eSIM (or embedded SIM) is a technology that enables mobile phone use without needing to insert a physical SIM card. Instead, it's downloaded through an installation process usually involving scanning a QR code from the carrier.

Travelers especially benefit from eSIM, as it makes switching carriers a breeze when they land. As such, eSIM has become increasingly popular among smartphone users.

Apple’s first eSIM-enabled phone

The iPhone XS and XS Max are the first phones to support eSIM, an embedded SIM card that can store up to eight lines. Compatible with any data network, eSIM activation or deactivation is done easily through software in seconds.

The eSIM provides the ability to add a second line without physically swapping out the device's SIM tray, making several use cases possible such as roaming and using an extra line on your smartphone while abroad.

Apple has been an enthusiastic supporter of eSIM technology since 2014, first introduced on their latest iPhones and iPad Pros in 2014, then implemented on the Apple Watch in 2017. Though still in its early days, eSIM technology has already made great strides forward and is set to become an integral part of smartphone manufacturing going forward.

Google’s first eSIM-enabled phone

The eSIM (Embeded Subscriber Identity Module) is a small electronic chip that uniquely identifies your device and provides network connectivity. It's revolutionizing how smartphones and other cellular devices are connected, enabling users to switch networks or mobile operators with just a phone call or text message.

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Android is set to introduce the Multiple Enabled Profiles (MEP) feature in its next update, making it simpler to transfer eSIM profile data between phones. With this technology, a single eSIM can support up to five distinct SIM profiles.

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Recently, Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 4 phones received an update that added Dual-SIM Dual Standby capability, enabling you to activate two networks simultaneously without having to manually switch between them. This means you can use one network for internet data and the other for calls and texts.

This marks the first time an eSIM-enabled smartphone has been offered in North America. Google credits Project Fi, its carrier that launched last year, with making this possible.

Samsung’s first eSIM-enabled phone

An eSIM is a new type of electronic SIM that stores your mobile connection information. This simplifies switching between networks and prevents roaming charges when traveling abroad.

Additionally, eSIM technology frees up space for larger batteries and more features on smartphones, while saving phone makers money on manufacturing and distributing many SIM cards. Eventually, this could become a universal standard.

If your Samsung Galaxy phone supports eSIM, activate it from the settings menu to set a default line for making calls, sending SMS messages, using iMessage and FaceTime.

If you're traveling abroad and require local data service, setting up another line for cellular data can be done easily. Once connected, eSIM automatically activates your phone and grants access to its wireless network. Dual-SIM phones have the added bonus of using both SIMs simultaneously - using one for data use and another voice call/texting number.

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Motorola’s first eSIM-enabled phone

Apple wasn't the first company to introduce eSIM technology, but rather Motorola's Razr flip smartphone. This serves as an example of how phones are moving away from physical SIM card slots and using eSIM instead, saving space while making switching carriers and data plans much simpler.

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With an eSIM card, you can activate additional cellular data plans on your device that you can use both locally and internationally. This helps you avoid roaming charges while saving money when traveling abroad.

Additionally, many eSIM-enabled devices can support up to five virtual SIM cards simultaneously. Unlike physical SIM cards that need special tools for removal and inserting, programming an eSIM-enabled device is done automatically through an app or by scanning a QR code with your phone.

With this in mind, Motorola has announced their 2022 flagship with an eSIM card: the Edge 2022. For those seeking a phone with impressive battery life and features to match more expensive flagships, this is an ideal option.