While there’s always a buzz surrounding Apple’s product launches – especially a new smartphone – the iPhone 14 is making additional waves as the first Apple device to ship as eSIM-only, albeit in the US market only for now.
Let’s look at the implications of Apple’s decision to release the iPhone 14 as eSIM-only and how this could benefit you in the future.
Are eSIM-only Handsets the Future?
When Apple released the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro as eSIM-only in the US, it marked an important moment for mobile users – even if they’re yet to realise it.
While Apple had previously taken significant strides toward eSIM adoption with the dual-eSIM iPhone 13, they still offered it with a physical SIM card slot – for users who weren’t quite ready to switch over to eSIMs. With the iPhone 14, on the other hand, US consumers will have to get to grips with the new technology. Whether someone is familiar with eSIMs and leaned towards making the switch, had never heard of the technology, or is somewhere between, they’ll be required to adapt if they want to upgrade to the iPhone 14.
So, the question is, how could Apple’s decision to release the iPhone 14 as eSIM-only in the US affect you, as a mobile user, looking forward? For Apple, consumer response to their decision will influence future product launches. If successful, they’re likely to launch future handsets as eSIM-only – and in markets outside of the US.
Subsequently, manufacturers of Android handsets are likely to release their own eSIM-only devices, if Apple’s experiment proves successful. As we’ll detail next, there are several reasons for them to follow Apple’s lead – and for them to hope that US-based consumers respond positively to the eSIM-only iPhone 14.
Are eSIM-only Devices Better for Users?
From their inception, eSIMs were never just meant to be an alternative to physical SIM cards; they were designed to, eventually, be their replacement. Apple’s decision is another step in this direction and helps prepare consumers for the inevitable change.
Fortunately, eSIMs benefit consumers in the following ways:
- Superior Devices: eSIM-only phones eliminate the need for a SIM card tray. As previously detailed in our post on the advantages of eSIMs, this allows for smaller, more robust, and generally superior devices. Manufacturers could conceivably use that extra space for an additional microchip, a larger battery, or other similar improvements and innovations.
- Multiple SIM profiles: eSIM-enabled devices can store multiple SIM profiles, which allows you to download more than one data and call plan. The iPhone 14, for instance, can store up to six eSIM profiles, of which two can be active simultaneously, while the iPhone 14 Pro stores eight. This is especially helpful for people travelling to different countries, as they can download an eSIM plan for each destination.
- Activate a Plan From Anywhere: In the absence of a physical SIM, an eSIM data plan is downloaded onto your device through a completely-digital process called remote SIM provisioning (RSP). In short, this means that you can simply purchase an eSIM plan online and activate it over the internet. As such, you won’t need to buy a SIM card from a retail outlet or purchase one online and have to wait for it in the post, making the process faster and far more convenient.
- Better for the Environment: On a related note, by doing away with SIM cards, we also reduce the carbon emissions produced from their manufacture and transportation – as well as the plastic used to make them!
- More Competition: eSIMs make it easier for consumers to try plans from different networks. Similarly, RSP reduces the overheads and complexity involved in offering mobile plans, allowing more companies to enter the market.
- More Secure: A eSIM prevents scams associated with physical SIMs, such as SIM swapping, SIM cloning, and other cybersecurity threats.
Will We See eSIM-only Smartphones in Australia?
When it comes to eSIM-only mobile devices in the Australian market, it’s more a question of when as opposed to if it will happen. As mentioned earlier, this will depend on the US market’s response to the iPhone 14 – but it’s also tied to the Australian mobile industry’s readiness for eSIM-only devices.
While eSIM-compatible handsets have been available for a few years, adoption by Aussie Telco’s has lagged somewhat. The big three of Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone all support eSIM and now offer them to some of the mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) they power, such as Woolworths and Kogan. While some offer eSIM plans as a result, others have yet to do so.
However, were Apple to release their next handset in Australia as eSIM-only, this will likely force network providers not already fully in the eSIM game to catch up quickly – or risk losing market share.
Whatever the situation with your home telco, you can still experience the efficiency, convenience and affordability of eSIMs when travelling abroad with your eSIM-compatible smartphone.
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