SHIFT ’s modular smartphones, known for their easy repairability and eco-conscious design, will now support eSIM functionality through Thales’s physical eSIM format solution. Unlike traditional eSIMs, which are soldered into the device, the Thales solution comes in a pluggable format, offering unparalleled flexibility and enabling the secure download and storage of several connectivity plans. Users can insert the eSIM into one of the phone’s SIM slots, transforming their device into an eSIM-enabled smartphone while retaining compatibility with standard SIM cards.

Thanks to Thales’s solution, SHIFT’s customers will benefit from enhanced flexibility and convenience as they can store and switch between up to 10 connectivity plans, catering to diverse needs such as prepaid, corporate, or travel connectivity plans.

With this partnership, SHIFT and Thales are paving the way for more flexible and environmentally friendly mobile connectivity, combining Thales’s advanced connectivity expertise with SHIFT’s commitment to producing modular, repairable, and eco-conscious smartphones, setting a new standard for mobile technology.

“At SHIFT, we believe that sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. Through our partnership with Thales, we empower our customers to experience cutting-edge connectivity, while staying true to our modular design philosophy and commitment to eco-conscious practices. This solution offers the flexibility brought by an eSIM, reducing the need for multiple physical cards, cutting down on plastic waste, and supporting more eco-friendly devices”, 

said Carsten Waldeck, CEO and founder of SHIFT.

“We are proud to support SHIFT in transforming their smartphones with our programmable EcoSIM technology. This collaboration demonstrates how advanced connectivity solutions can align seamlessly with responsible goals. It positions SHIFT as a new player in the growing eSIM market, allowing them to test demand for eSIM-enabled smartphones, while maintaining their sustainable ethos”,

said Eva Rudin, VP Mobile Connectivity Solutions at Thales.

About Shiftphones

Shiftphones (or SHIFT) is a German smartphone brand focused on sustainability, modularity, and fair production. The company aims to create ethical, repairable, and long-lasting smartphones, similar to Fairphone.

Key Features of Shiftphones:

• Modular Design: Shift phones are designed to be easily repairable with replaceable parts to reduce electronic waste.
• Fair & Ethical Production: The company promotes fair working conditions and responsible sourcing of materials.
• Sustainability Focus: Shiftphones minimize their environmental impact by reducing e-waste and offering a deposit system to encourage recycling.
• Android-Based OS: The phones run on a nearly stock version of Android, often with the option to install custom ROMs for privacy-conscious users.

Popular Models:

• SHIFT6mq – A high-end modular smartphone with a focus on longevity and repairability.
• SHIFT5me – A mid-range device with a compact, repair-friendly design.