iSIM vs eSIM: What’s the difference?
Since the turn of the century, the human race has become increasingly more reliant on technology for communication. During this time, SIM cards have played a huge role in keeping us connected. However, SIM cards are more than 30 years old, and with new technologies such as the internet of things (IoT) emerging and taking the world by storm, the demand for more modern communication solutions has increased. Two of these solutions that have enabled businesses to optimise their IoT offerings are iSIM and eSIM. But what exactly are they, and how do they differ from each other and standard SIM cards?
What is a SIM card?
A SIM card is a small, removable chip that stores information used to authenticate and connect a device to a cellular network. Let’s take a closer look at traditional SIM cards and their disadvantages.
Traditional SIM cards
Traditional SIM cards are physical cards that need to be inserted into a device to enable cellular connectivity. They come in different sizes, including standard, mini, micro, and nano SIM cards. These cards contain a unique identifier called the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number, which is used to authenticate the device on the network.
Disadvantages of traditional SIM Cards
The limitations of traditional SIM cards have led to the development of more advanced technologies such as eSIM and iSIM, which aim to overcome these drawbacks and provide a more seamless and flexible mobile connectivity experience.
What is an eSIM (embedded SIM)?
SIM technology has come a long way since the introduction of the first SIM card in 1991. As devices have evolved, so too has the way we connect to mobile networks. An eSIM card, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM that’s embedded directly into a device’s hardware. Unlike traditional SIM cards, an eSIM is reprogrammable OTA (over the air), allowing users to switch between network operators without having to swap out a physical SIM card.
Key advantages of eSIM technology include:
eSIM technology has been adopted by various device manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, and Google. They are used across a wide range of devices including smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. eSIMs are also widely used in IoT devices, such as smart meters and connected vehicles, where the ability to remotely provision and manage connectivity is critical.
The introduction of eSIM has marked a significant step forward in the evolution of SIM technology, offering greater flexibility and convenience for both consumers and businesses. As more devices support eSIM, it’s expected to become the standard for mobile connectivity in the future.
What is an iSIM (integrated SIM)?
An iSIM, or integrated SIM card, is the next evolution in SIM technology that goes beyond eSIM capabilities. Introduced in 2022, iSIM is a new standard that integrates the SIM functionality directly into the device’s main processor or system-on-a-chip (SoC).
Advantages of iSIMs
iSIMs offer several advantages over both traditional SIM cards and eSIMs:
Disadvantages of iSIMs
While iSIMs offer numerous benefits, there are a couple of potential drawbacks to consider:
Comparing eSIM vs iSIM
eSIM and iSIM are both advanced SIM technologies that offer significant advantages over traditional SIM cards…
The future of SIM technology
As SIM technology continues to evolve, it’s crucial to understand the potential timeline for widespread adoption of iSIM and how it may impact the future of eSIM. Let’s explore these aspects in more detail.
Adoption timeline for iSIM
The adoption of iSIM technology is expected to gain momentum in the coming years, driven by several factors:
In 2024 iSIM technology is still very new, but according to industry experts this will increase dramatically over the next few years. In fact, Kaleido Intelligence are predicting that iSIM shipments will grow to more than 300 million units by 2027.
As more chipset manufacturers integrate iSIM functionality into their chips and modules, and as device manufacturers embrace this technology, the ecosystem will mature. This will lead to broader iSIM adoption across many sectors, including consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial IoT.
Will iSIM Replace eSIM?
While iSIM offers several advantages over eSIM, it’s unlikely that it will completely replace the latter any time soon. We expect both technologies to coexist, catering to many different use cases:
In the long term future, we believe the transition from eSIM to iSIM will be gradual. Device manufacturers and mobile network operators will need to adapt their infrastructure and processes to support the new technology. This coexistence period will allow for a smooth transition, ensuring that consumers and businesses can continue to benefit from the advantages of both eSIM and iSIM.
As SIM technology continues to evolve, it’s essential for industry stakeholders to collaborate and drive the adoption of iSIM. This approach will foster innovation, enhance security, and unlock new possibilities in the era of connected devices.
Choosing the right SIM technology
When deciding between eSIM and iSIM for your connected devices, it’s crucial to consider your specific use case and requirements. Let’s explore the key factors that can guide your decision.
Conclusion
As the IoT landscape continues to evolve, it’s crucial for device manufacturers and service providers to carefully consider the choice between eSIM and iSIM technologies. While eSIM offers a more mature and widely supported solution, iSIM presents compelling advantages for compact devices, cost efficiency, enhanced security, and seamless connectivity in IoT applications.
Looking ahead, we anticipate a growing adoption of iSIM technology, driven by its potential to streamline device design, reduce costs, and provide a more futureproof connectivity solution. However, the success of iSIM will depend on close collaboration among industry stakeholders to ensure compatibility with the existing eSIM infrastructure and to drive widespread adoption across the IoT ecosystem.
