An eSIM (embedded subscriber identity module) is a form of SIM card that is used directly into a device onto an eUICC chip. It connects mobile network operators via remote SIM provisioning and users can change mobile network operators without needing to physically swap a SIM from the device. Most mobile phones released in 2018 or later have eSIM technology. Users can change plans or cellulars at any time online.
In February 2016, the Samsung Gear S2 Classic 3G was the first device to have an eSIM. In September 2022, the iPhone 14 series were the first iPhone models to replace the physical SIM card with eSIM in the United States.
On 9 September 2025, the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max were the first iPhone models to replace the physical SIM card with eSIM in 11 conturies such as Bahrain, Canada, Guam, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and U.S. Virgin Islands. The iPhone Air was the first iPhone model to have eSIM-only in worldwide.
