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Nobody in the modern world is surprised by the existence of eSIM, a virtual SIM card. Since the invention of this technology, enough time has passed for this standard to become nearly universal. In this article, we’ll go over where and why this technology is used, as well as how it works.
The Primary Benefits of eSIM
More space for crucial device components
eSIM takes up far less space than traditional SIM card slots. This enables eSIM to be integrated into devices that do not have enough space for traditional SIM cards, such as smartwatches.
There will be fewer issues if you lose your smartphone
If you have lost or stolen your smartphone, you can quickly and effectively block it.
One SIM card for the entire world
When you travel to another country, it is no longer necessary to purchase a SIM card from a local operator. The eSIM has a virtual number and simply switches to a different operator. Just install the app from the App Store or Play Market. A nice bonus is that such applications frequently include a VPN.
One number for multiple devices
Most modern devices, particularly those from well-known brands such as Apple (iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch), Xiaomi, Samsung, and other Android devices, support eSIM. Here’s a list of Samsung devices that support eSIM: Samsung eSIM phone list. Before purchasing, always check the specifications of the device, as some budget models do not yet support this technology. It is expected that over the next few years, all devices on the planet will switch to eSIM.
SIM Card Types and Distinctions
There are four different types of SIM cards. Each new type replaced the previous one, and they all had one thing in common: each new SIM card was smaller in size. As a result, the industry returned to its roots: the emergence of eSIM.
Yes, the first type of SIM card was an embedded SIM. In the beginning, SIM cards were not separate components but were ‘stitched’ to the phone’s memory. The major obvious disadvantage with such SIM cards was that the SIM card was a pre-programmed chip embedded directly into the phone’s motherboard without the possibility of changing the cellular operator.
As new cellular communication providers emerged, the need and opportunity to switch providers arose. This is how the first replaceable SIM card was born. It was about the size of a bank card, with the majority of it being a plastic case containing a small chip.
The plastic part’s proportions shrank with time, leaving just room for the chip. In 1992, there came Mini-SIM, then Micro SIM, and eventually nano SIM––a SIM card containing only the chip itself. The Nano SIM represents the end of the physical SIM card era and the beginning of the eSIM era.
Wearable Devices’ Impact
As previously stated, the main advantage of eSIM for wearable devices is that there is no need to take up valuable space in the device case to install a regular SIM card. This immediately results in several additional benefits:
- Device dimensions can be reduced;
- The device can house a larger battery;
- Moisture protection standards are more reliable due to the lack of a physical SIM slot and moving parts in the structure.
Of course, using an eSIM will significantly expand the functionality of any wearable gadget because such a device has direct Internet access, which means it can perform a significantly broader range of tasks than the same device without an eSIM.
Impact on Vehicles
Some automobiles have a SIM card slot. However, stable and continuous operation is hampered by a variety of factors, including temperature fluctuations inside the vehicle, exposure to weather conditions, constant vibration from engine operation, and road conditions. Standard SIM cards in cars are only linked to one telecom operator.
Because it is installed during the vehicle’s design and assembly, eSIM solves these issues. As a result, it is safer and more resistant to adverse conditions. Depending on the situation, the car owner can download multiple eSIM profiles and switch operators.
One of the most compelling reasons to use eSIM is security. Because the SIM card is digital, the attacker will be unable to remove it if a car is stolen. The operator’s support service will be able to remotely deactivate the chip, preventing the fraudster from using the vehicle.
Conclusion
eSIM technology is a modern approach that has been used and has been developed for several years. According to some forecasts, eSIM will completely replace outdated SIM cards within the next ten years. However, given the speed with which this technology is being implemented in modern devices, it is expected that eSIM will replace all outdated standards much faster. This is an excellent opportunity for some people who have not yet switched to eSIM to do so, for whatever reason.
