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You may be interested to know that eSIM entered the arena of high-tech services not too long ago, and since then the approach to buying and activating the SIM card on your phone has completely changed. However, what is an eSIM? Why is China afraid of the MFF2: M2M form factor? Which iPhone models are already inseparable from the e-SIM? We’ll talk about all this in the article.
Overview of eSIM history: Possibilities of use
You may have thought that e-SIM technology has been around for the past 2-3 years, but you will be shocked to learn that it is almost 10 years old. The main leap forward in the development was to save space in the smartphone. Let’s say the size of a physical SIM of the latest generation 4FF or Nano SIM is 12.3 mm high and 8.8 mm wide, but the new embedded format is only 6×5 mm. So what is an Embedded SIM?
E-SIM is a transition to another reality of using cellular settings at home or abroad. It is an inseparable building block that allows you to be an IT chameleon. Just imagine no longer having to buy several SIM cards: separately for business, for personal life or a local SIM for travel. Now all these settings are aimed at the one version already built into the phone. It should be noted that not all handsets are currently equipped with virtual SIM technology, but almost all new models over the past 3-4 years have 90% of them embedded.
For almost 10 years, the MFF2: M2M form factor project is being in the works and undergoing an optimization process, first appearing in the brains of the Samsung Gear S2 Classic. So, many corporations bet on the development of Embedded SIM and did not go wrong, as the electronic version of the cellular data chip appealed to users around the world.
With the release of the iPhone models XS and XR in 2018, eSIM in iPhone received a new round of development. And for almost 5 years now, more and more people are switching to eSIM, forgetting the inconvenience of using a physical SIM. Let’s talk about the main advantages?
The benefits of eSIM: Moving into a new era of technology
Why China banned iPhones with eSIM? It’s very simple, the Chinese authorities consider the current international e-SIM standard insufficiently secure in terms of mechanisms to confirm the identity of those using the virtual SIM card.
Related: “Is ESIM Safe? Everything You Need To Know“
So China is working on developing its own ecosystem. In which it would not be the user who would choose the SIM card profile to install on their device, but rather the administrator, represented by the service provider. And it is this capability that is the first fact in favour of choosing MFF2: M2M form factor.
Advantages of eSIM:
- First, you’ll be able to activate up to 10 profiles on an iPhone with eSIM, and use two active ones at a time. For example, you can activate two profiles at the same time while traveling, thereby getting two active mobile numbers. One will be with local settings for favorable communication within the country, and the other will be your personal home one;
- Connection of eSIM does not require a personal visit to a mobile service centre and allows you to purchase and set up a new number online. You submit an application, pay and then the mobile operator sends your personal settings in the form of a QR-code. Especially for you we have prepared detailed instructions on how to activate the eSIM profile in a few steps;
- Many users are wondering: “Does iPhone have eSIM?” Yes, and this is a third plus in favour of eSIM. The smartphones, tablets and smartwatches of the famous corporation include an embedded chip and have a large share of production in the market of modern devices;
- Supporting the environment. Environmental issues are one of the priorities and issues of the 21st century, and electronic SIMs meets all new standards. This type of SIM card eliminates the manufacture of plastic Nano-cards, thus reducing the use of plastic in the world;
- Finally, using an e-SIM is also safe because the chip embedded in the “brain” of the phone cannot be lost or stolen. It is a kind of tattoo on your modern smartphone.
The list of eSIM supported iPhones in 2023
Which iPhone models have eSIM? We present a comprehensive list of smartphones and smart devices that support Embedded SIM technology:
- iPhone models: XS, XR, SE;
- Eleventh’s version: 11 Pro and Pro Max;
- Twelve’s generation: 12 Mini, Pro and Pro Max;
- iPhone Thirteenth’s model: 13 Mini, Pro & Pro Max;
- iPhone Fourteenth’s version: 14 Plus, Pro and Pro Max;
- iPad generations 2018 and up models: iPad Pro 11 version 12.9-inch, iPad Air the third, iPad Mini from 4 years ago;
- Apple Watch: Series from 3 to 8 generations and Ultra.
Summary
So, e-SIM technology is a real forte in the market for IT services and modern smart gadgets. It is the new trend of choice for travellers and business people around the world. Embedded SIM is three key points of reference: financial benefits, convenience and speed of installation, and the ability to be always online without roaming and overpayments.