Why the iPhone 14’s eSIM Matters

Apple has a habit of aggressively removing features in the name of progress. They’re responsible for removing DVD drives from Macs when discs were still popular, removing HDMI and MagSafe from MacBook Pros (before reviving them), and, of course, eliminating headphone jacks. increase. Apple’s decision to remove his SIM tray from the iPhone 14 lineup and embrace eSIM may seem trivial, but it could prove costly down the road.

What are eSIMs?

If you guessed that eSIM stands for electronic SIM, you’d be wrong, but you’re on the right track.Instead, it embedded SIM (and SIM itself stands for Subscriber Identity Module). This is because the eSIM is actually built into the device.

Instead of using an external SIM card to connect your iPhone to cellular data, you can always activate the built-in eSIM and easily switch plans. This gives you the freedom to change networks at will by simply downloading a new app or signing up for a different service. . It’s in your iPhone and you can’t mess with it.

iPhones are familiar with eSIMs. All iPhones since iPhone XS and XR have an eSIM in addition to the traditional his SIM option. Both can be active at the same time. This is a process called Dual SIM. However, the iPhone 14 lineup will be the first time Apple has completely ditched the physical SIM. From now on, you should rely on embedded SIMs for your mobile phone needs.

Why eSIM-only isn’t ready

M.None of us in the U.S., the effect of this change is not felt much. Select your carrier, activate your eSIM, and continue. For others, however, buying an iPhone 14 can be expensive.

First of all, a physical SIM is still important for anyone buying cellular service from a small business. For example, Google Fi, Consumer Cellular, Mint Mobile, etc. does not support eSIM. actually, According to Appleonly six U.S. Carriers that currently support eSIM are AT&T, T-Mobile, Truphone, Ubigi, Verizon Wireless, and Visible.

If you subscribe to a provider other than these 6 companies, you will not be able to use the iPhone 14-iTo switch to Apple’s latest iPhone, you need to switch cellular service. likewise.

Even if you subscribe through AT&T, Verizon, etc., you may run into problems traveling abroad. A common travel tactic is the U.S. mobile provider. However, these SIMs are not available for purchase on the iPhone 14. If your country doesn’t support eSIM yet (many countries don’t yet), you have no choice. Pay a premium for your home network.

This is not to say that eSIMs are inherently anti-tourist. If your country supports his eSIM, it may be more convenient than your traditional his SIM card to activate your local plan.also talked about How an eSIM can be a great option when travelingHowever, countries without backup options won’t Supporting eSIM presents a potential challenge. Perhaps that’s why European iPhone 14 models actually support physical SIMs.

hope here eSIMs will become very popular. This is more than just wishful thinking (again, remember), as Apple influences technology trends. headphone jack). There’s a good chance the iPhone 14 will start his eSIM revolution, and you’ll find carriers supporting this feature everywhere.The iPhone 14 supports up to 8 eSIMs, which is a big deal for travelers. bring possibilities.

Until then, though, you’ll have to weigh What’s New in the iPhone 14 Lineup There are drawbacks to eSIM-only life. Are you ready? If not, we recommend sticking with the iPhone 13, which is still excellent.

[PC Mag]