Explosive Growth Predicted for eSIM Technology with Over 9 Billion Devices to Ship by 2030
The landscape of cellular connectivity is on the brink of a significant transformation, with eSIM technology at the forefront of this change. A recent analysis forecasts an astounding surge in eSIM-capable devices, predicting shipments to breach the 9 billion mark over a span from 2024 to 2030. This remarkable growth trajectory, estimated at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22%, signals a major shift in the industry’s dynamics.
At the vanguard of this evolution, smartphones along with cellular Internet of Things (IoT) modules will predominantly carry the baton, with predictions stating that nearly 70% of all cellular devices shipped by the year 2030 will support eSIM or iSIM capabilities. This projection comes on the heels of significant milestones in the adoption of eSIM technology, notably marked by the release of the first eSIM-only iPhone model in the United States in 2022. Such developments underscore a swift transition into a phase of accelerated growth and expansion for eSIM technology.
The realm of smartphones currently experiences the most significant uptake of eSIM technology among consumers. Nevertheless, the impact of eSIM extends far beyond, promising substantial benefits to various sectors. Notably, industries like automotive with connected car technologies, and networking with gateway and router configurations, as well as drones, stand to gain immensely. The inherent challenges in managing physical SIMs in these applications render eSIM and iSIM solutions not just convenient but increasingly indispensable. Anticipations are high that eSIM will soon become the standard in these fields.
Support for eSIM services has seen a remarkable expansion, now encompassing over 400 operators worldwide facilitating connectivity for an average of more than 50 consumer devices. This growing network of support paves the way for the broader adoption and integration of eSIM technologies across a spectrum of devices and applications.
The next era of cellular device ecosystem could very well be dominated by iSIM-capable devices, as current trends and analyses suggest. While iSIM technology is in its nascent stages, experts anticipate a rapid uptake in the coming years, driven by its capacity to enhance device efficiency through reductions in cost, size, and complexity. This positions iSIM technology as an ideal candidate for a broad array of IoT applications, spanning from smart home ecosystems to advanced industrial sensors, promising a new frontier of connectivity and integration.
As the cellular connectivity landscape evolves, the shift towards eSIM and iSIM technologies represents a major leap forward. With the promise of enhanced efficiency, expanded connectivity options, and a seamless user experience, the move towards these integrated solutions is set to redefine the industry standards and consumer expectations. The next decade will undoubtedly witness an unprecedented era of growth in eSIM technology, marking the beginning of a more connected and flexible digital world.
