The iPhone 14 models released in Australia and also in other markets across the globe have retained the physical SIM slot, but it is only a matter of time before all iPhones in all markets will be eSIM only.
The iPhone is no stranger to eSIM. All iPhones since the iPhone XS and XR in 2018 have had eSIM capability alongside a traditional SIM option.
eSIM stands for embedded SIM, with SIM itself an acronym for Subscriber Identity Module. An eSIM replaces an external physical SIM card to connect the iPhone to cellular data, and can be activated at any time over-the-air.
The iPhone 14 U.S. models can support up to eight eSIMs. In addition, both the iPhone 14 and earlier iPhone 13 models can have two eSIMs active at the same time.
Having multiple eSIMs allows users to take advantage of competitive pricing from multiple carriers, store SIM services which are relevant to different geographies, and have dedicated phone numbers for different functions - all on the one device.
Active Dual SIM means a user can have two phone numbers able to be accessed simultaneously on the device.
Switch numbers during a conversation.
Choose a number before sending an iMessage or SMS/MMS message.
Apple has listed the main benefits of eSIM as security, privacy, flexibility, and convenience when travelling.
"eSIM offers many benefits while you travel abroad. It's more secure than a physical SIM because it can't be removed if your iPhone is lost or stolen. With eSIM, you don't need to obtain, carry, and swap physical SIM cards (which can also be lost), or wait for them to arrive by mail.
"On your iPhone, you can store eight or more eSIMs, which will be there whenever you need them. You can have two eSIMs active on supported iPhone models at the same time. This could, for example, include one eSIM for your home and another eSIM for the place you're visiting. You can swap which of your stored eSIMs are active simply by changing your selections in Settings. This might be helpful if you travel regularly to the same places.
"Your carrier might also offer the ability to manage your eSIM plan digitally and add more data as needed."
The iPhone 14 series just released in Australia has retained the physical SIM slot for a nano SIM, but also has eSIM and dual eSIM support.
Apple has not given a timeline for the removal of the SIM tray from iPhones bound for the Australian market. However, they have said they expect to announce more countries moving to the eSIM model later this year and also in 2023.
Most Australians still use physical SIMs however during the pandemic, the adoption of eSIM accelerated as businesses realised the practical difficulties of delivering physical SIMs to employees at home. At least 20 percent of SIMs that MobileCorp activates for its customers are eSIM, and the number is growing.
For many enterprise and business customers, MobileCorp manages mobile device fleet upgrades. This includes procurement provisioning, zero touch deployment and carrier provisioning.
Open the box – switch on the device – start work!
Device provisioning delivers secure, efficient on-boarding or device upgrade. It lets employees get on with the job immediately.
MobileCorp offers a customised ‘out of the box’ zero-touch provisioning service for smartphones and tablets. This can include opening the device packaging, inserting the SIM card and activating the carrier account, applying a screen protector, and adding a protective case.
Provisioning is often bundled with a Zero-Touch deployment and/or a UEM managed service.
End users expect ‘no fuss’ upgrading of their business-critical devices. They expect an ‘out of the box’ experience.
If the device needs to be able to access corporate email, corporate files, or a custom company application, the most secure and efficient means of deployment will be a managed service involving security enrolment and MDM/UEM platform enrolment.
If you’ve ever dealt with a carrier you know how time-consuming and fraught with frustration this experience can be. MobileCorp assumes responsibility for all carrier provisioning for Telstra customers.
As a Telstra Platinum Partner, MobileCorp has direct access to the Telstra network to complete all provisioning activities without having to engage Telstra back of house service teams. Simply lodge a ticket with MobileCorp’s service desk and your job is done.
Carrier provisioning includes:
We are experts in managing bulk contract changes and plan movements, applying all the back-of-house codes to ensure that your workforce enjoys a smooth transition without disruption to their service.
We also have a proven track record with mass porting projects, onboarding new Telstra contracts efficiently and accurately.
MobileCorp is an Australian communications technology company providing 5G and Wireless WAN, Managed Mobility Services, Unified Endpoint Management, Complex Data and IP Networks, and Unified Communication solutions. We have a proven track record providing solution architecture, build, deployment, and managed services for Australian enterprise and business. We are a Telstra Platinum Partner and have been a Telstra enterprise and business partner since 1988.