Consumer eSIM is revolutionising the telecoms industry—not by storm, as some had predicted, but gradually. The momentum is accelerating, driven mainly by Apple’s release of not one, but two eSIM-only iPhone models in the US in recent years.
Around the same time last year, we decided to compile a list of 50 statistics about consumer eSIM. However, as consumer momentum accelerates, we thought it best to review our findings and check for any updates. The results? 117 statistics this time around, across the same categories! It’s a long read, so without further ado, let’s dive into the data.
We’ve also created a downloadable PDF to view all the statistics we’ve compiled in this blog! Click here to download!
Consumer eSIM Market – Size & Worth
At least one new report evaluating the size and speed of growth of the eSIM market comes out every week. Each provides slightly different numbers. Some reports assess the industry as a whole, combining consumer and IoT applications, while others focus on one or the other. It’s easy to get confused, so here’s our synthesis of the most important reports to date.
Focusing on the most comprehensive reports that include all segments, verticals, and markets, the global size of the eSIM market was approximately USD 7.3 billion in 2021 and USD 8.34 billion in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 17.5 billion by 2030 and USD 19.35 billion by 2031. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for this period oscillates between 7% and 11%.
Source: Mobilise, based on Straits Research
The Business Research Company evaluates the current eSIM market to be worth nearly $4.8 billion in 2023, indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.8% since 2018.
It further predicts that the market will grow from $4.8 billion in 2023 to $14.8 billion in 2028, at a CAGR of 25.4%, and then at a CAGR of 18.5% from 2028, reaching $34.6 billion by 2033.
Although the report starts with much lower base numbers, it provides very similar predictions for the future of the eSIM market, indicating a more rapid growth in the following decade.
The same report segments the market by solution, application, and vertical.
eSIM market segmented by solution
Solutions include hardware, connectivity services.
The connectivity services segment dominates, accounting for 88.6%, or $4.2 billion, of the total in 2023. It is expected to be the fastest-growing segment, with a CAGR of 25.7% during the 2023-2028 period.
eSIM market segmented by application
Application include connected car, smartphone and tablet, wearable device, other applications.
The connected car segment was the largest in 2023, representing 39.2% or $1.8 billion of the total. The smartphone and tablet segment, however, is expected to be the fastest-growing at a CAGR of 28.8% during the 2023-2028 period.
eSIM market segmented by vertical
Verticals include: automotive, consumer electronics, energy and utilities, manufacturing, retail, other verticals.
The automotive segment was the largest in 2023, accounting for 39.6% or almost $1.9 billion of the total. Moving forward, the consumer electronics segment is expected to be the fastest growing in the eSIM market, with a CAGR of 27.9% during the 2023-2028 period.
Source: GSMA Intelligence
Additionally, according to the GSMA, in 2021, there were 1.2 billion of eSIM connections across smartphones, smartwatches, laptops and tablets, with approximately 850 million being smartphone connections.
By 2025, the number is estimated to grow to 3.4 billion and between around 25% (low adoption) and 40% (high adoption) of smartphone connections could be eSIM worldwide.
By 2030, 6.7 billion which will account for 76% of the total number of smartphone connections will be through eSIMs. (GSMA Intelligence).
Another significant aspect is the travel eSIM market. The total expenditure in the travel eSIM market is estimated to grow from $1.7 billion in 2024 to between $8.7 billion and $10 billion by 2028. The travel eSIM market will experience at least a 410% growth and will comprise a substantial portion of the total eSIM market by 2028.
Source: Mobilise’s Consumer eSIM White Paper
Lastly, eSIMs not only generate revenue growth but also contribute to savings for mobile operators. According to our Consumer eSIM White Paper, the average cost of a plastic SIM card is 2.5 US dollars, inclusive of the card itself, packaging, and delivery. In contrast, the average cost of an eSIM is between 20 and 50 cents. This means that operators switching to eSIMs can reduce their SIM card costs by 80%. To put it into perspective, a mobile operator with 1 million subscribers and approximately 50% gross additions per annum could save 1 million US dollars annually by switching to 100% eSIM provisioning.
Consumer eSIM Market Size & Worth Statistics
- The global eSIM market size was estimated to be between USD 7.3 billion (Straits Research) and USD 10.8 billion (SkyQuest) in 2021.
- The global eSIM market size was estimated to be at USD 8.34 billion in 2022. (Straits Research)
- The lowest estimation of the global eSIM market size is USD 17.5 billion by 2030. (Straits Research)
- The global eSIM market size is expected to grow at a CAGR between 7% (Spherical Insights) and 10.2% (Straits Research) from 2022 to 2030.
