According to a report by Juniper Research, the value of the global embedded-SIM (eSIM) market is expected to grow from $4.7 billion in 2023 to $16.3 billion by 2027. eSIMs are embedded within devices; enabling devices and sensors to seamlessly switch between network operator profiles.
Increasing by an impressive 249 per cent, the report by Juniper Research asserts that the market will be driven by the adoption of eSIM-enabled consumer devices, as seen in Apple’s recent release of the eSIM-only iPhone 14, triggering accelerated operator support. Further, the research predicts that Apple will expand deployment of eSIM-only devices to Europe during 2023, with eSIM technology key to minimising the time-consuming establishment of roaming agreements within the fragmented European telecommunications market.
It found that the total number of smartphones leveraging eSIM connectivity will increase from 986 million in 2023, to 3.5 billion by 2027, with manufacturers such as Google and Samsung developing an equivalent eSIM-only Android device in order to compete with Apple and maintain their global market positioning.
Commenting on the study, Scarlett Woodford, research author, Juniper Research, said, “Despite operator concerns regarding the disruptive impact of eSIMs on existing business models, growing support from smartphone manufacturers will place additional pressure on operators. In response, service providers must support eSIM connectivity to avoid subscriber attrition as technology awareness increases.”
