Published on December 7, 20253 min read

Carriers Expand eSIM Support as Physical SIMs Disappear

Carriers Expand eSIM Support as Physical SIMs Disappear

The global mobile industry is entering a new phase as more carriers officially shift toward full eSIM support and away from traditional physical SIM cards. What began as a slow transition is now accelerating rapidly, driven by new smartphone designs, global travel needs, and consumer demand for fast, digital-first connectivity.

In 2025, eSIM adoption is no longer a niche trend — it's becoming the default standard, and platforms like Figabytes (https://figabytes.com) are positioned at the center of this transformation.


📱 Carriers Are Moving Toward eSIM-Only Models

Across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, carriers are:

  • Enabling eSIM activation directly through apps

  • Removing the need for in-store SIM swaps

  • Supporting instant remote activation

  • Offering multi-profile management

  • Preparing to phase out physical SIM trays altogether

This shift aligns with recent hardware trends, particularly Apple’s push toward eSIM-only iPhone models and Android manufacturers expanding support across mid-range devices.

For customers, this means fewer limitations and a more flexible, digital experience.


🌍 Travel Is a Major Driver of eSIM Growth

Travelers are embracing eSIMs more than ever because they allow:

  • Instant setup before boarding a flight

  • Reliable data from the moment they arrive

  • No airport kiosk queues

  • No plastic SIM waste

  • No roaming bill shocks

With Figabytes offering coverage in over 190 countries, travelers can install once and stay connected across regions without swapping SIM cards.

This convenience is a major reason carriers are accelerating eSIM infrastructure worldwide.


🚀 More Carriers Now Support Multi-Network Roaming

As eSIM devices grow, carriers are expanding their roaming partnerships to support:

  • Faster 5G roaming

  • Smarter network switching

  • Better indoor coverage

  • Wider rural reach

Paired with iOS 26’s new eSIM Auto-Switching feature, users can now move between networks effortlessly — ideal for international travelers using Figabytes regional or global plans.


🔒 Security Benefits Are Speeding Up the Transition

eSIM technology is also becoming the preferred standard because it is:

More Secure:

eSIMs cannot be physically removed from a stolen device.

More Reliable:

No mechanical SIM tray issues.

More Sustainable:

No plastic waste, packaging, or shipping.

More Flexible:

Users can store multiple profiles for home, work, and travel — switching instantly.

Carriers benefit too, with reduced logistics and simplified onboarding.


📱 The End of the Physical SIM Is Near

Analysts predict that within a few years:

  • Most flagship smartphones will be eSIM-only

  • International roaming will shift to digital travel eSIMs

  • Physical SIM cards will become optional or discontinued

  • Carrier onboarding will move entirely in-app

  • Users will manage multiple mobile profiles dynamically

This ecosystem directly supports the rise of digital-only services like Figabytes, which already deliver the fast, app-free installation that modern travelers expect.


✈️ How Figabytes Fits Into the New eSIM Era

Figabytes is built for the digital future carriers are enabling, offering:

  • Instant online activation

  • No ID checks or contracts

  • High-speed data in 190+ countries

  • Regional bundles for Europe, Asia, Middle East & more

  • Unlimited and high-GB options

  • 24/7 support

Explore global plans here:
👉 https://figabytes.com


🔮 Looking Ahead: Universal eSIM Adoption

As carriers expand support and device manufacturers move fully digital, eSIMs will soon become the worldwide default for mobile connectivity.

The transition is already in motion.
Travelers, professionals, and everyday users are benefiting from a faster, safer, more flexible mobile experience.

And with platforms like Figabytes making global data accessible in seconds, the shift away from physical SIM cards is not just inevitable — it’s already here.

Install your eSIM with confidence

Follow this guided checklist from device prep to activation. Figabytes eSIMs stay ready in your account, so you can install today and switch them on the moment you land.

Most unlocked phones from 2018 onward support eSIM. Run these pre-checks now so activation is stress-free when you land.

  • Make sure your device is unlocked and supports eSIM (iPhone XR/XS or newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer, Google Pixel 4 or newer, and most recent flagships).
  • Stay connected to Wi-Fi during installation so the eSIM profile downloads instantly.

iPhone & iPad

Settings → General → About. Under "Digital SIM," confirm an EID is listed.

Android

Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs (or Connections). Look for "Add eSIM" or "Download a SIM instead."

Unsure about compatibility? Ask our team before you buy.