- The global eSIM market size is projected to reach USD 19.35 billion by 2031, growing at an estimated CAGR of 10.5 % from 2023 to 2031. (Straits Research)
- The global eSIM market reached a value of nearly $4.8 billion in 2023, having grown at a CAGR of 29.8% since 2018. (The Business Research Company)
- The market is expected to grow from $4.7 billion in 2023 to $14.8 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 25.4%. (The Business Research Company)
- The market is then expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.5% from 2028 and reach $34.6 billion in 2033. (The Business Research Company)
- The connectivity services market was the largest segment of the eSIM market segmented by solution (solutions: hardware, connectivity services), accounting for 6%, or $4.2 billion of the total in 2023. (The Business Research Company)
- Going forward, the connectivity services segment is expected to be the fastest growing segment in the eSIM market segmented by solution, at a CAGR of 25.7% during the 2023-2028 period. (The Business Research Company)
- The connected car market was the largest segment of the eSIM market segmented by application (applications: connected car, smartphone and tablet, wearable device, other applications), accounting for 2% or $1.8 billion of the total in 2023. (The Business Research Company)
- Going forward, the smartphone and tablet segment is expected to be the fastest growing segment in the eSIM market segmented by application, at a CAGR of 8% during the 2023-2028 period. (The Business Research Company)
- The automotive market was the largest segment of the eSIM market segmented by vertical (verticals: automotive, consumer electronics, energy and utilities, manufacturing, retail, and other verticals), accounting for 6% or almost $1.9 billion of the total in 2023. (The Business Research Company)
- Annual eSIM card shipments in the automotive industry will approach 1 million by 2028, a nearly sevenfold increase over 2023. (ABI Research)
- Total shipments of eSIMs in the automotive market will surpass the 463 million mark between 2023 and 2028. (ABI Research)
- Going forward, the consumer electronics segment is expected to be the fastest growing segment in the eSIM market segmented by vertical, at a CAGR of 27.9% during the 2023-2028 (The Business Research Company)
- Travel SIM and eSIM market will grow from $1.7 billion in 2024, to more than $8.7 billion by 2028. (Juniper Research)
- The travel eSIM market will grow by 410% between 2024 and 2028, making up a significant portion of the overall eSIM market. Juniper Research)
- In 2021, there were 2 billion eSIM connections across smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, and tablets. (GSMA)
- In 2021, there were 850 million eSIM connections across smartphones. (GSMA)
- In 2025, there will be 4 billion eSIM connections. (GSMA Intelligence)
- In 2025, the eSIM adoption rate across smartphones will be between 25% (low adoption) and 40% (high adoption) worldwide. (GSMA Intelligence)
- In 2030, there will be 7 billion eSIM connections. (GSMA Intelligence)
- In 2030, the eSIM adoption rate across smartphones will be 76% (GSMA Intelligence)
- The number of eSIM connections will have grown by 183% between 2021 and 2025. (Mobilise based on GSMA)
- The number of eSIM connections will grow by 97% between 2025 and 2030. (Mobilise based on GSMA Intelligence)
- The number of eSIM connections will have grown by 458% between 2021 and 2030. (Mobilise based on GSMA Intelligence)
- The eSIM adoption across smartphones will grow by 43 percentage points between 2025 and 2030 (medium adoption scenario). (Mobilise based on GSMA Intelligence)
- The average cost of a plastic SIM card is 2.5 US dollars (inclusive of the card itself, the packaging, and delivery). (Mobilise’s Consumer eSIM White Paper)
- The average cost of an eSIM is between 20 and 50 cents. (Mobilise’s Consumer eSIM White Paper)
- Switching to eSIMs results in up to 80% decrease in SIM card costs. (Mobilise’s Consumer eSIM White Paper)
- To put this into perspective, a mobile operator with 1 million subscribers and approx. 50% gross additions per annum could save 1 million US dollars of costs per annum by switching to 100% eSIM provisioning. (Mobilise’s Consumer eSIM White Paper)
Click here for a downloadable PDF to view all the statistics we’ve compiled in this blog!
eSIM Market Share by Region
The eSIM market is continuously expanding, with some countries experiencing more significant growth than others.
Source: Mobilise’s own compilation of data from various sources, mainly GSMA Intelligence reports
The most recent data from GSMA indicates that 102 countries supported eSIM at the beginning of 2023. This accounts for over half of all countries worldwide, representing a 325% increase from 2018. The year-on-year growth in countries supporting eSIM has slowed, decreasing from 53% between 2018 and 2019 to just 7% between 2021 and 2022, before picking up again by 16% between 2022 and 2023.
Source: eSIM Man
It’s also interesting to observe the dynamics of market share over the years.
In 2020, Europe emerged as the clear leader in the eSIM market, holding a 41% share, followed by Asia Pacific at 25%, and the Middle East and North Africa contributing 13% to the overall market.
Source: GSMA
In 2021, the eSIM market share was dominated by Europe, with the United Kingdom, Germany, and France emerging as the primary revenue-generating nations in this segment. North America and Asia Pacific followed closely behind, according to SkyQuest.
