- What is an eSIM? -
Physical SIM cards contain all the information a phone needs to connect to a mobile network using the contract and number of a specific subscriber.
Users have been slotting the fingernail-sized plastic cards into their phones for decades when setting up a new handset, switching providers, or traveling.
eSIMs contain digital data with the same information as physical SIM cards, providing a "secure means for authenticating devices onto networks," the GSMA global standards-setting body says.
Most handsets released in recent years are capable of working with eSIMs, although many still offer a physical SIM slot as well.
Users can set up a new device or transfer eSIMs between phones through methods including scanning an operator-provided QR code, requesting a notification or text message from their network, or selecting the option to transfer an eSIM in their old phone's settings.
- How is using an eSIM different? -
Purely digital eSIMs can be downloaded remotely, simplifying tasks like signing up with a new network provider or switching operators-for example, to connect to a cheaper local network when traveling.
Using them also saves on plastic waste and distribution costs.
But setting up eSIMs in the first place requires internet access-meaning users firing up a new phone might need to connect to their home Wi-Fi network to activate their connection.
And travelers should activate their local eSIM in advance if they want service from the moment the plane lands at their destination.
Just like with physical SIMs, eSIMs can be activated or deactivated by the user on the handset-meaning that in theory they are no more or less trackable by operators or governments.
- Why has Apple pushed for eSIMs? -
Apple dropped physical SIM cards in the US starting with 2022's iPhone 14.
The tech giant's website promises "greater flexibility, enhanced convenience, better security, and seamless connectivity" for eSIM users.
Fewer physical parts "fits in with the vision of a slimmer, easier-to-use phone" long pursued by Apple, CCS Insight analyst Kester Mann told AFP.
On the business side, "perhaps they want a little bit more control over the journey to connect customers" to mobile operators when setting up a new phone, he added.
Consultancy Roland Berger agreed, suggesting in a report last year that eSIMs allow manufacturers to get between mobile operators and end users, "causing [operators] to lose control."
- What about other manufacturers? -
While competitors like Samsung have yet to release an eSIM-only phone, "the expectation is that they'll also go down that route as well," Mann said.
Google's latest Pixel 10 phones come in an eSIM-only version in the US.
"eSIM adoption is expected to gain traction... in the short-to-mid-term," Roland Berger predicted, forecasting 75 percent of all smartphone connections via eSIM in 2030, up from 10 percent in 2023.
CCS predicts the number of eSIM-capable handsets will grow from 1.3 billion currently to 3 billion in 2030.
- What impact have eSIMs had so far? -
In a survey of mobile network managers, Roland Berger found little sign of higher customer "churn" from the greater ease of switching providers.
Future uses of eSIM could include mobile operators offering subscribers more individually tailored services, the consultancy suggested.
For tourism, CCS Insight predicts local eSIM sales will rise from 70 million in 2024 to 280 million by 2030.
Providers such as Airalo and Holafly have sprung up to sell cheap foreign connectivity to tourists-although big incumbents like airlines and mobile operators are beginning to offer their own alternatives.
eSIMs also simplify machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, allowing remote setup or reconfiguration of connected devices-from watches to cars or smart electricity meters.
Apple unveils iPhone 17 Air amid AI race and tariff pressures
San Francisco, United States (AFP) Sept 9, 2025 -
Apple unveiled its iPhone 17 lineup on Tuesday, featuring its thinnest smartphone ever, as the tech giant works to prove it can keep pace in the generative AI race.
The Silicon Valley powerhouse held its annual iPhone release event amid mounting pressures: the White House is pushing the company to reduce its dependence on Chinese manufacturing, while investors question whether Apple is truly ready for the AI age.
Adding to these challenges, the company faces headwinds from President Donald Trump's high tariff policies. Apple shares have dropped more than three percent since the Republican took office in January.
Against this backdrop, Apple is betting on a product that it hopes will spark a super-cycle of iPhone purchases and reverse the trend of customers holding onto their devices longer before upgrading.
"The event shows Apple sidestepping the heart of the AI arms race while positioning itself as a long-term innovator on the AI hardware front, with silicon and device-level integration," said Emarketer analyst Gadjo Sevilla.
To reinvigorate its brand, Apple introduced the iPhone 17 Air, which CEO Tim Cook called "a total game changer."
At just 5.6mm thick (less than a quarter inch), the $999 device features Apple's new A19 Pro processor -- its most powerful iPhone chip to date -- and promises all-day battery life with up to 40 hours of video playback.
The Air joins Apple's more standard lineup, including the premium iPhone Pro 17, the company's most expensive and highest-performing model.
While all new devices incorporate generative AI technology, Apple made no major announcements about expanding its AI capabilities beyond updates to existing features in its "Apple Intelligence" suite.
The company's AI push has struggled to gain traction since it launched "Apple Intelligence" late last year. Users have been particularly disappointed with improvements to Siri, which remains surprisingly basic despite years of promises.
Apple reportedly plans to integrate AI into online search next year and overhaul Siri, though the company hasn't confirmed these reports.
The tech giant is also said to be partnering with Google to tap into its search and AI expertise.
"To truly differentiate and smoke the competition, Apple will have to crack AI as a new contextual user-interface" on its devices, Forrester analyst Thomas Husson said in a note.
"Executing such an ambitious AI strategy will take time. It won't happen at best until next year, if not for the iPhone's 20th anniversary" in 2027, he added.
- Pivot to Air -
Industry analysts see the iPhone Air as a strategic pivot, with Apple positioning ultra-thin design -- rather than larger screens -- as its new premium selling point.
The super-slim profile could also pave the way for Apple's long-rumored foldable iPhone, expected as early as next year. Samsung and China's Huawei already offer foldable smartphones.
However, engineering such thin devices presents challenges: higher production costs and reduced battery space, though Apple claims 24-hour battery life for the iPhone 17 Air when fully charged.
Despite tariffs that increase production costs, Apple kept iPhone prices unchanged from last year's equivalent models -- a move that may squeeze profit margins.
Cook revealed in July that Trump's tariffs cost Apple $800 million last quarter, with an estimated $1.1 billion impact expected this quarter.
Apple shares fell 1.40 percent after pricing details were announced, reflecting investor concerns about the company's ability to maintain its profit margins.
Apple also introduced the AirPods Pro 3, featuring enhanced noise cancellation and real-time translation capabilities, along with the Apple Watch Series 11, which includes 5G connectivity, extended battery life, and heart health monitoring features pending regulatory approval.
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