eSIMs Unveiled: What They Are and How to Easily Set One Up

The market is undergoing a rapid transformation with the increasing proliferation of eSIM-capable devices, including popular models from Apple, such as iPhones and iPads, and Android™ smartphones. The growing adoption of eSIM technology is being driven by a combination of factors, from advancements in device design to the changing preferences of mobile network operators (MNOs) and consumers. For example, the recent launch of the iPhone 16, following the success of the iPhone 15, has further solidified the eSIM-only trend that began with the iPhone 14 in the United States. This shift towards eSIM technology is not just limited to the U.S. market but is being mirrored globally, with an unprecedented increase in eSIM activations worldwide. More commercial offers and the rise of "eSIM-first" strategies from network operators have also contributed to this surge.

According to Thales Intelligence, global eSIM subscription activations doubled in 2023 compared to previous years. In the United States, over two-thirds of eSIM subscriptions are now coming from eSIM-only smartphones, underlining the growing importance of this technology. With the eSIM being embedded deeply into device hardware, stakeholders in the mobile ecosystem are faced with a fundamental question: how can they ensure a seamless, efficient, and user-friendly experience as the industry moves further into a digital-first era?

In this article, we will explore the three most user-friendly methods for remotely activating an eSIM-equipped consumer device, including smartphones, tablets, connected PCs, and smartwatches. Understanding these activation methods is critical as they form the foundation of the eSIM's ability to provide users with a smooth, uninterrupted experience.

Evolution from Physical SIM Cards to Digital eSIM Technology

Before the introduction of eSIM, the physical SIM card was the only means for users to connect their devices to mobile networks. It represented the mobile operator’s subscription service in a tangible, removable form, making it easy for users to switch between devices, change networks, or replace faulty cards. The physical SIM card offered convenience and freedom, and for that reason, it will continue to be used for many years. However, with the rise of eSIM technology, the mobile industry is undergoing a paradigm shift.

The traditional SIM card market, which has long been dominated by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), is transitioning into a fully digital ecosystem. The eSIM, as the digital heir to the physical SIM, is bringing new levels of convenience and functionality to users. No longer tied to a physical card, users can now activate their network subscriptions remotely, which is transforming the way they interact with mobile devices.

This “Big Bang” for mobile operators is more than just a technological upgrade; it represents the digitalization of connectivity distribution. As such, the eSIM promises to deliver an even higher level of customer experience, reducing the friction associated with traditional SIM cards and offering more seamless integration into the user’s digital lifestyle.

Key Components of the eSIM Ecosystem

To fully understand the eSIM activation process, it’s important to look at the core components of the eSIM architecture. These components play a pivotal role behind the scenes, ensuring the smooth functioning of eSIM technology:

1. The Embedded SIM (eSIM): This is a secure hardware component that is built into the device itself. It acts as a storage medium for the eSIM profile, which contains all the necessary information for the device to connect to a mobile network.
2. The eSIM Profile: This digital file stores the user's subscription and network settings. It allows users to seamlessly connect to the mobile network associated with the subscription, without the need for a physical SIM card.
3. The Subscription Manager Data Preparation (SM-DP+): This is a subscription management platform operated by mobile networks. It securely downloads the eSIM profile onto the device once the user has purchased a subscription. After the operator creates the subscription, the SM-DP+ is notified, and the eSIM profile is prepared for download.

These three components form the backbone of the eSIM ecosystem and enable users to enjoy a frictionless, digital-first mobile experience.

Three Methods to Activate eSIM-Equipped Devices

Now that we have an understanding of how eSIM technology functions, let’s explore the three main methods of activating eSIM-enabled consumer devices:

1. QR Code-Based eSIM Voucher Activation

One of the simplest and most commonly used methods to activate an eSIM is through a QR code. When a user buys an eSIM-based mobile subscription—whether online or at a retail store—the mobile operator provides a digital QR code. The user can scan this QR code with their eSIM-capable device, triggering the download of the eSIM profile associated with the subscription.

This QR code contains important information, such as the SM-DP+ address, which guides the device to the operator’s platform to retrieve the correct eSIM profile. It’s important to note that a primary internet connection (such as Wi-Fi) is necessary during this process to allow the device to communicate with the SM-DP+ server and complete the download of the eSIM subscription.

2. Carrier App eSIM Activation

Another increasingly popular method for eSIM activation is through a mobile network operator’s app. In-app eSIM activation offers a fully digital experience and can be an integral part of an operator’s eSIM-first strategy. By incorporating eSIM activation directly into their app, mobile operators can create a streamlined user experience.

This method typically involves integrating an eSIM SDK (Software Development Kit) into the app, while a cloud orchestration layer manages the eSIM provisioning through APIs. Users can activate their eSIM, change devices, or upgrade their subscription all within the app, minimizing disruptions to their mobile service. This approach also simplifies the back-end operations for mobile operators, making it an efficient and scalable solution.

By offering an entirely automated process, this method significantly enhances the user experience, making it easier for customers to manage their mobile subscriptions and devices.

3. Root SM-DS (Subscription Manager Discovery Service) eSIM Activation

The third method, the Root SM-DS (Subscription Manager Discovery Service), is a standardized solution for eSIM activation. It serves as a central hub, enabling devices to discover which SM-DP+ server holds their eSIM profile. When a user purchases an eSIM subscription, the MNO informs the Root SM-DS of the available profile. The device can then query the Root SM-DS, which directs it to the appropriate SM-DP+ server to download the eSIM profile.

Major companies like Apple, Samsung, GSMA, and Google have already introduced their own Root SM-DS servers, with solutions such as Google eSIM Discovery for Android devices and GSMA eSIM Discovery for multi-brand compatibility. Once the subscription is available, users receive a notification on their device, and the eSIM profile can be downloaded with a single tap.

Conclusion: The Future of eSIM and the User Experience

The number of mobile operators supporting eSIM technology is growing rapidly, with nearly 400 operators onboard as of mid-2023, according to GSMA Intelligence. This surge is fueled by the popularity of eSIM-only smartphones like Apple’s iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and now the iPhone 16. Additionally, data from the Trusted Connectivity Alliance (TCA) shows a remarkable 109% increase in eSIM consumer profile downloads in 2023, along with a 12% rise in the deployment of Subscription Manager platforms, particularly in industries like automotive and IoT.

As eSIM adoption accelerates, the MaaltalkNow App emerges as a valuable tool for consumers, simplifying the process of managing eSIM profiles. Through MaaltalkNow, users can quickly activate their eSIMs, switch between mobile operators, and manage their subscriptions all within one app, enhancing the user experience and providing greater flexibility. This kind of app-based eSIM management is essential for staying ahead in a landscape where billions of IoT devices are expected to come online in the coming years.

To fully address the rising demand for seamless mobile connectivity, stakeholders across the ecosystem must collaborate to develop and deploy eSIM solutions that cater to both consumer and industry needs. With apps like MaaltalkNow playing a pivotal role in streamlining the user experience, the future of eSIM technology promises unprecedented convenience, flexibility, and connectivity for users worldwide.