By 2023, North America had taken the lead, accounting for between 36.9% (The Business Research Company) and 42% (Market.us) of all eSIM sales. It was followed by Western Europe at 30%, Asia Pacific at 23%, South America at 5%, and the Middle East and Africa at 2% (Cognitive Market Research).
The ascent of North America as a market leader in eSIM was spurred by the release of the first eSIM-only iPhone there in September 2022. Additionally, there’s a growing global demand for connected devices.
Source: Mobilise, based on Cognitive Market Research & Market.us
Forecasts for the period 2023-2028 clearly indicate the Asia Pacific as the fastest-growing market, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 28.9%, according to The Business Research Company. This rapid growth can be attributed to the increasing penetration of mobile internet in the APAC region, which has doubled in the last few years (SkyQuest), and the growing adoption of eSIM technology in machine-to-machine (M2M) devices, especially in China and Japan.
Source: Mobilise, based on The Business Research Company
In fact, China is expected to emerge as the largest eSIM market. Despite joining the eSIM landscape later than other countries, it’s projected to have an estimated half a billion eSIM smartphone connections by 2025 (GSMA Intelligence). Considering that in January 2024, there were about 1.76 billion mobile connections in China (Statista), GSMA predicts that between approximately 20% (low adoption) and 35% (high adoption) of smartphone connections could be through eSIMs in China.
Source: GSMA Intelligence
Following Asia Pacific, North America is expected to grow at a CAGR of 25.2%. Western Europe and South America are also set to expand, with expected CAGRs of 24.6% and 24.1% respectively, according to The Business Research Company.
As for other regions, Statista projected in 2023 that 33% of all smartphone connections in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region will be eSIMs by 2025.
eSIM Market Share by Region Statistics
- At the beginning of 2023, 102 countries across the world supported eSIM. (GSMA)
- 52% of countries globally supported eSIM at the beginning of 2023. (Mobilise, based on GSMA)
- The number of countries supporting eSIM increased by 325% between 2018 and 2022. (Mobilise, based on GSMA)
- The year-on-year growth of countries supporting eSIM has decreased from 53% between 2018 and 2019 to only 7% between 2021 and 2022 to pick up by 16% between 2022 and 2023. (Mobilise, based on GSMA)
- In 2020, Europe had 41% of the global eSIM market share, followed by APAC at 25% and MENA at 13%.
- In 2023, North America had between 9% (The Business Research Company) and 42% (Market.us) of all eSIM sales, followed by Western Europe at 30% and the Asia Pacific at 23%, South America at 5% and Middle East and Africa at 2% (Cognitive Market Research).
- APAC will be the fastest developing region in 2023-2028, at a CAGR of 28.9%, followed by North America, growing at 2% CAGR, Western Europe with a CAGR of 24.6% and South America, where the market is expected to grow at 24.1% CAGR. (The Business Research Company)
- China will be the largest single eSIM market, with 500 million eSIM connections by 2025. (GSMA Intelligence)
- Between around 20% (low adoption) and 35% (high adoption) of smartphone connections could be eSIM in China by 2025. (GSMA)
Click here for a downloadable PDF to view all the statistics we’ve compiled in this blog!
eSIM Compatibility in Consumer Devices
The availability of eSIM on consumer devices is crucial for its adoption. Without sufficient eSIM-capable consumer devices, mobile operators will not see the point in launching eSIM offerings, and users will be unable to enjoy the benefits of the technology. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) play an important role in facilitating eSIM uptake in the consumer market, but are they performing effectively?
Adapted from: Counterpoint
Starting with a bit of history, eSIM was initially launched in 2010 to serve the IoT market. By 2016, its use in the consumer market was approved, strongly championed by Apple. However, it was Google that released the first eSIM-capable consumer smartphone, the Pixel 2, in 2017.
Apple quickly followed suit. In 2018, it introduced eSIM support on the iPhone XR and iPhone XS.
Another significant milestone was the launch of the first eSIM-only smartphone, the Motorola RAZR, in 2019. Despite Motorola’s early innovation, the eSIM market was still immature and not ready for a slot-less device. According to Amdocs, over 15% of smartphones sold since 2020 support eSIM.
The next major development in eSIM-only devices came from Apple. The manufacturer launched the eSIM-only iPhone 14 exclusively in the US market in September 2022, sparking ongoing momentum for eSIM. According to LightReading, eSIM-capable smartphone shipments increased by 11% year-over-year in 2022, reaching 424 million units, despite an overall 3% drop in cellular-connected device shipments.
Apple then launched its second eSIM-only smartphone, the iPhone 15, in September 2023. Contrary to expectations, the device was only eSIM-only in the US, not in Europe.
