eSIM technology came to Google’s Pixel 2 lineup in 2017. However, the technology lacked the expected traction; since a good number of the US and other global carriers chose to keep off. But the tech giant continued to include the feature in its 2018 Pixel 3 flagship; a move which attracted its competitors to add the tech in its 2018 flagships. Apple’s iPhone X lineup was the next in line to support eSIM technology. Therefore, we expect even more wireless companies to take an interest in this technological marvel; considering the incentives that come with it.
In the last month of December, Google announced that in the next few months (as from CES 2019), multiple carriers around the globe will start to embrace the technology as well. The company’s big announcement meant that all the Pixel 3 phones in the market now have a supported eSIM technology – having additional carriers. These top carriers include Deutsche Telekom, Germany’s Vodafone, US’s Sprint, UK’s EE, India’s Airtel and Reliance.
eSIM technology Android expansion
What’s more, Google also made public its plan to create a program that enables other Android original electronic manufacturers to include the eSIM technology in their new devices. The tech giant sealed their support in a statement; “We look forward to continuing our work with our partners on the potential benefits of eSIM, whether that’s getting you connected to a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet or laptop – in the future.”
While we anticipate eSIM technology to spread its reach to Chromebooks soon, what is to stop the company from extending its eSIM program to other non-Android platforms? We can only hope and stay optimistic.
According to market projections, the spread of eSIM technology to other Android devices is expected by 2022 with an estimated 400 million eSIM equipped devices to be shipped, as per ABI Research.
Expansion to other carriers
We, however, have to report that this isn’t new information, has other major news outlets are confirming what most analysts and users predicted. Google also announced its eSIM support to other carriers around the globe.
However, there are setbacks already visible on both the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 models; you can only use either an eSIM or SIM at a time. We later found out the reason for this; the devices came with a single IMEI for each. This made it difficult to register on two networks at the same time. But that can only be used as a stepping point by other manufacturers, who should plan to offer dual support for the upcoming eSIM Android-equipped devices.
Drawing from ABI Research, we predict that some major carriers will be reluctant to join the eSIM technology hype; with most arguing the deal is too good to be beneficial. Nonetheless, we’ve seen significant technology swaps happen in the past. We, therefore, expect every other mobile carrier to take part in the new dawn of eSIM technology.