eSIM: A Technology of the Future? Why So Few People Still Use It.

Introduction

eSIM technology has been around for several years. It's supported by most flagship smartphones, and the benefits for travelers are obvious: savings, convenience, security. But if it's so good, why hasn't everyone switched to it yet? Why in 2024 are people still looking for pins to change a tiny piece of plastic? The answer is more complex than it seems. The slow spread of eSIM is not a flaw in the technology itself, but a classic story of the adoption of any innovative product. It's a cocktail of human psychology, market mechanisms, and simple lack of knowledge. Let's look at the main reasons that are holding back the mass transition to eSIM and see what its future holds.

1. Lack of Knowledge and Understanding of the Technology (The Main Barrier)

The biggest enemy of eSIM is the lack of information. Most people simply don't know what it is or how it works.

• "It's complicated." People are afraid of anything new, especially technology. They think that activating an eSIM will require special knowledge, while a regular SIM is easy to understand: you insert it and it works. In reality, the eSIM activation process is simpler than finding the SIM card tray on a new phone.

• "But what if...?" Many fears arise based on myths: "What if I lose my phone?", "What if it doesn't work?", "How do I transfer it?". Until a person tries an eSIM for themselves, these fears will be stronger than any rational arguments.

2. Inertia of Thinking and the Power of Habit

People are conservative, especially when something works "just fine." Physical SIM cards have been around for decades. It's familiar, predictable, and doesn't raise questions. Changing a working solution for something new always requires effort. Why change something if it already works? A mass transition needs time for the habit of "going and buying a SIM card" to give way to a new one—"buying an eSIM online."

3. The Position of Mobile Operators

It's not always profitable for large operators to have a quick transition to eSIM. This weakens their control over the customer.

• "Tying" to the operator. With a physical SIM, changing operators is a whole ritual: you have to get a new card and wait for the number to be transferred. With an eSIM, this process can be done almost instantly, which increases competition and forces operators to fight for customers using more aggressive methods.

• Roaming is a goldmine. For operators, roaming is a very profitable business. eSIMs from independent providers take away this profit, allowing customers to easily avoid exorbitant rates. Operators are promoting eSIM slowly and often only in their own interests (for example, to connect smartwatches), not as a replacement for the main SIM.

4. Limited Device Support (But This Is Changing)

Yes, eSIM is supported by all iPhones starting with the XR/XS, and flagship Androids. But what about the budget and mid-range segments? These price categories account for the majority of smartphone sales in the world. Until eSIM becomes a standard feature for phones costing under $300, it's too early to talk about a complete mass transition. However, the trend is obvious: every year, more and more manufacturers are adding eSIM to their new models across all price segments.

5. The Need to Change Business Processes

For virtual operators (like our service), the transition to eSIM is an opportunity. But for entire industries (for example, selling phones in mobile stores or tourist SIM cards at airports), it's a threat to the existing business model. The implementation of eSIM requires them to completely rebuild their processes: from sales to support. This always happens slowly.

What Does the Future Hold for eSIM? Growth Points

Despite the barriers, the future is definitely with eSIM. Here's what will accelerate its spread:

1. The abandonment of the physical SIM tray. Apple has already done this for the iPhone 14 and newer in the USA. Other manufacturers will surely follow suit to free up space inside the device for other components.

2. The development of the Internet of Things (IoT). eSIM is ideal for smartwatches, cars, trackers, and other devices where changing a physical SIM is impractical.

3. Education and information. Articles like this, YouTube reviews, and friends' personal experiences will continue to debunk myths and reduce the fear of the new.

4. The growing popularity of remote work. Digital nomads, for whom eSIM is a lifesaver, are becoming an increasingly widespread phenomenon.

Conclusion

eSIM is following the path of any revolutionary technology: from misunderstanding and skepticism to widespread adoption. It is now in the "early majority" stage. It is already being used by those who seek convenience and benefit, but it still has to grow to reach the masses. The speed of this transition depends on phone manufacturers, the activity of providers, and ultimately, our readiness as users to embrace change. The technology is already here, it works, and it provides real benefits. The question isn't whether eSIM will become popular, but when it will happen for good. And it seems that "when" is very close. Don't want to wait for the future? Start using its advantages today! Choose your first eSIM plan and see for yourself that it's simpler and more affordable than it seems.