Global IoT eSIM Market Growth Opportunities

Ecosystem Collaboration, New Business Models, and Demand for Low-Power, Cost-Efficient eSIM Connectivity Boost Market Potential

The global IoT eSIM market is at an early stage, with providers collaborating to standardize the technology. Most cellular IoT devices connect to physical SIM cards, while the rest incorporate eSIMs for testing and proof of concept (PoC). While enterprises still use physical SIM cards for IoT deployments, eSIM adoption is expected to accelerate from 2025, when the first commercial deployments of the GSMA SGP.32 specification completes the testing phase. The main driver of the global IoT eSIM market is the automotive vertical, with car manufacturers adopting the technology to enable innovative applications, such as telematics, vehicle tracking, and emergency calls. Smart metering and asset tracking also utilize eSIMs. Once providers standardize IoT eSIM technology, the market is forecast to grow quickly. The technology brings benefits such as low power consumption, which is crucial for battery-powered IoT devices requiring connectivity for long periods; smaller hardware size to fit into small IoT devices; and the RSP service removing network operator lock-ins. The forecast includes the total number of cellular IoT-connected devices that use SIM cards.