If you’re like us, and track the latest features in wearables and mobile devices, then you’ve probably noticed a change.
Cellular based connectivity is getting a new rise thanks to the evolution of its secure authentication bearer. Plastic SIM cards
are starting to disappear. What’s behind the trend? Are traditional SIMs really going the way of the floppy disk and the VHS
tape?
We think the answer to that question is yes, and we think that for a number of reasons. Eight, to be exact:
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Easier operation – when products are equipped with carrier connectivity profiles, right out of the box, and
can store multiple profiles at once, there’s less time spent fiddling with connections, now and later
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Cooler design – Take away the SIM slot and you’ve got a smaller footprint and a more rugged design with
higher resistance to water, dust and other destructive elements
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Better security – Now that security updates can be sent over-the-air (OTA), whenever they’re needed, it’s
easier to stay ahead of vulnerabilities and address new threats as they arise
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5G performance – Made for today’s networks, eSIMs deliver the 5G connectivity we’re starting to expect, with
all the performance and flexibility designed into the future of cellular connectivity
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Hassle-free travel – Pre-programmed, updateable connectivity profiles eliminate the nuisance of having to buy
and install a local SIM card each time you cross a border or land at a foreign airport
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Simpler delivery – With one less standalone item to manufacture, transport, warehouse and manage, carriers
and manufacturers save resources and lower overall cost
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Flexible deployment – The ability to customize connectivity profiles, before or after the sale, saves time
and makes it easier to enter new markets or deal with last-minute changes
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More options – The eSIM’s secure element can enable and secure other services as well, enabling devices that
go beyond cellular to offer a wide variety of new secure use—cases such as transit, secure payment, mobile ID and more
This image is provided courtesy of SAMSUNG, All Rights Reserved
Add it all up, and eSIMs represent a fundamental change in the way connectivity is delivered — one less physical item to deal
with, one less thing to think about when using a device, delivering an enhanced consumer experience to enable cellular
connectivity seamlessly.
Why Now?
eSIMs have been under discussion for more than 10 years. Trusted Connectivity Alliance have published an endless number of webinars
and papers and several conferences have been devoted to the topic of eSIM. Today, standards are defined and finalized. What
makes us believe that the time has come for eSIMs to finally exploit its full potential and increase market adoption?
NXP’s industry first eSIM convergence solution combines an eUICC with an eSE and certified NFC connectivity in a single IC. Meet the team behind this
solution.
More Visibility Through Mobile Giants Adopting eSIM
First, big brands are leading the way. Phone manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, Honor
and SONY-Mobile have started to deploy eSIM enabled phone models. The Apple Watch is available in cellular variants since 2017.
Following the iPhone 14, the iPhone 15 is the second generation of eSIM-only phones by Apple, ultimately showing that mobile
OEMs stick to the concept of eSIM-only devices.
Also, mobile giants are known to market new technologies effectively so that consumer awareness of eSIMs, and what it will do
for them, will rise. It also puts pressure on carriers to create robust processes and mature eSIM infrastructures.
Fresh Off the Press
As eSIMs slowly but surely become the go-to solution for phone manufacturers, deployment of this solution in latest phone models
not only helps raise awareness but also speeds up the market adoption. On January 17, Samsung announced their latest flagship model, Galaxy S24 series, at
their annual Samsung Unpacked event. Galaxy S24 Ultra globally and Galaxy S24 Plus and S24 in select regions integrate NXP’s eSIM solution, SN300. NXP’s GSMA-compliant eSIM solution, integrated into the device, makes the provisioning and OTA updates radically easier
and faster, as well as significantly improving the user experience of Samsung devices.
This image is provided courtesy of SAMSUNG, All Rights Reserved
Take the Next Step
eSIM are a vital step in the evolution of cellular operations and a trend that we think is here to stay. The NXP SN300 Family is
more than an eSIM. It’s a true convergence solution, adding an embedded Secure Element (eSE) and certified NFC connectivity in a
single die IC. It’s our way of driving the switch to eSIM and giving developers more ways to be creative with their
connectivity.