Source: Mobilise based on Holafly
Apple’s initiative has created a ripple effect in the smartphone manufacturing industry. A year ago, we recorded 82 eSIM-capable smartphones. As of April 2024, this number has surged to 169, marking a massive 106% increase year-over-year!
Noteworthy releases include Xiaomi, Vivo, and Nokia (HMD Global), which launched their first eSIM-compatible devices in 2022. Additionally, Honor and TCL Communications introduced their inaugural eSIM models in the first half of 2023.
For years, Apple boasted the largest portfolio of eSIM-enabled smartphones; however, Samsung overtook it in 2023. As of April 2024, Samsung continues to lead with 30 eSIM-capable smartphone models, followed by Apple with 24, and Google and Motorola with 20 each.
Despite Samsung having more eSIM-capable models, Apple leads in terms of adoption, boasting a 22% adoption rate. Samsung is close behind at 19%, followed by Huawei at 17%. All other manufacturers combined hold a 20% adoption rate (Market.us).
Source: Mobilise based on Holafly
According to a 2021 survey, over 80% of manufacturers planned to adopt eSIMs by 2025. However, Counterpoint recorded almost 250 active smartphone brands worldwide in 2023; 80% of these would equate to 200 brands. By the beginning of April 2024, only 22 brands, a mere 9% of all handset suppliers, had adopted eSIM technology. Even though a higher adoption rate is anticipated next year, reaching the forecasted 80% seems unlikely.
Despite these figures, the shipment of eSIM-capable smartphones and other consumer devices continues to rise. In 2022, between 350 million (SkyQuestt) and 382 million (TCA) eSIM-capable devices were shipped, with TCA estimating the total available market at 427 million units for that year. ABI Research notes that out of these, 293 million were smartphones.
Moreover, the report estimated that 439.5 million eSIM-capable consumer devices were shipped in 2023, bringing the total to 986 million devices available in the market by the end of the year. Projections for 2027 forecast an impressive 3.5 billion devices leveraging eSIM technology (TechCabal).
Simultaneously, the latest Omdia data for the smartphone active installed base for Q3 2022 highlights the stark decline of smartphones with single SIM card slots and the under-the-radar rise of eSIMs over recent years. eSIM technology enables dual SIM functionality in smartphones, allowing users to maintain two different phone numbers or mobile plans on the same device.
Source: Counterpoint
As of 2024, approximately half of all connected devices in the US feature eSIMs, with the US currently leading the global eSIM market share, according to a report by Juniper Research. The forecasts going forward are optimistic. By 2025, 60% of all smartphone unit sales are estimated to be eSIM-compatible, as per GSMA Intelligence, and by 2030, nearly three out of every four (70%) cellular devices are expected to support eSIM technology, according to Amdocs and LightReading.
Furthermore, ABI Research predicts annual shipments of 880.6 million devices in 2028, with consumer eSIMs accounting for 67% of overall shipments during the forecast period (approximately 590 million), an increase from 515 million in 2027.
Statista provides an even more optimistic forecast, predicting that by 2030, 14 billion devices, comprising 82% of all smartphone shipments, will be eSIM-capable. This forecast may include sensors and other IoT devices potentially omitted in the ABI Research report (although it’s not explicitly indicated which devices were considered, so this remains our assumption).
Source: Mobilise, based on ABI Research
The demand for eSIM-enabled devices is projected to surge, reaching 16 billion devices by 2030—a 1354.5% increase from 2024, with Juniper Research estimating about 1.1 billion active devices and sensors currently.
Over the next five years, smartphones are expected to maintain the majority share, underscoring the importance of democratizing eSIM-supported smartphones to increase the prevalence of eSIM devices (Amdocs).
However, when examining penetration statistics, smartphones are currently lagging behind other devices such as connected cars, drones, and smartwatches. Notably, the latter two are predicted to be 100% eSIM-capable by 2030 (Statista).
Source: Statista
In fact, by 2025, smartwatches are expected to be eSIM-compatible in 99% of cases, followed by laptops at 73%, and smartphones at a 47% eSIM penetration rate (Amdocs). Apple continues to lead the adoption of eSIM technology in smartwatches, mirroring its dominance in the smartphone sector.
Source: ABI Research
Moreover, eSIM-capable devices are becoming increasingly affordable. Last year, the most economical eSIM-capable smartphone was priced around $300. As of April 2024, this price has decreased significantly, with the new Google Pixel 3 now retailing for approximately $100.
This is a substantial shift from the initial launch phase of eSIM-compatible devices in 2017/2018, when only the flagship models from the world’s leading smartphone manufacturers were equipped with eSIM technology, and price tags hovered around $1,000.
The growing affordability of devices supporting eSIM technology suggests greater accessibility and, consequently, increased adoption among consumers. As eSIM technology becomes more cost-effective and widespread, it stands a higher chance than ever of becoming the mainstream and primary SIM technology in the mobile ecosystem.
eSIM Compatibility in Consume Devices Statistics
- eSIM was initially launched for the IoT market, in 2010.
