iPhone 14 with eSIM! What is eSIM? How to get an eSIM in India right now?

The iPhone 14 is expected to get an eSIM-only connectivity and if you want to know more about the technology, here’s everything.

eSIM technology is an advanced version of the SIM card that negates the need for physical SIM card.

The iPhone 14 moving to an eSIM-only mode could be another one of Apple's “courageous” moves next year, if the leaks hold an ounce of truth. Having an eSIM-only configuration translates to no SIM card slot on your next iPhone. This could affect the way you use phones and may even affect your buying decision once the rest of the industry picks up the trend.

Wait, are you wondering what exactly is eSIM? Have you heard of it somewhere previously? If you wonder what eSIM is, you are reading the right story. We have collated everything you need to know about the eSIM technology and how it is going to affect your smartphone usage habits in the future.

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iPhone 13 Pro Max has an eSIM slot available for the secondary SIM card. (Amritanshu Mukherjee / HT Tech)

iPhone 13 Pro Max has an eSIM slot available for the secondary SIM card. (Amritanshu Mukherjee / HT Tech)

eSIM: What is it?

SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module and eSIM is simply a digital version of the same. In layman's English, eSIM technology connects your smartphone, smartwatch, and other devices to your chosen network operator digitally. There's no need for a physical SIM card in eSIm enabled devices; users simply need to download their eSIM profile from their operator and get going.

eSIM means no SIM card?

You won't be dealing with a physical SIM card like you do with a modern-day smartphone. Instead, you register for the eSIM connection with your operator and they either send you a code that downloads your SIM profile data to your device.

What is the benefit of eSIM?

With eSIM, your phone has one lesser port to deal with. Hence, with an eSIM, your smartphone can have better waterproof rating as well as make space for other bigger components; a bigger battery for example.

What are the drawbacks of eSIM?

Since there's no physical card available, changing to a new smartphone will require you to visit the network operator store every time.

Does any smartphone currently use eSIM?

A lot of smartphones use eSIM. Every iPhone model since the iPhone XR supports an eSIM connection alongside the standard physical SIM card slot. eSIM connectivity can also be found on several Samsung Galaxy S and Note devices, as well as the older Google Pixel models.

Do smartphones only use eSIM?

eSIM tech has been widely used on smartwatches lately. If you buy the LTE versions of the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch, you are dealing with an eSIM inside. On the Apple Watch Series 7, you can download your eSIM profile from your paired iPhone directly via the Watch app.

Which network providers in India offer eSIM?

Airtel, Jio and Vodafone Idea (Vi) offer eSIM services for their subscribers across smartphones and smartwatches. BSNL and MTNL do not offer eSIM services as of now.

How to get an eSIM connectivity?

When you use Jio, Airtel or Vodafone Idea, you can reach out to your network operator. Every company has a different process for allocating an eSIM connection. We recommend you reach out to your network operator to get a clear idea. For example, Airtel eSIM can be had without going to the stores while Jio eSIM cards need you to visit a Jio outlet.