1. What is eSIM?

eSIM stands for Embedded-SIM in English, and is called "embedded SIM card" or "virtual SIM card" in Chinese. It is a new generation SIM card specification launched by the GSMA. eSIM is physically still a physical SIM card, but eSIM is a SON-8 package IC, which is directly embedded on the circuit board of the mobile device. Its size is only 6 mm (L) x 5 mm (W) x 0.9 mm (H), which is much smaller than the current smallest Nano SIM size. It can save the space of the traditional SIM card slot and make the mobile device design thinner.

2. What is the difference between eSIM card and ordinary SIM card?

The "traditional SIM cards" currently used by consumers are physical cards. Consumers only need to apply for a SIM card from a telecom operator, and then insert it into the card slot of their mobile device to use it.

With the continuous advancement of technology, SIM cards have also changed from traditional Mini SIM to Micro SIM and then to Nano SIM. The size is getting smaller and smaller. With the latest eSIM, consumers get an exclusive QR Code, scan the settings with their mobile phone, and the data is directly implanted into the mobile phone.

3. Advantages and Disadvantages of eSIM Card

1. Advantages of eSIM

• Easily transform into a dual-SIM dual-standby mobile phone: Even if the mobile phone does not have a dual-SIM slot setting, as long as the eSIM card is activated, the mobile phone can enjoy the "dual-SIM dual-standby" function.

• Suitable for business people with more than one phone number: The eSIM card can be used on the same mobile phone to make calls, answer calls and send messages with different phone numbers. After applying for an eSIM card, you only need a mobile phone to use the official phone number and the private phone number separately.

• When traveling abroad, you can quickly access local data plans without using roaming.

• Save yourself the inconvenience of changing SIM cards

• The signal can be traced even if the mobile phone is lost

• There is no physical card slot, and the thickness of the device can be further reduced.

• Wearable devices, Internet of Things…widely used

2. Disadvantages of eSIM

• While the phone is being repaired, you cannot make calls using the original phone number.

• eSIM cards may be unstable when sharing hotspots

• Not every mobile phone or smartwatch supports eSIM cards. What mobile phones and smart watches currently support eSIM?

• If you send your phone for repair, replace your phone, reset your phone, etc., you will need to pay an eSIM setup fee of $300.

After installing eSIM, if the phone needs to be reset, you can select "Reset All Settings" during reset. At this time, resetting the phone will not delete the existing eSIM Profile. If you accidentally select "Reset All Settings" during reset, "Clear all content and settings" will delete all existing eSIM data, so you have to go to a telecom store to apply for eSIM service again. This is equivalent to losing the SIM card, so you need to pay the setup fee again. I want to try it. People who use eSIM services should pay special attention!

Although eSIM can remotely issue cards, it can eliminate the cost of the actual SIM card. However, because the setting data needs to be transmitted remotely, the information security and verification technology required are quite complex. Currently, only the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) ) certified platforms can issue eSIMs. Domestic telecom operators also need to pay regular system maintenance fees for the platform, electronic serial number fees for each download, etc. Therefore, eSIMs still have a certain cost before they become popular. eSIM does not need to bear the cost of a physical SIM card and user fees. It strikes a balance between the two. In response to the needs of existing users of the service to switch phones, it is recommended that the NCC should coordinate with major telecom operators to adjust the second eSIM setup fee from the current $300. Downgraded to reduce user burden.

4. What mobile phones and smart watches currently support eSIM?

1）Mobile phone brands and models that support eSIM (continuously updated)

As of May 2023, currently only the Apple iPhone series and Google Pixel series are smartphones that support eSIM functionality. Only the Galaxy Z Flip among Samsung phones supports this feature. In the future, the editor will continue to update the mobile phone models of the following three major mobile phone brands that are launched in Taiwan and support eSIM.

brand	model	Remark
Apple	iPhone 14 series
	iPhone 13 series
	iPhone 12 series
	iPhone 11 series
	iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XR
	iPhone SE 2, iPhone SE 3
Google	Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 7a
	Pixel 6a, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6
	Pixel 5
	Pixel 4a (5G), Pixel 4a, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4
Samsung	Galaxy Z Flip

▲Mobile phone brands and models that support eSIM (continuously updated)▲

2. Smart watches that support eSIM (continuously updated)

As of May 2023, smart watches that currently support eSIM functions are the Apple Watch LTE version and the Samsung Galaxy Watch LTE version. In the future, the editor will continue to update the smart watch models of the following two major brands that are launched in Taiwan and support eSIM.

brand	model	Remark
Apple	Apple Watch Ultra
	Apple Watch SE
	Apple Watch Series (Series 3 to 8)
Samsung	Galaxy Watch Series

▲What smart watches support eSIM? (Continuously updated)▲

3. Tablets that support eSIM (continuously updated)

As of May 2023, the only tablet brand that currently supports eSIM functionality is Apple. In the future, the editor will continue to update the tablet models of the following two major brands that are launched in Taiwan and support eSIM.

brand	model	Remark
Apple	iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation or later)
	iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation or later)
	iPad Air (3rd generation or later)
	iPad (7th generation or later)
	iPad mini (5th and 6th generation)
Samsung	–

▲What tablets support eSIM? (Continuously updated)▲