Global eSIM device sales to exceed 9 billion units

New Delhi: Global shipments of eSIM-enabled devices are expected to surpass 9 billion units between 2024 and 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22 percent during that period, according to a new report released on Friday.

According to Counterpoint Research, by 2030, almost 70 percent of all cellular devices shipped will support eSIM/iSIM technology and will be controlled by smartphones and IoT modules.

According to analysts, the industry passed a tipping point after the release of the US-exclusive eSIM-only iPhone in 2022 and is now entering a period of hypergrowth.

“Key players in the ecosystem have started preparing for eSIM adoption beyond their flagship devices in the mid-range segments. The new eSIM-only iPad is another sign that the future belongs to eSIM,” said research analyst Siddhant Cally. “Other use cases like travel and roaming will also help drive eSIM adoption significantly in the near term,” he added. Currently, smartphones have the highest eSIM adoption rate on the consumer side.

However, categories like Connected Cars, Gateways and Routers and Drones, where physical SIM cards can be very difficult to manage, can greatly benefit from eSIM or iSIM-based connectivity, the report said. In the long run, eSIM will become the default format for these industries, it added.

eSIM services are currently supported by over 400 operators worldwide, supporting an average of over 50 consumer devices.