- eSIM for consumers was launched in 2016.
- The first eSIM-capable smartphone – Pixel 2 – was released by Google in 2017.
- Apple released its first eSIM-capable smartphones – iPhone XR and iPhone XS – in 2018.
- The first eSIM-only smartphone was Motorola RAZR, released in 2019.
- The first eSIM-only iPhone was the iPhone 14, launched by Apple in September 2022 to the US market only.
- As of April 2024, Apple has 2 eSIM-only smartphones in the US market – the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15.
- 15% of smartphones sold since 2020 support eSIM. (Amdocs)
- eSIM-capable smartphone shipments increased by 11% YoY in 2022, reaching 424 million units (LightReading)
- Cellular-connected device shipments dropped by 3% in 2022.
- As of April 2024, there are 169 smartphones supporting eSIM in the market. (Holafly)
- The number of eSIM-capable smartphones increased by 106% between March 2023 and April 2024. (Mobilise, based on Holafly)
- Xiaomi, Vivo and Nokia launched their first eSIM-compatible smartphones in 2022. (Mobilise)
- Honor, TCL Communications launched their first eSIM-compatible smartphones in 2023. (Mobilise)
- Samsung has the highest number of eSIM-capable device models, 30, followed by Apple with 24 models and Google and Motorola with 20 models each. (Mobilise, based on Holafly)
- Apple has the highest eSIM-capable device adoption rate, 22%, followed by Samsung with 19% and Huawei with a 17% adoption rate. All other manufacturers combined hold a 20% adoption rate. (us)
- According to a survey run in 2021, over 80% of OEMs planned to adopt eSIMs by 2025. (Statista)
- As of April 2024, 9% of OEMs adopted eSIM in their devices. (Mobilise, based on Counterpoint, Holafly, and Statista)
- In 2022, between 350 million and 382 million eSIM-capable devices were shipped. (SkyQuestt, TCA)
- The total available eSIM-capable consumer device market was at 427 million units in 2022. (TCA)
- The total available eSIM-capable smartphone market was at 293 million units in 2022. (TCA)
- In 2023, there were 5 million eSIM-capable consumer device shipments.
- In 2023, there were 986 million eSIM-capable consumer devices available in the market.
- In 2027, there will be 3.5 billion consumer devices that leverage eSIM technology available in the market (TechCabal).
- As of 2024, about half of all connected devices in the US feature eSIMs. (Juniper Research)
- By 2025, 60% of all smartphone unit sales are estimated to be eSIM-compatible. (GSMA Intelligence)
- By 2030, almost every 3 in 4 (70%) cellular devices will support eSIM technology. (Amdocs, LightReading)
- By 2028, 67% (approx. 590 million) of overall smartphone shipments (880.6 million) will be eSIM-capable. (ABI Research)
- The demand for eSIM-enabled devices will keep growing to reach 16 billion devices by 2030. (Juniper Research)
- The demand for eSIM-enabled devices will increase by 1354.5% between 2024 and 2030. (Juniper Research)
- By 2030, 100% of smartwatches and drones will be equipped with eSIM, followed by 92% of connected cars, 82% of smartphones and 79% of tablets. (Statista)
- By 2025, 99% of smartwatches will support eSIM followed by laptops at 73% and smartphones at 47%. (Amdocs)
- The share of smartphones supporting eSIMs will increase by 35 percentage points between 2025 and 2030. (Mobilise, based on Statista, Amdocs)
- eSIM-capable device shipments will grow at 21% CAGR during 2021-2039. XR devices, gateways and drones will register the highest growth. (Counterpoint)
- 2 out of 5 eSIM capable shipments in 2030 will be a smartphone. (Counterpoint)
- Consumer devices will make 55% of the total eSIM-capable device shipments in 2030. (Counterpoint)
- Another research suggests there will be 14 billion eSIM-capable device shipments by 2030. (Statista)
- 82% of all smartphone shipments by 2030 will support eSIM. (Statista)
- In 2023, the most affordable eSIM-capable smartphone was around $300. (Mobilise)
- In 2024 (April), the most affordable eSIM-capable smartphone costs less than $100. (Mobilise)
- The price of the most affordable eSIM-capable smartphone decreased by 300% between 2023 and 2024. (Mobilise)
Click here for a downloadable PDF to view all the statistics we’ve compiled in this blog!
eSIM Adoptions by Mobile Operators
In last year’s edition of this blog, I labelled operators as the least enthusiastic group about consumer eSIM, compared to OEMs and consumers. A year later, my view hasn’t changed.
