Client adoption of eSIM know-how continues to develop quickly, in response to unique market monitoring figures launched at the moment by Trusted Connectivity Alliance (TCA). The most recent knowledge reveals that client eSIM profile downloads* greater than doubled in 2023, growing 109% year-on-year.
Development was predominantly pushed by accelerating adoption inside the North American market, the place the vast availability and demand for eSIM-only smartphone fashions has seen main cellular operators transition to ‘digital-first’ methods. Adoption charges additionally doubled throughout Asia and Western Europe.
Future progress in client eSIM adoption is anticipated to be boosted by the launch of eSIM-only smartphones throughout extra areas, coupled with the broader availability of eSIM-enabled gadgets. Rebounding ranges of worldwide journey —anticipated to surpass pre-pandemic ranges in 2024—additionally stand to assist elevated uptake as shoppers flip to eSIM for larger selection and comfort when roaming.
The general upswing in client adoption was supported by vital ongoing funding in eSIM Subscription Supervisor (SM) platforms, which allow the distant provisioning and lifecycle administration of eSIMs. The variety of deployed client eSIM SM platforms rose by 25% in 2023 as cellular operators continued to bolster their digital capabilities.
“For applied sciences to be extensively adopted, they should be protected and dependable, present a fantastic expertise and, most significantly, ship actual worth,” feedback Bertrand Moussel, Chair of the TCA Board. “Our newest knowledge makes it clear that wider eSIM availability is translating into sturdy adoption, with shoppers internationally now realising the advantages of versatile and seamless connectivity.”
TCA gives unique statistical perception into the worldwide SIM and eSIM ecosystem based mostly on members’ market knowledge, providing authoritative perception which is trusted by stakeholders throughout the cellular business. Different key business traits in 2023 included:
Robust Basis for Rising eSIM Adoption Throughout Automotive and IoT Verticals
M2M eSIM adoption—predominantly centered throughout automotive use-cases—was additionally supported by a 12% improve within the deployment of M2M eSIM SM platforms.
Trying forward, world standardisation efforts similar to GSMA’s eSIM for IoT Specs (SGP.31 and SGP.32) will play an essential position in selling elevated eSIM adoption throughout IoT verticals. The specs introduce new, devoted options to fulfill particular IoT necessities, simplifying deployments at large scale and addressing the challenges related to remotely provisioning and managing constrained IoT gadgets.
eSIM Volumes Resilient Regardless of Vital Financial Uncertainty
TCA can also be the one organisation to supply a quantitative world view of eSIM cargo volumes, offering each precise and forecast knowledge. eSIM shipments collectively reported by TCA members decreased marginally by 2% to 374 million models, with TCA estimating that the entire accessible marketplace for eSIM was 390 million models in 2023.
Notably, volumes remained steady within the face of sturdy macro-economic headwinds. World inflationary pressures and the ‘cost-of-living’ disaster diminished general client demand for smartphones and cellular subscriptions in 2023, although easing inflation in the direction of the top of the yr factors in the direction of a extra optimistic outlook for 2024. The continued affect of the worldwide chip scarcity—which noticed operators overstock in 2022 to mitigate potential provide chain pressures—additionally tempered demand however is anticipated to rebalance in the direction of regular ranges in 2024.
Digitalisation of the SIM Market Accelerates
The marketplace for ‘conventional’ SIM was equally formed by broader macro-economic components, with TCA estimating the entire accessible marketplace for SIM (excluding eSIM) diminished by 7% to three.8 billion models in 2023. There was additionally a transparent development signalling the growing digitalisation of the general SIM market amid accelerating eSIM adoption in key areas similar to North America.
Moussel provides: “Because the evolution of the SIM ecosystem gathers tempo, TCA is dedicated to bringing collectively stakeholders to deal with rising alternatives and challenges. By collaborating on initiatives that improve interoperability, promote belief and assist sustainable innovation throughout the safe connectivity ecosystem, the total promise of the worldwide digital financial system might be realised.”
A breakdown of information collected via TCA’s member monitoring course of is on the market through an annual subscription. For extra data, please contact data@trustedconnectivityalliance.org.
For an ‘at-a-glance’ overview of the 2023 market knowledge, view TCA’s Business Insights infographic.
Notes to Editors
* eSIM profile downloads, also called eSIM profile transactions, refers back to the variety of occasions a cellular operator profile was downloaded.
