eSIM Goes Mainstream: Apple, Google, and the Future of Digital Connectivity

By Caio Hamer , Product Marketing Manager for MNOs.

Apple has just taken a bold leap into the digital-first era by making the all-new iPhone Air (its thinnest and lightest iPhone yet) entirely eSIM-only, worldwide. This includes historically physical-SIM markets such as China, where Apple has confirmed that the iPhone 17 Air will launch as eSIM-only. While mainland China may still face rollout delays due to eSIM infrastructure gaps and pending regulatory approvals, the announcement clearly signals Apple’s intent to deliver a fully digital experience even in the most challenging markets.

At the same time, the broader iPhone 17 lineup now offers eSIM-only models across numerous countries outside the U.S., marking the most significant global shift in SIM technology to date.

This is more than just a design change: it’s a declaration. By removing the SIM tray entirely, Apple is signaling that physical SIM cards no longer have a place in the future of mobile connectivity. Google has made a similar move with its Pixel 10 series in the U.S., offering dual eSIM support and removing the SIM slot altogether. Together, these announcements send the clearest signal yet: eSIM is no longer just for global travelers or early adopters, it’s officially gone mainstream.

From Niche to Norm

For years, eSIM adoption was framed as a convenience for frequent flyers: a way to add a local plan on arrival or juggle multiple numbers. That era is ending. Apple and Google’s bold decisions will force the industry to accelerate. Soon, every smartphone customer (not just travelers) will expect to activate service instantly, without plastic cards, without retail visits, and without friction.

And this shift doesn’t stop at consumers. Enterprise connectivity and IoT deployments will benefit just as much. As SGP.32 gains traction, businesses can dynamically provision fleets of devices without truck rolls, enabling global scalability and simplifying logistics.

Why Operators Need to Move Now

This transition puts new pressure on operators to deliver a seamless digital experience. Users no longer tolerate long activation codes, printed QR cards, or complicated setup flows. Instead, they expect activation via universal links, entitlement servers, or directly through self-care apps: methods that feel integrated into today’s digital-first lifestyle.

At Valid, we see five pillars that consistently differentiate successful eSIM programs from those that stall:

1. Seamless Digital Experience – instant activation, self-care apps, AI-based support
2. Targeted Commercial Strategies – try-and-buy plans, flexible multi-device bundles
3. Strong Tech Foundation – RSP-ready (SGP.22/32), multi-IMSI flexibility, broad device support
4. Retail & Distribution Readiness – digital-first sales, in-store kiosks, MVNO enablement
5. Proactive Consumer Education – clear eSIM benefits, digital campaigns, cross-industry partnerships

Carriers that embrace these five pillars will capture early momentum, reduce churn, and increase ARPU as eSIM becomes the default. Those that delay risk being left behind as device OEMs shift to an all-digital world.

A Bold Prediction

Within the next few years, we expect eSIM-only smartphones to become the default option for most premium and mid-tier devices globally, with entry-level models following soon after. Based on current adoption trends, we anticipate that by around 2028, eSIM-only devices will represent the majority of new smartphone shipments worldwide. With Apple and Google pushing eSIM-only devices in multiple markets (and chipset vendors embedding eSIM support in every new generation of SoCs) the tipping point is near. Most analysts agree that eSIM will become the dominant activation method before the end of the decade, and the operators who master digital onboarding first will gain a decisive competitive advantage.

Valid’s Role in the Digital Future

This is exactly why Valid invests in solutions like SM-Connect, our orchestration platform that supports universal link delivery, entitlement server integration, in-app activation, and multi-profile management at scale. We help operators go beyond basic compliance and create journeys that delight users: whether they are activating their first consumer line, setting up a connected device fleet, or provisioning a global IoT deployment.

The Bottom Line

Apple and Google may have set the pace, but the race is now on for the rest of the ecosystem to catch up. The physical SIM era is ending, and the winners will be those who turn this transition into an opportunity to deliver better, smarter, and more secure connectivity.

At Valid, we’re here to help the industry get there – better, faster and safely.