What has changed, however, is the landscape operators find themselves in. Consumer awareness is higher than ever, and the penetration of eSIM-capable devices is on the rise, notably with Apple releasing another eSIM-only iPhone in the US in September 2023. Additionally, the emergence of more travel eSIM operators “stealing” customers directly from under the operators’ noses has made eSIM adoption by operators inevitable.
Source: Mobilise’s own compilation of data from various sources, mainly GSMA Intelligence reports
Diving into the details, the graph above shows that an increasing number of operators are deciding to launch eSIM offerings. Two years after the introduction of eSIM to the consumer market in 2016, only 45 operators worldwide had implemented it. Between 2019 and 2021, adoption increased by 125%, and from 2021 to 2023, it rose by over 72%. As of June 2023, over 400 operators, including MNOs and MVNOs, have launched commercial smartphone eSIM services.
Source: GSMA
Source: GSMA Intelligence
Furthermore, a 2021 survey revealed that almost 90% of MNOs had plans to offer eSIM services by 2025, with 98% aiming to do so by the same year. Considering the thousands of MNOs globally, we should expect to see eSIM offerings proliferate rapidly in the next 1.5 years.
Despite my scepticism about the pace of adoption (given the typical sluggishness of mobile network operators), I anticipate a significant increase in the availability of consumer eSIM offerings, spurred by the influx of travel eSIM services.
Juniper Research warns that traditional carriers may face up to $11 billion in lost roaming revenue due to the shift away from traditional methods in favour of digital-first providers offering alternative roaming solutions. The report recommends that operators develop and implement their own travel eSIM solutions to complement and enhance existing roaming packages to mitigate customer churn.
The Impact of Travel eSIM Providers
Over the past year, a notable development that was scarcely mentioned in the previous edition of this blog is the widespread presence of travel eSIM providers.
Thanks to the digital nature of eSIMs, any service provider with a digital presence, regardless of industry, can now integrate connectivity and offer eSIMs as an ancillary or complimentary service. This feature has made eSIMs particularly popular in the travel and tourism sectors, where they offer a more affordable alternative to traditional roaming.
And travel eSIMs aren’t just a fleeting trend. According to Kaleido Intelligence, by 2028, the global travel eSIM market is projected to approach a value of $10 billion, representing more than 80% of the entire travel SIM expenditure. The report also highlights that retail spending on services provided by travel eSIM providers, such as eSIM aggregators, MNOs, and MVNOs, is expected to increase by 500% within the next five years.
Source: Kalleido Intelligence
The growing familiarity with travel eSIMs among travellers, coupled with the high roaming costs charged by traditional operators, are key factors driving this market’s growth. Customers seeking alternatives to avoid high roaming fees have begun to see travel eSIMs as a viable option. For instance, in 2022, Brits alone accrued over £539 million ($673 million) in unexpected roaming charges, highlighting the unpredictability of using mobiles abroad, according to Uswitch.
Source: Mobilise’s eSIM for Travel Survey
Our eSIM for Travel Survey, examining UK travellers’ awareness and preparedness for eSIM, indicated that 9 in 10 travellers are ready and willing to use travel eSIMs if given the option.
“Maximising the number of effective distribution channels by creating a seamless purchasing journey for consumers will be essential to growing travel eSIM package spend,” says Molly Gatford, author of the Global Travel SIMs & eSIMs Market: 2024-2028.
All these factors together are expected to significantly reduce the cost-per-GB for mobile subscribers while roaming, with the average price projected to drop from $8.57 per GB in 2024 to $5.50 per GB by 2028, as estimated by Juniper Research. This represents a 35% saving, offering a substantial value proposition for international travellers.
Source: Mobilise, based on Juniper Research
To avoid missing out on this opportunity, curb churn rates, and maximise revenue, we recommend that operators implement their own eSIM solutions to complement existing roaming packages.
eSIM Adoption by Mobile Operators Statistics
- In 2018, 2 years after the introduction of eSIM to the consumer market, only 45 operators around the world had offered commercial eSIM services. (GSMA)
- Between 2019 and 2021, the operator adoption of consumer eSIM increased by 125%. (Mobilise, based on GSMA)
- Between 2021 and 2023, the operator adoption of consumer eSIM increased by over 72%. (Mobilise, based on GSMA)
- The number of operators supporting eSIM increased by 789% in 5 years, between 2018 and 2023. (Mobilise, based on GSMA)
- In 2021, almost 90% of MNOs had plans to offer eSIM services by 2025, with 98% aiming to do so by 2025. (Statista)
- As of June 2022, more than 260 operators (MNOs and MVNOs) have launched commercial eSIM services for smartphones. (GSMA Intelligence)
- At the end of June 2023, over 400 operators, MNOs, MVNOs, and global roaming providers, offered commercial smartphone eSIM services. (GSMA Intelligence)
- Retail spending on services provided by travel eSIM providers, such as eSIM aggregators, MNOs, and MVNOs, is expected to skyrocket by 500% between 2023 and 2028. (Kaleido Intelligence)
- By 2028, the global travel eSIM market is projected to approach a value of $10 billion, representing more than 80% of the entire travel SIM expenditure. (Kaleido Intelligence)
- By 2028, retail spending on travel connectivity services, including roaming packages and travel SIMs, will exceed $30 billion. (Kaleido Intelligence)
- In 2022, Brits alone accumulated over £539 million ($673 million) in unexpected roaming charges. (Uswitch)
- Traditional carriers may face up to $11 billion in lost roaming revenue to digital-first travel eSIM providers. (Juniper Research)
- 9 in 10 travellers are ready and willing to use travel eSIMs if given the option. (Mobilise)
Click here for a downloadable PDF to view all the statistics we’ve compiled in this blog!
