Apple’s Global eSIM Leap: A Turning Point for Mobile Connectivity

Every September, Apple’s product launches set the tone for the mobile industry. The latest spotlight is on the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 ranges – marking a pivotal shift as Apple rolls out eSIM-only devices not just in the US, but worldwide. For the first time, iPhone users across the globe will experience the benefits of eSIM technology as standard, signalling a new era for digital connectivity. 

Supported by over 500 carriers, eSIM technology has steadily gained traction since its introduction in earlier iPhone models. However, until now, eSIM-only iPhones were limited to the US market (notably with the iPhone 14 in 2022). Apple’s decision to make the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 eSIM-only on a global scale is a game-changer – removing the physical SIM slot and unlocking new possibilities for device design, battery life, and user experience everywhere.

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will also offer eSIM-only variants, further cementing eSIM as the new standard. By eliminating the physical SIM tray, Apple has created space for larger batteries and improved performance, while simplifying connectivity for users worldwide.

Worldwide Adoption Accelerates

This shift comes as global eSIM adoption accelerates. According to the Trusted Connectivity Alliance, consumer eSIM profile downloads surged by 56% in 2024, with half the world’s countries now supporting eSIM. Apple’s latest move is set to further drive this momentum, making seamless, flexible connectivity accessible to more people than ever before. 

Optimise the success of eSIM profile deployments

Seamless onboarding and activation is one of the benefits of eSIM connectivity, and as it becomes more mainstream as a technology, consumers will expect it to work flawlessly. MNOs therefore must need to find the efficient ways to match consumer profiles to devices. Standardisation is of huge help here, with the GSMA implementing an evolving set of specifications to help create a unified, and standardised eSIM ecosystem.

MNOs must adopt a subscription management solution that delivers the best possible end user experience – ensuring the immediate successful download of profiles for all eSIM capable devices on the market, even as that list continues to grow to include smartphones, wearables, tablets and laptops. This is where Thales’ Remote SIM provisioning platform can help.

Enabling eSIM deployments at scale, Thales’ platform is geo-redundant, ensuring maximum uptime, seamless scalability and smooth activation. Compliant with GSMA industry standards, including SGP.32 eSIM IoT standards, the platform allows MNOs to offer efficient and scalable connectivity solutions to a wide range of consumer and IoT devices. 

Thales has offered these kinds of trusted, scalable solutions for many years now, with over 10 years of eSIM expertise specifically. Having supported more than 400m eSIM activations, the Thales’ eSIM platform has handled some of the largest device launches worldwide, and has seen traffic reaching 10 times regular level during launch day. 

How they can help keep customers connected abroad

The travel industry is a particularly strong area for eSIM use cases. QR codes can be used to activate a prepaid subscription in a traveller’s destination country, letting them simply scan the featured QR code with their eSIM-capable phone. From there, mobile subscriptions can be automatically downloaded to the devices. The user then only needs to validate the activation offer to be connected to the MNO’s network and obtain a new local phone number.