In September 2022, iPhone will launch iPhone 14 which adds up to their smartphones line-up. While the specifications such as camera quality and storage memory will improve from the previous iPhone, the major change is that they won't come with a SIM card slot. Apple has indeed incorporated the eSIM system into their devices such as iPhone XS onwards, every iPad released since iPad Pro 3rd generation, and Apple Watch Series 3 and later. However, Samsung is the first initiator of the eSIM implementation with Samsung Gear S2 Classic 3G, released in 2016. Since these electronic devices still have their SIM card slot intact, the practice of eSIM has not yet been widely implemented. To prepare ourselves for a shift in smartphone design, we better get acquainted with what's called; the eSIM.
To operate a phone, we certainly need a SIM card that allows us to connect and communicate with people. The vast digitalization in today's generation will eventually introduce us to an embedded SIM (eSIM), which is a form of programmable SIM that is embedded directly into a device. Previously, we needed to buy a SIM card and insert it into our phones. But with the existence of eSIM, we only need to open our camera and scan a QR code, then voilà- you have successfully registered a new number to your phone!
This would be practical especially for travel inquiries, where we need to switch from our home country's provider to the destination country's provider. It sometimes may be a hassle because we need to turn off our phones, plug out the card slot and insert the SIM. It is also suitable for smartwatches or smart glasses and encourages the Internet of Things (IoT). In addition, since it doesn't have a physical copy, eSIM will also contribute to the reduction of electronic waste.
Remember the time where we were required to visit the provider's office to switch the phone services from 3G to 4G? Do we need to make adjustments to our phones for the eSIM to work? The answer will be no, as it's already embedded in our phones. However, it is advisable to check whether the phone you're using supports eSIM. While some electronic devices have already supported the eSIM system, the providers, however, not so much.
Currently, there are only 10 countries that provide enforcement of the eSIM. This derives from the fact that many people are not yet getting used to eSIM and the device's availability is rather limited. In Indonesia, Smartfren is the only provider that has its e-SIM products available to use. Others like Telkomsel, Indosat, Tri, and XL are still in the process of developing the use of eSIM. While the development of the eSIM is rather slow, it is promised to be the future standard of smartphones' SIM as it encourages the birth of a new ecosystem in the cellular industry.
(HAI/DIR)