eSIM Awareness and Adoption by Consumers
The eSIM landscape mirrors a chicken and egg scenario: Operators hesitate to launch eSIM offerings citing low consumer awareness, while consumers typically learn about telco advancements from their operators or smartphone manufacturers. Given the limited support from fewer than 10% of OEMs and even fewer operators, consumer awareness has historically been low.
However, significant progress has occurred over the last couple of years. Notably, Apple launched two eSIM-only iPhones in the US, boosting consumer exposure to eSIM technology beyond North America. The travel eSIM market has also seen rapid expansion, with new providers entering the market monthly and offering affordable roaming alternatives, which has helped spread consumer awareness exponentially.
Source: GSMA Intelligence
According to GSMA Intelligence, consumer awareness was around 20% in 2020 and grew to nearly 30% by 2022. By 2023, this figure had increased to an average of 36% across seven major markets, with awareness ranging from 26% in the UK to 48% in South Korea. The highest gaps remain in Europe, despite its early leadership in adoption.
Awareness also varies by age, with 48% among 18–34-year-olds, 41% for 35-54-year-olds, and 25% for those aged 55 and above. In contrast, a Statista study reported that 58% of consumers in the US, UK, and Australia were aware of eSIM, likely reflecting higher adoption rates in these regions.
Source: GSMA Intelligence
In line with increased awareness, TCA reported that consumer eSIM profile downloads surged by 130% in 2022, bolstered by the release of the eSIM-only iPhone 14. Furthermore, Juniper Research predicts the global number of eSIM users will jump from 40 million in 2024 to an estimated 215 million by 2028.
Despite this growth, LightReading noted that fewer than 1% of eSIM-equipped smartphones were actively using the technology in 2022, underscoring a disconnect between capability and usage. Many consumers remain unaware of their devices’ eSIM capabilities; a Consumer Pulse 2022 report found that while only 32% of smartphone users believed their devices were eSIM-enabled, 74% actually supported the technology.
Interestingly, the GSMA found that more people learn about eSIM from articles (29%) or through word-of-mouth (15%) rather than from their smartphone manufacturer (14%) or mobile operator (10%). This suggests a significant opportunity for operators and OEMs to better educate and promote eSIM benefits.
Source: GSMA Intelligence
Currently, many users still default to physical SIM cards. This preference is likely due to inadequate education about eSIMs from both OEMs and mobile operators. Surprisingly, 16% of consumers do not see the benefits of eSIMs. This perspective persists despite the significant advantages eSIMs offer, such as seamless provider switching, avoidance of high roaming fees while traveling, and the ability to integrate multiple devices—benefits that could lead to substantial cost savings for consumers.
Source: GSMA Intelligence
This attitude, however, is expected to shift as awareness of eSIM technology grows, propelled by initiatives from companies like Apple. Apple’s efforts tend to lead to swift consumer adoption; a prime example is the removal of the headphone jack in the iPhone 7, which, despite initial resistance, quickly became a standard practice across the industry. It is anticipated that eSIM adoption might follow a similar trajectory.
Additionally, the rising familiarity with travel eSIMs will drive further growth in this sector. Consumers continually seek ways to stay connected while travelling without incurring exorbitant roaming charges. As the number of international travellers is expected to increase from 1.3 billion in 2024 to 1.6 billion in 2028, sales of physical travel SIM packages are projected to decline between 2026 and 2028, according to Juniper Research.
Source: Amdocs
This trend aligns with findings from Amdocs, which show that consumers appreciate eSIMs for their flexibility and speed (32%), reduced hassle (20%), and cost savings while travelling (18%). As more consumers become aware of these benefits, the shift towards eSIM is likely to accelerate, offering a more convenient and cost-effective solution for mobile connectivity.
eSIM Awareness and Adoption by Consumers Statistics
- In 2020, consumer awareness was at 20%.
- As of 2022, less than 30% of consumers are aware of eSIM.
