It seems that Apple won’t transition to eSIM-only iPhones in 2022, or at least not in the way we expected. Previous information suggests that Cupertino is working to remove the SIM card tray in the upcoming iPhone 14 lineup. We also received information indicating that Apple was already talking with major US carriers to prepare them for the arrival of eSIM-only iPhone models. However, the latest information from GlobalData analyst Emma Mohr-McClune suggests that the transition to eSIM-only iPhones will take longer.

Apple’s first devices to feature eSIM support launched in 2018 when the iPhone XS lineup and the iPhone XR hit the market, which means three years of enjoying this tech and its features. In addition, the latest iPhone 13 lineup now supports multiple eSIM profiles, meaning that users can already use different cellular plans digitally, which also lets them switch between one service and another whenever they feel like doing so.  Would you go for an eSIM-only iPhone?

Following a series of published rumours that Apple is set to launch an eSIM-only iPhone handset in September;

Emma Mohr-McClune, a Technology Service Director at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers her view:

“An eSIM-only iPhone was always a question of ‘when’, not ‘if’—but, so far, there has been insufficient consideration as to ‘how’.

“We don’t believe that Apple will take the ‘big bang’ approach—getting rid of existing systems and transferring all users to eSIMs—but rather launch an eSIM-only variant of its upcoming new model—retaining the dual eSIM-plus-physical SIM slot model for the mass market and its key carrier channel.

“To that end, we believe telecom companies will be given the choice of whether to stock and sell a new eSIM-only iPhone variation alongside more cellular business-friendly dual eSIM/physical SIM support models.

“Further, we think it’s likely that the primary focus of this theoretical eSIM-only iPhone will be the Apple channel and that, by launch, Apple will provide this model with ‘wireless data connectivity inside’ together with one or more connectivity partners—much in the same way it positions 4G and 5G connectivity for the iPad today.

“Apple may also consider a VAS digital service shakeup, aligning Apple-sourced connectivity with certain Apple-branded digital services for a more attractive overall proposition.

“Telcos need to prepare carefully for such an eventuality, boosting their own internal eSIM support tools and general marketing and support readiness, as well as improving their own eSIM onboarding and anticipating aggressor eSIM-support ‘test pilot’ promotion, such as the ones we’ve seen recently in the US from T-Mobile and Verizon’s Visible.” esim only iphone