Useful eSIM Statistics to Know in 2024

Consumer eSIM is transforming the telecommunications industry by enabling service providers to fully digitize their customer journey and deliver an enhanced customer experience. The exclusive use of eSIM in the US for the iPhone 14 has accelerated the adoption of eSIM technology, and the launch of the iPhone 15 has further amplified interest in this innovative technology.

At Keepgo, we have been actively involved with eSIM since 2017, continuously enhancing and innovating consumer eSIM. This has equipped us with the knowledge and expertise to progress and introduce connectivity as a service solution, enabling companies across various industries to offer top-notch eSIM experiences with minimal financial and operational burdens.

Having closely monitored the market's developments and trends, we aim to provide valuable eSIM statistics in this article to empower you in making well-informed decisions about this technology.

eSIM Availability in Consumer Devices

In a recent report by GSMA, there has been a notable increase in the number of eSIM consumer devices launched between 2018 and late 2023.?

The report highlights a significant growth in the availability of eSIM in consumer devices, with leading OEM brands introducing eSIM over the past 5 years. The variety of eSIM-compatible devices is also expanding, with the introduction of eSIM-only iPhones marking a significant milestone. eSIM has become a mainstream feature in flagship smartphones.

The report also points out that there is currently a gap between industry advancements in eSIM technology and consumer awareness/adoption of eSIM. However, there has been progress in the universal acceptance of global standard specifications for consumer devices, widespread availability of eSIM management platforms, and the implementation of eSIM in flagship phones, including 5G phones and companion devices. Furthermore, as of June 2022, over 260 operators (MNOs and MVNOs) launched commercial smartphone eSIM services. Despite industry progress, less than 30% of consumers (on average across eight major countries analyzed) are aware of eSIM, posing a barrier to widespread adoption.

The GSMA baseline scenario predicts there will be approximately 850 million eSIM smartphone connections globally by 2025, which is projected to grow to 6.7 billion by 2030, representing 76% of the total smartphone connections.

Additional statistics and facts about eSIM availability in consumer devices shared by Statista include the following:

• The eSIM market was valued at $4.7 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $16.3 billion by 2027.
• By 2025, 60% of smartphone unit sales are estimated to be eSIM-compatible.
• Between 2 and 3 billion smartphone connections worldwide are projected to use eSIM (low and high adoption scenarios, respectively).
• China is expected to become the largest eSIM market, with an estimated half a billion eSIM smartphone connections.

Operators: Acceleration of eSIM Deployment

According to GSMA's research, the number of operators offering commercial eSIM smartphone services has significantly impacted since September 2022, particularly in the USA and globally. MVNOs are playing a pivotal role in promoting eSIM for international roaming.

Here are some key statistics and facts regarding the rapid deployment of eSIM by operators, as shared by GSMA:

• Over 400 operators provided commercial eSIM services for smartphones as of June 2023.
• The introduction of eSIM-only iPhones in the US in September 2022 has spurred eSIM deployments and commercial launches worldwide.
• 88% of surveyed operators had plans to offer eSIM services by 2023, with 98% aiming to do so by 2025.
• Certain operators have launched digital-first or digital-only consumer propositions, targeting digitally savvy customers and digital natives.
• The momentum for eSIM is gaining pace, with 2024 shaping up to be the most robust year yet.

Consumer Awareness of eSIM

The GSMA report indicates that consumer awareness of eSIM is on the rise, although the adoption process is gradual. The report predicts that there will be 1 billion eSIM smartphone connections by 2025, and by 2028, half of smartphone connections will utilize eSIM. North America leads in consumer awareness of eSIM, followed by Europe.

Key statistics and facts about consumer awareness of eSIM include the following:

• On average, 36% of consumers across seven major markets are aware of eSIM, which is an increase from 20% in 2020 (based on GSMA data).
• Awareness of eSIM varies by age: 48% for 18-34 years old, 41% for 35-54, and 25% for 55+.

In conclusion

eSIM technology has been a significant topic in the telecom industry for several years, and 2023 marked its widespread adoption. Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, we anticipate eSIM technology to become more widely embraced by consumers across various industries. As the world continues its shift towards digitalization, eSIM presents an array of undeniable benefits, from enhanced flexibility to improved sustainability. This technology is poised to revolutionize the telecom industry, as evidenced by the compelling statistics outlined in this article.

If your company is exploring additional revenue streams, incorporating eSIM into your portfolio is worth considering. If you're unsure where to begin, Keepgo is ready to assist you!?

Grow your revenue streams with esimba.ai (a registered global MVNO, subsidiary of Keepgo), empowering you to generate revenue effortlessly without the complexities of telecom. We handle all the heavy lifting and manage every aspect of the eSIM business, allowing you to grow revenue by providing eSIM as an ancillary service alongside your core products.

Interested in learning more about partnering with us and reaping the benefits of selling eSIMs? Reach out to us today to take the first step.

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