Apple reportedly planning to replace physical SIM card with eSIM: What is it and how it works – Times of India

Apple is reportedly planning to phase out the SIM card tray from its smartphones starting from the Apple iPhone 14 series. As per numerous reports, the tech giant has advised major carriers to prepare for the launch of eSIM-only iPhone by September 2022. Apple first introduced support for eSIM technology with the launch of dual-SIM iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and affordable iPhone XR. Currently, every iPhone model launched in 2018 or after (excluding iPhone SE) comes with support for one physical SIM and one eSIM. Apart from Apple iPhones, Samsung Galaxy Note 20 series, Samsung Galaxy S20 series, Samsung Galaxy S21 series, Samsung foldable phones, Google Pixel smartphones and few other flagship devices from major smartphone manufacturers support eSIM.
What is an eSIM and how does it work
An eSIM is the Subscriber Identity/Identification Module (SIM) that is embedded in smart communication devices such as smartphones, smartwatches and others. Users can access the prepaid/postpaid subscriptions services on their device with the eSIM without any physical SIM card. To use an eSIM on the supported device, users just need to install their eSIM profile on the device once it is activated. Currently, there are three eSIM providers in India – Jio, Airtel and Vi.
It is worth noting that the information stored on an eSIM is rewritable. This means that users can easily change your eSIM operator with just a phone call. If you want to use your eSIM on another device that supports the eSIM, you just need to scan the QR code provided by your operator.
With eSIMs, it is easier to recover a lost or stolen device as it is quite complex to remove the eSIM from a device without unlocking it. These SIMs are also environment friendly as they minimise the use of plastic that its used while making physical SIM cards.