eSim Market Outlook, 2030

The global eSIM market is projected to grow significantly over the coming years, driven by increasing adoption across devices and industries. North America is a leading region in the market due to advanced telecommunications infrastructure and early adoption of eSIM technology. Embedded SIM or eSIM technology facilitates remote provisioning, allowing users to switch, download, and delete different operator profiles without requiring a physical SIM. eSIMs save physical space within devices while offering increased flexibility. Additionally, they are environmentally friendly, helping to reduce the production of plastic SIM cards and supporting sustainable device manufacturing.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a semiconductor shortage that disturbed the supply chains of various industries. Even OEMs and telecom operatives were struck owing to the insufficient number of physical SIM cards as SIM plants transferred their production to advanced technologies. Mobile network operatives were resistant to shifting to advanced technology. Thus, consumers needed time to replace their smartphones and other devices with new advancements.

Automotive manufacturers are integrating eSIMs into next-generation vehicles to support advanced telematics, navigation, infotainment, and vehicle-to-everything communication. The ability to remotely update software, optimize fleet management, and ensure global connectivity positions eSIM as a critical enabler of the connected and autonomous mobility ecosystem. This segment is forecasted to witness robust growth in line with the expansion of electric vehicles and intelligent transportation systems.

According to the report, the Global eSim market was valued at more than USD 10.68 Billion in 2024, and expected to reach a market size of more than USD 21.75 Billion by 2030 with the CAGR of 12.85% from 2025-2030. Some of the key companies in the eSIM industry include Giesecke+Devrient GmbH, Infineon Technologies AG, and Thales, among others. These companies are undertaking. For instance, eSIM makes it easier for consumers to change their mobile operators, thus, increasing consumers' switching between network providers will result in intense competition between the network operators.

Thales Group is a prominent company in digital identity and security, offering end-to-end eSIM management solutions for mobile network operators, device manufacturers, and enterprises. With a strong presence in over 50 countries, Thales supports a wide range of eSIM applications across consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial IoT sectors, leveraging its expertise in cybersecurity and embedded systems. The eSIM market share is growing commercially, connectivity services associated and benefits are significant. But still, there are several parts of the world where people are unaware of the technology.

The penetration of embedded SIM technology is comparatively less in developing nations, accompanied by lesser awareness and technical knowledge. For instance, According to the Giesecke+Devrient GmbH eSIM report 2021, on average, only 20% of consumers are aware of this SIM technology in prominent markets. The number is even lower in some markets. Only 12% of consumers in Canada were aware of this technology, even though Canada was one of the early adopters in the market.

Market Drivers

• Proliferation of IoT / M2M Connected Devices: One of the strongest drivers for the global eSIM market is the explosive growth in Internet of Things (IoT) and machine to machine devices, which require flexible, remotely manageable connectivity. As reports note, billions of devices are expected to connect digitally in the coming years, and physical SIM cards become impractical when you have large volumes of embedded devices across industries. eSIM technology allows device manufacturers and service providers to deploy connectivity without the logistical constraints of physical SIMs, enabling rapid scale up and more efficient management of global fleets of devices.
• Convenience, Flexibility & Cost Efficiency: another key driver is the clear value proposition of eSIMs for consumers and device makers: the ability to switch networks, add profiles, activate remotely, and simplify device design all contribute. Reports highlight that eliminating the physical SIM slot enables sleeker devices, fewer mechanical parts, and lowers manufacturing and distribution costs. Moreover, as telecoms roll out 5G and global roaming becomes more complex, eSIM’s over the air provisioning and carrier flexibility deliver operational efficiencies and longer term cost savings, making the technology more attractive for both OEMs and operators.

Market Challenges

• Lack of Standardization: A significant barrier in the eSIM market is that the ecosystem is still relatively fragmented in terms of standards, device carrier compatibility, regional regulatory frameworks, and provisioning workflows. For example, many reports emphasize that the absence of seamless interoperability across device manufacturers and mobile network operators slows deployment and introduces friction for end users. Because there are so many stakeholders, alignment on standards such as those from the GSMA and other bodies is still a work in progress this increases cost, time to market and risk.
• Device Compatibility & Security Concerns: While technology advances rapidly, many consumers and enterprises still lack full understanding of eSIM benefits and limitations which slows uptake. On the device side, not all handsets, wearables or IoT modules support eSIM profiles or offer the required firmware/hardware capabilities, especially in emerging markets. Additionally, remote provisioning and embedded identity raise new security and privacy risks which require robust safeguards and trust frameworks. These factors combine to hinder broader adoption.

