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SIM card slots are becoming a thing of the past in smartphones. Google and Apple have ignited the industry’s shift to digital SIM technology by offering eSIM-only support in their new smartphone models. Experts believe this move is a clear indication that physical SIM cards will become a thing of the past.
Mobile technology is undergoing a radical transformation. Apple and Google have pioneered a major shift in the industry by excluding physical SIM cards from their new generation smartphones. This development marks the end of traditional SIM cards.
GOOGLE AND APPLE LIT THE FUSE
While Google offered its latest flagship, the Pixel 10, exclusively with eSIM support in the US market, Apple followed a similar strategy with the iPhone 17 series. Apple’s ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, in particular, attracted attention as the first global model to support only eSIM. These choices accelerated the digital transition even in major markets like China, which had long relied on physical SIM cards.
THE BEGINNING OF THE END FOR PHYSICAL SIM CARDS
Speaking to the BBC, technology analyst Kester Mann describes this development as “the beginning of the end of the physical SIM card.” According to Mann, this decision by Google and Apple is a turning point that will impact not only their own product strategies but the entire mobile ecosystem. Indeed, it is estimated that 1.3 billion devices will be eSIM-compatible by the end of 2024, and this number is expected to exceed 3 billion by 2030.
ADVANTAGES OF eSIM
The convenience it offers to users plays a major role in the rise of eSIM technology. It is now possible to manage multiple mobile lines on the same phone, and switching to a new carrier, especially when traveling, is easy without the need to exchange physical cards.
Additionally, eliminating the need for a SIM slot frees up internal hardware, resulting in longer battery life with larger batteries. The system also offers a security advantage, offering an extra layer of protection because the phone cannot be physically removed if the phone is stolen.
