If eSIMs Become Widespread, Slimmer Smartphones Possible
Drawbacks Include Need for Latest Models and Inconvenience When Replacing Devices
It has been analyzed that the hacking incident at SK Telecom could lead to unexpected benefits for smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung Electronics and Apple.
According to the telecommunications industry on May 10, since the SK Telecom USIM information hacking incident became public on April 22, the number of SK Telecom subscribers signing up for eSIMs per day has increased by about 40 times compared to before. On April 25, SK Telecom decided to offer free USIM replacements for customers concerned about damage from the information leak. However, as USIM inventory could not keep up with replacement demand, eSIMs emerged as an alternative.
Unlike USIMs, which must be physically inserted into the device, an eSIM is a subscriber identification module embedded in the smartphone. Consumers generally prefer thinner and lighter smartphones. For smartphone manufacturers, the widespread adoption of eSIMs allows for even thinner and lighter devices.
An industry official told Yonhap News, "Having physical space for a USIM in the product is a major design obstacle to making devices thinner," adding, "If this space is eliminated, battery consumption can also be reduced." Another industry official added, "Using eSIMs can extend battery life and help slim down the device." However, he noted that the difference in battery life may not be significant enough for consumers to notice.
In the United States, eSIM usage has already become common since 2022. However, in Korea, there have been limitations, as only relatively recent models support eSIMs?iPhone XS series and later, and Galaxy S23 and later. The low adoption rate of eSIMs in Korea is interpreted as being due to telecommunications companies viewing USIMs as a source of revenue. In addition, when customers visit retail stores to replace USIMs, carriers can recommend additional services, so they have not actively promoted eSIM usage.
eSIMs offer the advantage of easy and convenient activation and are also an international standard defined by the GSM Association (GSMA). On the other hand, since eSIMs are embedded in the device, replacing the device can be cumbersome. If the smartphone is damaged, it is not possible to transfer the eSIM, which can make identity verification using carrier networks more difficult.
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