Market Trends

• Integration with 5G Networks: A clear trend is eSIM becoming a foundational element of 5G and beyond connectivity strategies especially for devices and vehicles needing ubiquitous, seamless connectivity. For example, connected cars, autonomous vehicles, and smart wearables increasingly include eSIM or embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card support, enabling remote updates, multi carrier roaming, and global profile management.
• Remote Provisioning and Global Roaming Flexibility: another trend is the growing use of advanced eSIM features such as multi IMSI short for International Mobile Subscriber Identity support, eUICC architectures, and remote SIM provisioning for enterprises and global deployments. This allows a single embedded chip to host multiple carrier profiles and switch between networks as needed, which is particularly valuable for international travel, logistics, and global IoT deployments.

the consumer electronics segment encompasses the largest volume because of devices that demand flexible, it drives the largest share of the global eSIM market.

Consider the sheer scale of consumer electronics smartphones alone number in the billions of shipments annually across the globe, and tablets, laptops, wearables, and other connected gadgets add further units. One market report states that devices updated yearly, combined with strong retail and replacement cycles, provide steady demand for embedded SIM capabilities in the consumer electronics segment. Users today want devices that are immediately connected, globally operable, and capable of switching network profiles without complicated SIM swaps or visits to shops. The inclusion of eSIM in flagship smartphones for example from leading OEMs like Apple, Samsung and others further normalizes the technology in the consumer sphere.

The trend toward multi device ecosystems means manufacturers are seeking connectivity solutions that simplify the user’s life across product lines. eSIM enables cross device connectivity by avoiding multiple physical SIM logistics, supporting dual/multiple profiles, remote carrier switching, and lightweight device design. The increasing demand for flexible, secure, and always on connectivity is driving manufacturers to integrate eSIM technology across product lines. Network operators worldwide are increasingly supporting eSIM provisioning, remote profile downloads, and carriers are enabling eSIM plans making consumer adoption smoother. Meanwhile, regulatory and standards bodies are moving to bolster consumer facing eSIM frameworks.

Smartphones and tablets represent the largest volume Because of cellular connected consumer devices and embed eSIM functionality at scale, they form the dominant application segment in the market.

The application segment of smartphones and tablets leads the global eSIM market largely because these devices combine tremendous shipment volumes, high connectivity demand, and strong manufacturer and operator support for embedded SIM technology. According to one report, more than half of all GSMA certified smartphones now include eSIM remote provisioning capability, and the figure is rising rapidly. That means the smartphone device category is already lapping up eSIM capable hardware faster than many other segments, driving the volume of eSIM activations and usage. Smartphones and tablets embody connectivity expectations and usage patterns that align extremely well with eSIM technology.

Users increasingly expect instant network activation, seamless roaming or carrier switching (especially when travelling), and dual SIM or multi profile support. eSIM technology enables many of these features: no physical SIM tray to swap, network profiles downloaded over the air, multiple carrier profiles stored in the embedded UICC, and global operator support.

The manufacturers of smartphones and tablets are actively embedding eSIM capabilities into their product roadmaps, which accelerates adoption. Leading device makers such as Apple and Samsung have included eSIM in flagship models, signaling to both consumers and network operators that eSIM is a mainstream technology. When hardware support becomes the norm, it lowers barriers for carriers to offer eSIM plans, for consumers to accept them, and for the ecosystem to scale.

Voice, SMS and Data type offers full service mobile connectivity and aligns most closely with traditional and evolving consumer expectations for seamless, positioning it to hold a dominant role among eSIM type segments in the global market.

In a world where mobile phones are used not just for data traffic but for traditional voice/SMS services as well, an eSIM that supports all three functionalities becomes a natural fit. From a market‐perspective, this creates a large addressable segment which is consumers and enterprises alike who demand full network capabilities rather than data‐only profiles. While many reports indicate that the data‐only eSIM type currently holds the largest share by type in many analyses. Consumer expectations around mobile devices still revolve around voice and text communications especially in much geography where these services are still primary modes of connectivity.

An eSIM that supports voice and SMS in addition to data therefore covers all legacy and modern requirements, meaning it is often selected by users who do not wish to compromise or add separate SIMs for text. Many smartphones, tablets, and increasingly wearables or connected devices may still rely on SMS for certain services for instance emergency calling requirements, dual‐SIM voice fallback, traditional number identity, or enterprise SMS use cases. Having the full suite of services embedded in the eSIM provides flexibility, and avoids the need for a second physical SIM or stacking hybrid solutions.

Regulatory and standards frameworks in many regions still view voice as core telecommunications services. When an eSIM offers voice it brings a full regulatory compliant profile that operators and governments are comfortable with. That regulatory acceptability supports adoption in mainstream consumer markets, complicating the roll out of data‐only alternatives in some jurisdictions for primary connectivity.

Connectivity services encompass the subscription, management and network provisioning layer that enables eSIM devices to actually connect, this solution type dominates the global eSIM market.

The dominance of the Connectivity Services solution segment in the global eSIM market can be attributed to the pivotal role these services play in turning embedded SIM hardware into fully functional, network active devices essentially enabling the value proposition of eSIM technology. While the eSIM chip is foundational, without connectivity services meaning remote profile provisioning, subscription management, multi IMSI capabilities, global roaming frameworks, network switching, and software lifecycle support the eSIM would simply be inert.