- In 2023, consumer awareness was at 36%. (GSMA Intelligence)
- Consumer awareness increased by less than 10pp between 2020 and 2022. (Mobilise, based on GSMA Intelligence)
- Consumer awareness increased by more than 6pp between 2022 and 2023. (Mobilise, based on GSMA Intelligence)
- Consumer awareness about eSIM varies from 26% in the UK to 48% in South Korea. (GSMA Intelligence)
- Consumer awareness about eSIM varies by age group. It’s 48% for 18–34-year-olds, 41% for 35-54-year-olds, and 25% for 55+-year-olds. (GSMA Intelligence)
- 58% of consumers across the US, UK and Australia are aware of eSIM. (Statista)
- The consumer eSIM profile downloads increased by 130% in 2022. (TCA)
- The global number of eSIM users will increase from 40 million in 2024 to an estimated 215 million in 2028. (Juniper Research)
- Fewer than 1% of eSIM-equipped smartphones were estimated to use the technology in 2022. (LightReading)
- While just 32% of smartphone users believed their devices were eSIM-enabled, in reality 74% actually supported the technology. (Amdocs)
- Majority of consumers find out about eSIM from articles (29%), or thorough word-of-mouth (15%). (GSMA Intelligence)
- Only 14% of consumers found out about eSIM from their smartphone manufacturer, followed by 10% who learnt about the technology from their mobile operator. (GSMA Intelligence)
- 16% of consumers don’t see the benefits of eSIMs. (GSMA Intelligence)
- Consumers like eSIM for its ability to provide greater flexibility and speed (32%), less hassle (20%) and cost saving while travelling (18%). (Amdocs)
Click here for a downloadable PDF to view all the statistics we’ve compiled in this blog!
The impact of eSIM on Sustainability
Are eSIMs more sustainable then eSIM cards? Yes, they are! But let’s begin with some context.
In 2012, the ICMA estimated a global shipment of 2 billion SIM cards annually, with each contributing around 35g of CO2e. A quick calculation reveals a staggering 70,000 tons of CO2e emissions in just one year. Fast forward to today, with mobile subscribers and SIM card shipments having doubled to 4.5 billion, we’re now looking at over 140,000 tons of CO2e emissions annually.
A recent study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration shows that a traditional plastic SIM card produces 229 grams of carbon footprint over its three-year lifespan. This is 46% more than that of an eSIM, which stands at 123 grams.
Source: Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration
Traditional SIM cards generate approximately 60% of their emissions from production and distribution logistics. In contrast, eSIMs account for only 2% of emissions in this phase, primarily from computing power and energy consumption related to QR code transmission.
Even though detailed insights into the carbon footprint of producing eSIMs are limited, it’s safe to assume it is significantly lower. They are an integral part of a smartphone, so they don’t require separate transport or disposal and they don’t involve the use of any plastic; it’s only the chip that’s soldered directly into the device. Furthermore, conventional SIMs come enclosed in a plastic holder, often up to eight times larger than the SIM card itself.
Lastly, consumer expectations and preferences are increasingly leaning towards sustainability. This trend extends to eSIMs, with 11% of consumers considering sustainability an important aspect of their decision-making. This growing consumer preference further bolsters the case for the widespread adoption of eSIM technology, aligning with broader environmental goals.
eSIM and Sustainability statistics
- Removable SIM card shipments reached 5 billion plastic cards in 2020. (Mobilise, based on ICMA)
- Plastic SIM card shipments declined from 4.36 billion in 2021 to 3.93 billion in 2022. (ABI Research)
- The SIM card industry contributes to around 140,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions per annum. (Mobilise, based on ICMA)
- The plastic SIM card has a carbon footprint of 229 grams during its three-year lifetime. (Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration)
- The carbon footprint of an eSIM is 123 grams during its three-year lifetime. (Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration)
- The carbon footprint of plastic SIM cards is approximately 46% higher than that of eSIMs. (Mobilise, based on Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration)
Click here for a downloadable PDF to view all the statistics we’ve compiled in this blog!
Conclusion
The rise of eSIM technology has been a focal point in recent years, and the industry is now on the cusp of a significant transformation.
With 2024/2025 anticipated as the period of mass adoption, eSIM is poised to revolutionise the telecom sector as part of the broader move towards digitalisation. eSIMs offer substantial benefits, from enhanced flexibility to improved sustainability, signalling a major shift in how telecom services are delivered. The statistics discussed in this blog underscore the compelling future of eSIM technology.
If you require assistance with eSIM, we offer eSIM as a Service—a digital-first platform that accelerates access to eSIM capabilities. This service helps mobile operators gain a competitive edge and diversify their value propositions, all while cutting costs, reducing timelines, and minimizing project risks. Click here to contact us now or to schedule a demo!
If you haven’t yet, click here to view a downloadable PDF to all the statistics we’ve compiled in this blog!
