(qlmbusinessnews.com . Thu 18th Sep, 2025) London, UK —
Transition to eSim: How the iPhone Air Signals the End of Plastic Sim Cards
With the advent of a new iPhone model devoid of a traditional Sim card slot, Apple is yet again leading a charge that could see a seismic shift in mobile phone technology. The launch of the iPhone Air, which exclusively operates on eSim technology, sparks discussions around the potential decline of the ubiquitous plastic Sim cards we have all grown accustomed to.
Mobile phone users are all too familiar with the minute task of inserting a Sim card to activate their devices. However, this ritual may soon become obsolete for those purchasing the iPhone Air, marking a stark departure towards a future dominated by eSims – a digital alternative that simplifies the process of switching networks or plans without the need to pry open a tiny Sim card tray with a tool.
Kester Mann, an analyst at CCS Insight, suggested to the Reporters that Apple's move heralds the gradual phasing out of physical Sim cards. The question that now arises is: how long until we altogether abandon these tiny, chip-embedded pieces of plastic, and what implications will this shift have on our mobile phone usage?
The notion of a Sim, an acronym for Subscriber Identity Module, has been central to mobile telecommunications, enabling connections to network providers, facilitating calls, texts, and data usage. Recently, the rise of eSim technology has introduced an alternative, with newer phone models offering users the choice between traditional and electronic Sims.
In its recent product unveil, Apple announced that the iPhone Air, its latest and slimmest model, would embrace an eSim-only configuration. This marks a significant global step, as eSim-only iPhones have been available in the United States since 2022. However, Apple is not entirely forsaking the physical Sim card yet. Other models revealed alongside the iPhone Air, namely the 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, will continue to feature Sim card slots in most international markets.
Whilst other leading manufacturers, including Samsung and Google, are incorporating eSims, they too are retaining physical Sim slots across numerous regions. Despite this, industry experts are confident about the eventual complete migration to eSims.
CCS Insight forecasts that by the end of 2024, there will be 1.3 billion smartphones with eSims in circulation, a number expected to surge to 3.1 billion by 2030. Paolo Pescatore, a technology analyst at PP Foresight, predicts the inevitable disappearance of the Sim tray, emphasising the multiple advantages of transitioning to eSims. These benefits include more internal space for larger batteries and the environmental boon of eliminating plastic Sim cards. Pescatore also envisions a future where travellers can effortlessly switch providers to avoid unforeseen charges, presenting a more flexible telecom landscape.
Kester Mann sees this evolution influencing consumer behaviour and altering how individuals engage with their mobile network providers. This could signal the end of needing to visit physical stores for Sim-related issues, benefiting those eager to bypass such errands. However, Mann cautions that not everyone may welcome this change, highlighting the need for the industry to educate certain demographics, notably the elderly and those less tech-savvy, on navigating the eSim landscape.
This News Story is brought to you by QLM Business News, your Digital Media Channel.
Visit QLM businessnews.com for more business news stories. Also follow us on Facebook, X, and Youtube.
To help QLM Business News bring you more news stories like this, please like, share, and subscribe.
Unlock unparalleled business growth and effortlessly attract a stream of new customers through QLM Business News Sponsored Advertising. Elevate your brand's presence and captivate your target audience with precision. Visit QLMbusinessnews.com and click on “Advertise” to harness the power of strategic advertising. Don't miss this unparalleled opportunity to propel your business to new heights of success!
Disclaimer: All images presented herein are intended solely for illustrative purposes and may not accurately depict the true likeness of the subjects, objects, or individuals referenced in the accompanying news stories.
