Did you know? 5 interesting facts about eSIMs

In the ever-evolving landscape of mobile technology, the advent of eSIM (embedded SIM) has introduced a new level of convenience, flexibility, and innovation. Unlike traditional physical SIM cards, eSIMs are integrated directly into devices, revolutionizing how we connect to mobile networks. This tiny chip has opened up a world of possibilities for users and manufacturers alike. Let’s dive into ten fun facts about eSIM!

1. The First eSIM Phone is not an iPhone!

The use of eSIMs in smartphones started becoming more mainstream when Apple first introduced it to the iPhone XR and iPhone XS models back in 2018. But, did you know that iPhones were not the first smartphones that came with eSIM-compatibility?

The eSIM made its debut in smartphones with the Google Pixel 2 in 2017, marking a significant milestone in mobile technology. This step by Google showcased the potential of embedded SIM technology and set the stage for its widespread adoption in future devices.

2. The ‘e’ in eSIM stands for ‘embedded’

While some people might refer to it as electronic SIM, the ‘e’ in ‘eSIM’ actually means embedded.

The eSIM is a small chip embedded directly into a device, allowing for more space-saving and versatile device designs. This tiny chip can be programmed and reprogrammed with different carrier information without needing to be swapped out physically.

Because everything is programmed digitally, it is sometimes also referred to as a digital SIM.

3. Adding an eSIM doesn’t mean that you add a new chip

The term ‘adding an eSIM’ doesn’t mean that you physically add a new embedded chip to your device. Instead, it actually means that you are adding a new eSIM profile to your device.

An eSIM profile will contain the necessary information that is required for your device to be able to connect to the network.

4. eSIMs are not only used for mobile devices!

The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) has been greatly facilitated by eSIM technology. Because eSIMs are small and versatile, they can be embedded in a wide range of devices, from smartwatches and fitness trackers to cars and smart home devices. This connectivity enables seamless communication and data exchange across a variety of gadgets.

5. One of the biggest consumer use cases for eSIMs is travel

Traveling internationally has never been easier with an eSIM. The rise of travel eSIMs allow users to download and activate local carrier profiles to their eSIM-compatible devices without needing a physical SIM card. This makes staying connected while traveling more convenient and often more cost-effective.

This allows travelers to have more options for how they can stay connected while traveling internationally without incurring exorbitant roaming charges.

Get a Nomad eSIM to stay connected without exorbitant data costs when traveling

Nomad offers data plans in over 170 countries, and you can be sure to find one that is suitable for your travel needs. And if you will be traveling across multiple countries, there are also regional plans available so you can stay seamlessly connected as you hop between countries. Data plans are available from as low as $1.10/GB.

Add-ons are also available for Nomad’s eSIMs, so you do not need to worry about running out of data. If you notice that you are running low on data, simply purchase an add-on before your data pack runs out. The add-on data pack will be automatically activated when the base plan runs out, so you do not have to worry about having to install a new eSIM.

If you share your Nomad referral code with your friends, your friend will be able to enjoy $7 off their first purchase (only applicable for plans $10 and more). You will also be able to enjoy $7 off your next purchase (only applicable for plans $10 and more).