eSIM: how the virtual chip works and how to activate it in Brazil

Apple has announced a new line iPhone 14 in early September and announced that devices sold in the United States would no longer have entries for SIM chips physics. Now the brand’s new cell phone chips will only be “virtual”, called it’s true. The company has long sought to eliminate the physical chip once and for all, as several rumors over the past 2 years have pointed to this purpose for its flagship product, which is the iPhone.

However, Apple cell phones sold outside of the US will still have the chip slot as we know it. That is, devices that arrive in Brazil will not require an eSIM. But will the traditional cell phone chip as we know it disappear in the future? A study presented by Juniper Research showed that by 2025, the number of cell phones using eSIM technology is expected to reach 3.4 billion.

What is eSIM?

The abbreviation YES comes from Subscriber identification module (or “Subscriber Identity Module” in Portuguese), which is a mechanism used by operators to identify their customers. With this data, the operator allows them to use the loan package under the contract, both prepaid and postpaid. In the abbreviation eSIM, the letter “e” stands for the word built-in (or “on”, loosely translated into Portuguese).

So, eSIM (or virtual SIM) is a digital SIM card built into the hardware of a smartphone. That is, it is made inside the cell phone itself, so you do not need to insert any SIM card to use the phone line or change carriers.

This new type of virtual SIM was launched in early 2019 and at that time only iPhones (XR, XS and XS Max) could use it. Thus, over the past three years, other cell phone manufacturers and communication companies have begun to implement this mechanism, whether in their smartphones or data services.

We can say that this technology is relatively new for cell phones and is becoming popular thanks to the partnership between Apple and the GSMA (Groupe Speciale Mobile Association), which is an association representing the interests of mobile operators in the world. Other big brands like Samsung have also committed to bringing eSIM to their devices.

So not only Apple has brought this innovative concept, as Samsung, Huawei and Motorola have already implemented virtual chip technology, for example. Be that as it may, eSIM caused a lot of buzz after Apple’s event on September 7th, and its use may soon begin.

eSIM in numbers

A Juniper Research survey showed that by 2025 we will have 3.4 billion cell phones using eSIM technology. Currently, 1.2 billion telephone lines use this standard in their devices. In other words, this number is expected to almost triple in the coming years.

Another survey, this time from TeleGeography, calculated that there are 8.05 billion active lines across the board. So in 3 years, almost half of these numbers should start working through eSIM. The Wall Street Journal reported in a recent report that the novelty of eSIM is already becoming more popular in Europe and Asia, which would attract the attention of carriers in the US.

Thus, telecom giants such as T-Mobile and AT&T are already gearing up for a future without physical SIM chips, not only for Apple, but for all devices. Here in Brazil, eSIM is already possible on some mobile phones and smartwatches. Therefore, we can assume that this new technology will also become a trend here, especially with the advent of 5G.

eSIM Benefits

But then what are the benefits of eSIM for users other than not having to worry about the physical chip? The idea is to provide more convenience in terms of mobility and security.

In this part, the virtual SIM card is very useful – no one else can take the card out of the smartphone tray, because it does not exist. Since the eSIM cannot be removed, the data connection is not interrupted, as is the case with traditional SIM cards, when you remove it or make poor contact. This is a great opportunity to find a smartphone in case it is lost or stolen.

So, in these cases, the chip is not compromised and the user who owns the line just needs to contact the operator and ask to block mobile data and cell number. If a scammer steals an iPhone or other Android with an eSIM, they won’t be able to use the device number and internet, let alone insert a physical SIM card.

In addition, eSIM information may be overwritten. This is due to the fact that this technology allows the user to adapt the virtual chip in accordance with the optimal mobile Internet tariff plan for him. The companies argue that in the long run, eSIM standardization should also lead to cost savings in the industry.

Knowing that this new card standard is only digital, of course it doesn’t wear out or break. And it also doesn’t give the mobile phone owner the headache to figure out the size of the card tray (whether it’s a standard, micro- or nano-SIM). Who has never bought a larger card and had to cut the chip to fit a smartphone?

Finally, another difference with eSIM is that you can have more than one line on the same mobile phone (dual SIM devices, for example).

Does eSIM work in Brazil?

With eSIM, the technology used in the most advanced cell phones, the carrier of your choice can activate your cell phone plan on your device without the need for a physical SIM card. It is enough that the eSIM is supported by the network and enabled by the operator.

And you must be wondering if there is such support here in Brazil? Yes! Claro, TIM and Vivo are already offering this new service. And everyone has their own process for enabling this technology or data package for the user. Therefore, I recommend looking on your carrier’s website or even going to the store to find out how they do this eSIM activation when you sign up.

What devices use eSIM?

Obviously, not all cell phones support the virtual chip. Because this technology is relatively new, eSIM devices have also hit the market for the first time.

So, if you bought a cell phone from popular brands like Apple or Samsung after the technology was launched in early 2019, the device might have an eSIM option (even if it still has a SIM tray).

Since we are still not used to this standard here in Brazil, eSIM is still available on a few smartphones – mostly high-end models. So manufacturers make this option available by keeping a record of the physical chip, which remains the most popular feature and is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.

As I said, Apple, Motorola and Samsung devices can officially use this feature here in the country. And some models that you can import, such as Google Pixel, Huawei, OPPO and Sony, can also have this standard.

List of some compatible devices:

• iPhone XR, XS and XS Max
• SE 2nd generation
• iPhone 11 lineup
• iPhone 12 lineup
• iPhone 13 lineup
• Galaxy S20 line
• Note 20 Line
• Galaxy Z flip
• Galazy Z Fold and Fold 2
• Galaxy 21 5G line
• razr motorcycle
• Huawei P40 and P40 Pro lineup
• Google Pixel Line 2, 3 and 4

Finally, can a physical chip and eSIM be used? This is possible on some models. But like I said, it’s always a good idea to check your mobile phone settings and your carrier’s capabilities.

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