The new iPhone 14 series was just released by Apple not too long ago. The sole usage of eSIM, which means there is no longer a physical SIM card tray, is a characteristic that is unique to the company’s products sold in the United States.
That’s true, Apple has made the decision to discontinue the practise of inserting and removing a little gold card. You will never longer misplace it while you travel. You no longer need to search for a paperclip in order to eject it.
Instead, you will be provided with an electronic SIM card that will be permanently stored inside your device. Therefore is eSIM preferable? And how do you go about using it? The information that you need is detailed below.
Different kinds of SIM cards
It is necessary to have a SIM Subscriber Identity Module card in order to be recognised by the mobile network that you have registered for in order to be able to make phone calls and send text messages.
Historically, SIM cards have taken the form of physical cards that are both detachable and able to be used in several different phones.
This indicates that if you purchase a new phone, you can easily transfer your SIM card to the new phone by removing it from the SIM card tray of your existing phone and placing it in the tray of the new phone.
Your new phone will automatically be updated with all of the information that was previously saved on the SIM card, including your phone number, text messages, and phone contacts.
However, if you choose to switch to a different cell network, you will need to purchase a new SIM card in order to do so.
The majority of physical SIM cards fall into one of three categories. There is the normal SIM card, the micro SIM card, and the nano SIM card; each one is smaller than the one that came before it.
In recent years, a new kind of SIM card known as eSIM has come into existence.
What is an eSIM card?
The full form of eSIM is embedded SIM. Your gadget has a SIM card that is built right into the motherboard of the device itself. It is not possible to delete it and use it in an other device.
The capabilities of a traditional SIM card are replicated in an electronic SIM card (eSIM). The electronic subscriber identity module, or eSIM, may be written to or programmed by the user.
This indicates that you are free to switch your network operator without having to replace anything else. Your gadget is responsible for handling everything in an electronic format.
eSIM is most often used in dual-SIM configurations at the present. This means that a physical SIM card is still necessary for use as the main SIM, but eSIM may be used as the secondary SIM.
On the other hand, Apple made the transition with the iPhone 14, which was released in the United States, by doing away with the actual SIM card port.
These phones are only compatible with eSIM cards.
How does eSIM work?
The following is a general outline of the processes involved in utilising an eSIM:
You may place an order for an eSIM plan using the website or mobile app of a carrier.
You should expect an email or a message that can be created on the carrier’s website or app to provide you with a QR code and more information.
To activate your eSIM, either scan the QR code or input the information manually.
Which devices support eSIM?
The majority of modern smartphones have support for eSIM in a dual-SIM configuration.
The majority of modern smartphones have support for eSIM in a dual-SIM configuration. The physical SIM card slots on the iPhone 14 models sold in the United States (the iPhone 14, the iPhone 14 Plus, the iPhone 14 Pro, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max) have been removed in favour of electronic SIM card support exclusively.
If you use a phone that is only capable of using an eSIM and you are going to a location where you need to put a physical SIM into your phone, you may need to bring along a second phone.
Having said that, you won’t be able to utilise eSIM everywhere since some nations, like China, don’t embrace the technology.
eSIM’s Benefits
Make sure your phone has room for more than one number.
You want a professional phone number that is distinct from your personal one, right?
One eSIM card may support several phone numbers and service packages.
Changing the phone number you’re calling from is simple. This eliminates the need to swap SIM cards or, even worse, to carry about extra phones.
Also, it’s simpler to swap cell phone providers or phone numbers.
Changing your mobile service provider or SIM card to one from a different provider has always required physically removing the old card from your phone and inserting the new card provided by the new provider.
The only way to obtain a new SIM card is to physically visit a shop. Scanning a QR code activates a new number or carrier on an eSIM.
You may finish the full procedure and be connected in just a few minutes.
Protection against identity theft
If you carry a SIM card in your phone and lose your phone, the finder may simply remove the card and use it in their own phone.
For identity theft or even worse, they may use your phone number to attempt to access your social media or financial accounts by calling or texting as you.
With eSIM, SIM-swapping attempts, in which a thief poses as the victim and convinces the carrier to swap SIM numbers, are likewise rendered futile.
Your phone will be safe from harm with this case.
There will no longer be a SIM card slot for phones that solely support eSIM, like as the iPhone 14. This implies that water and dust won’t be able to enter your phone via the frame as easily.
Drawbacks of e-SIM
The ability for network providers to monitor your activity more precisely
To make your conventional SIM card-equipped phone less trackable, you may remove the card. It’s still possible to track you in other ways, however. Having a “burner” phone is a great way to keep your identity under wraps.
With an eSIM, your phone will always be connected to your service provider’s network.
SIM data transfers are more complicated.
It has always been necessary to transfer one’s personal information, including one’s phone contacts, to a new phone after purchasing one. To switch to a new phone, you usually only need to remove the SIM card from your old one and place it in the new one.
Because an eSIM cannot be physically relocated, this task will be more difficult. Your information is stored on the cloud, and you will need to recover it. The whole procedure will take more time than using a reusable SIM card.
Third, the possibility of data breaches is increased.
All of your SIM information in the classic sense is saved on the card itself, and only you have access to it.
When using an eSIM, all of your information will be stored on a server maintained by your network provider. It may easily be hacked or have its data stolen.
FAQ: About eSIM
Is eSIM better?
There are several instances in which eSIM excels over its physical counterpart. Businesspeople and frequent fliers, both of whom may require access to many phone lines, may find eSIM to be an advantageous solution.
The convenience of eSIM also extends to the process of switching phone numbers or mobile service providers, eliminating the need to physically visit a shop or wait for a new SIM card to arrive in the mail. Instead, you may simply change your number or service provider by scanning a QR code.
Additionally, because eSIM requires less real estate in your phone, your device’s manufacturer will be able to include more advanced features.
However, because eSIM cannot be removed, your phone provider would be able to monitor your every move, which is a serious privacy concern.
Your only other option, if you value your location’s secrecy, is to leave your phone at home. However, eSIM protects against SIM-swapping assaults, a kind of identity theft in which a thief pretends to be you and contacts your phone company, saying they’ve misplaced their SIM card.
Is my phone eSIM-compatible?
Today, electronic SIM card compatibility is available on a wide variety of smartphone models. Examples include the iPhone 11, the Samsung Galaxy 20, and the Google Pixel 3.
However, the iPhone 14 series in the United States is the first to employ eSIM entirely.
Even if your phone’s model supports eSIM technology, it doesn’t mean it will work in every country.
