudden shift, and that Apple would instead give carriers and consumers time to make the switch.
Apple started to switch to eSIM technology with the launch of iPhone XS and iPhone XR models. Now, the newest iPhone 13 series from the company allows users to run two eSIM cards at the same time, meaning users don’t even need to use a physical SIM card and an eSIM to have multiple lines.
With the iPhone 14, Apple will offer two variants of the phone: one that supports both physical/eSIMs and the other with only eSIM support. It would give users the choice to choose the best variant for themselves, similar to how SONY offers a digital edition and a normal edition of its PlayStation 5.
2. eSIM-only iPhone 14 paves the way for a portless iPhone
While it is said that the iPhone 2023 equipped with a USB-C port, one less port (removal of the physical SIM card tray) on the iPhone would mean Apple’s dreams of a portless iPhone become a reality. Even though the company is is not ready moving to a fully portable iPhone next year, mainly due to the limitations of wireless charging technology and the immature MagSage ecosystem, may still mean the company is looking for a future portable iPhone with only MagSafe charging.
3. Streamlined Devices
By moving to an eSIM iPhone, Apple (and other smartphone makers that eventually adopt this technology) can also build slimmer devices, as manufacturers don’t have to make room for a physical SIM card tray. Yes, the smartphones would still contain the eSIM chip, but the space required by a physical SIM card is still more than the space required by an eSIM. Not only would the move to eSIM allow for slimmer smartphones, but smartphone manufacturers could also include more (or larger) components, such as a larger battery or a larger camera module that require more space.
4. Easier to switch providers
One of the benefits of moving to eSIM-only technology for consumers would be that the process of switching wireless carriers would become easier. While it is not easy to configure an eSIM in its current state, carriers are working to make the process faster and easier. And when the technology becomes seamless, you can easily switch providers.
Instead of going to the nearest store to get a new SIM card, waiting for it to activate, then inserting it into your iPhone, you can switch to a different carrier with just a phone call or request through the app. . You also don’t have to go on a treasure hunt for the SIM eject tool to remove the old SIM from your iPhone. Instead, the new network would appear automatically.
While easier switching is one of the reasons most US carriers are hesitant to use eSIMs – for fear of losing customers to their competitors – the technology is a boon to end consumers. And because of its good relationships with carriers and the sheer number of iPhones it sells every year, Apple is the only company that can force carriers to switch to eSIM technology only.
5. Enhanced Security
Finally, eSIMs will also allow carriers and smartphone manufacturers to quickly roll out software updates if a security vulnerability is found. Anthony Goonetilleke, president of technology at the eSIM company Amdocs, says that if all customers use eSIM, the telecom companies “Suddenly sending a security update to millions of people worldwide when a problem is found. You can’t do that with physical SIM cards [right now].”
While the physical SIM cards won’t go away immediately, once Apple stops supporting them, it will only be a matter of time before you see the entire industry switch to eSIM technology. What do you think about Apple dropping physical SIM support? Do you think it’s a wise move? Let us know in the comments below!