The connectivity services segment gives operators, OEMs and enterprises the operational flexibility to remotely provision eSIM profiles, switch network operator profiles across geographies, manage subscriptions and deliver lifecycle updates. For example, the framework provided by the GSMA for remote SIM provisioning underpins much of this remote service capability. The value captured by connectivity services is far greater because it ties into recurring revenue streams subscriptions, roaming services, multi IMSI switching, operator relationships, service level agreements, and long term device lifecycle management.

Whereas hardware is often a one time sale, connectivity services cover ongoing network and service support, which is critical in many use cases. the complexity of global deployments across multiple carriers, regulatory domains, roaming restrictions, network switching, dynamic profiles makes connectivity services not just useful but essential. A device embedded with an eSIM chip but stuck on a single operator profile or unable to switch when traveling or when roaming becomes less useful. Connectivity services platforms enable multi IMSI, bring your own carrier, global fallback, local breakout and dynamic network selection.

The vast majority of existing mobile networks and devices globally are built around 4G/LTE infrastructure making it the most widely supported and practical network type for deploying eSIM technology.

4G/LTE networks are well established worldwide operators have invested heavily in 4G infrastructure, and in many markets 4G penetration covers far more geography and devices than newer generations. Because eSIM technology is typically integrated into devices that need to function reliably across many regions and carriers, targeting the network type that has the broadest reach makes sense. Deploying eSIM profiles for 4G/LTE ensures compatibility and global operability across device makers, carriers and regions and thus achieves higher volume.

Since eSIM is often introduced into these devices to avoid physical SIM logistics, the next step is to support the existing network base 4G/LTE rather than immediately focusing exclusively on newer network types. 4G/LTE has emerged as the dominant network type for IoT applications. The widespread availability of 4G/LTE networks has made it the preferred choice for mission critical IoT solutions in sectors such as automotive, healthcare, and industrial automation. The fact that most device manufacturers and operators are comfortable and familiar with optimizing connectivity for 4G/LTE means eSIM deployments can scale faster on that network type.

While 5G is growing rapidly and will eventually become a major contributor, the transition to 5G for all devices and geographies is still underway. That transitional gap leaves 4G/LTE as the practical network on which many current eSIM enabled device shipments rely. For example, the market research indicates that 5G implementations show a fastest growth rate but their absolute share is still smaller compared to 4G/LTE at present.

North American region boasts an advanced telecommunications ecosystem, high device penetration, strong operator collaboration and early adoption of eSIM capable smartphones.

North America especially the United States has some of the most advanced mobile networks globally, with early roll outs of 5G, high smartphone penetration and a tech savvy population. Because eSIM depends on both device support and operator provisioning readiness, the presence of well capitalized carriers that are willing to adopt remote SIM provisioning platforms gives North America an edge. For example, carriers in the region have been investing in eSIM infrastructure to support not just consumer devices but also IoT, connected vehicles and enterprise deployments. Leading smartphone manufacturers based in or servicing the U.S.

market such as Apple and Samsung have introduced flagship devices supporting eSIM which accelerates adoption in that region. One pivotal moment was the U.S. launch of eSIM only iPhones in 2022, which prompted carriers and consumers to shift to fully embedded SIM designs instead of relying on physical SIM cards. Consumer behaviour and market structure in North America encourage usage and activation of eSIMs. High smartphone upgrade rates, demand for travel connectivity, wearables and multi device ecosystems create fertile ground for eSIM deployment.

For instance, the region is said to have one of the fastest rates of eSIM adoption globally, with the smartphone eSIM connection penetration forecast to reach high percentages in the coming years. The co ordination between the various stakeholders device OEMs, carriers, standards bodies and regulators is more mature in North America. This means fewer barriers to eSIM roll out, smoother certification and faster time to market for new devices and services.

• June 2025: EmoSIM, a Nigerian technology company, introduced a new eSIM solution that enables users to connect to mobile networks across 190 countries without the need to swap SIM cards or incur roaming charges.
• May 2025: GCT Semiconductor Holding Inc. and Giesecke+Devrient GmbH announced a strategic partnership to introduce an advanced SGP.32 eSIM solution featuring Integrated Profile Activation Device support for multi-network IoT devices.
• January 2025: major telecommunications companies in Spain, including Movistar and Vodafone, announced the transition from traditional SIM cards to eSIM technology, marking a significant shift towards more secure and efficient mobile connectivity.
• December 2024: TRASNA Solutions further expanded its IoT services by acquiring IoTerop, a company specializing in device management, aiming to improve its offerings in the IoT ecosystem.
• February 2024: TRASNA Solutions acquired Workz, a company specializing in cloud eSIM technology, to enhance its services in mobile IoT technologies, including SIM, eSIM, and System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions.
• March 2024: Airalo, an eSIM marketplace, reached a milestone of over 10 million users, reflecting its growing presence in the global eSIM market.