The future of eSIM in smartphones: are we at a turning point?

Topic

eSIM

The future of eSIM in smartphones: are we at a turning point?
This insight is locked

This insight is open to all subscribers and registered users, or available by completing the form below.

Report details

The future of eSIM in smartphones: are we at a turning point?
Pages
2
Released
MARCH 2020

Momentum for eSIM in smartphones is accelerating – at least from an industry perspective. Apple and Samsung, two of the three largest OEMs in the world by smartphone unit sales, have introduced eSIM in their flagship smartphone models, while over 100 mobile operators offer eSIM services to their customers, spanning more than 50 countries across all regions but Africa.

That’s significant progress, but what lies ahead? Our new smartphone survey, covering 100 mobile operators worldwide, reveals important insights into the future of eSIM. We highlight five key takeaways, as well as crucial implications for eSIM stakeholders. Further insights and regional views are available from GSMA Intelligence.

Download the Report

Complete the form below to get instant access to this content. For easier access in the future, you can register for a free account here.

By submitting this form, you agree that your email address and related activity on the platform will be processed for the purpose of generating and providing the requested report. Your data will be shared with GSMA Intelligence for this purpose. For more information, please see the GSMA Intelligence Privacy Policy.

Opt-in for Marketing Communications:
To ensure you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the mobile industry, GSMA Intelligence would like to send you information about events, products, services, and initiatives, as well as industry news. Please subscribe by ticking this box; once subscribed, you can tailor what you receive from us at any time, or unsubscribe, should you wish.

Authors

How to access this report

Annual subscription: Subscribe to our research modules for comprehensive access to more than 200 reports per year.

Enquire about subscription

Contact our research team

Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.

Contact our research team

Media

To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.

Learn more

Related research

Industry Checkpoint: consumer eSIM, Q1 2026

Premium
Topics
eSIM
Devices

This edition of the Industry Checkpoint series focuses on consumer eSIM, highlighting how the market has changed in the last six months and its implications. The report considers four major developments: how eSIM-only and China’s eSIM launch are two factors that could accelerate consumer adoption of eSIM; how new customer propositions and offerings are taking travel eSIM to the next level; how eSIM is tapping into new categories of emerging consumer devices while driving new bundling approaches; and how eSIM is enabling a better blend of connectivity and entertainment experiences in sport.

This insight is locked

Consumer eSIM: device and MNO service trackers, and 2030 adoption forecast, Q1 2026

Premium
Topics
eSIM
Devices

With eSIM penetration in the consumer market set to double in 2026, and double again in 2027, this tracker provides data that operators, OEMs, eSIM vendors and other companies involved in the eSIM value chain, can use to formulate or adjust eSIM commercial strategies and offers. It covers three main areas: the commercialisation of eSIM consumer devices by OEM brand and type of device (smartphone, tablet and smartwatch); countries and MNOs that have launched commercial eSIM service for smartphones; and a consumer adoption forecast for eSIM in the smartphone market to 2030 (global and regional figures).

This insight is locked

The digital consumer in 2026: how consumer behaviour is changing across 5G, AI, eSIM, devices and content

Premium
Topics
Digital consumer services
Devices
5G
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Pay TV
eSIM

Leveraging data from the 2025 survey, conducted between June and August, this report provides relevant insights into how the consumer behaviour is changing across eight topic areas: 5G; devices; eSIM; generative AI; pay TV; gaming; the metaverse and extended reality; and sustainability.

This insight is locked
Full access
Get full access to our research now, get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis
  • 200 reports a year
  • 50 million data points
  • Over 350 metrics