The world of mobile telecommunications is constantly evolving, with the emergence of revolutionary technologies such as iSIM (Integrated SIM) and eSIM (embedded SIM). These advancements are radically transforming our understanding of traditional SIM cards by pushing the boundaries of connectivity and mobile subscription management.
As the growing demand for connected devices and the need for more flexible connectivity are felt, iSIM and eSIM are positioned as essential pillars in this rapidly changing ecosystem.
In this article, we will explore iSIM and eSIM in detail, delving into their features, differences, advantages, and various applications.
What is eSIM ?
eSIM, short for “embedded SIM,” is an integrated circuit that combines hardware, a secure element, and software known as a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC).
eSIMs are typically available in various forms, such as 2FF, 3FF, 4FF, and MFF2, and use an integrated UICC (eUICC) with a secure element for enhanced security.
Advantages and Disadvantages of eSIM
The use of eSIM comes with a set of technical advantages and disadvantages that impact the user experience and mobile network management. To better understand these aspects, we present the following summary table highlighting the key advantages and disadvantages of eSIM.
Advantages of eSIM | Disadvantages of eSIM |
Flexibility: Supports multiple operator profiles (specific configuration of network settings, services, and authentication for each operator) | Technological dependence: Some devices may not be compatible |
Ease of use: Particularly for soldered SIM cards such as those in MFF2 format | Compatibility limitations with certain operators |
Space-saving in devices | Profile management complexity for less tech-savvy users |
Use of secure elements such as dedicated chips to enhance data and communication security | Although eSIMs offer enhanced security, they are not immune to vulnerabilities or potential hacking |
Increased equipment longevity by allowing network evolution tracking | Dependence on updates, especially with the standard evolution to SGP.32, is influenced by manufacturers’ and operators’ decisions. |
Use Cases of eSIM
eSIM, due to its flexibility and ability to store multiple operator profiles on a single device, finds applications across various fields. Here are some common use cases for the eSIM card:
- Mobile Phones and Smartphones: Enables users to switch easily between operators without physically changing the SIM card, ideal for travelers or those seeking competitive service offers.
- Connected Devices and Wearables: Used in smartwatches, fitness trackers, and other IoT devices for connectivity without requiring space for a physical SIM card.
- Connected Vehicles: Integrated into vehicles to offer continuous connectivity and the ability to download software and map updates without needing an external SIM card.
- Internet of Things (IoT): Employed in IoT devices such as sensors, security cameras, smart meters, etc., to establish reliable wireless connectivity.
- Enterprise Telecommunications: Used in enterprise telecommunications solutions for centralized management of connections and device profiles.
Additionally, there are two specific standards for eSIM: M2M eUICC (SGP.02), designed for Machine-to-Machine communications, and Consumer eUICC (SGP.32), focused on consumer uses. These standards define the protocols and procedures for managing operator profiles on eSIM cards, ensuring greater interoperability and security in various contexts.
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What is iSIM ?
An iSIM is a type of eSIM where an integrated UICC (iUICC) with a secure element is embedded in a system-on-chip (SoC) or system-in-package (SiP).
This technology combines the functionality of the SIM card with the device’s processor, enabling communication operations to be managed without requiring a separate SIM chip.
Advantages and Disadvantages of iSIM
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Advantages of iSIM | Disadvantages of iSIM |
Seamless Integration: The iSIM integrated into the processor offers a compact, unified solution for managing wireless communications, simplifying hardware design. | Potential Risks in Case of Failure: If the processor or integrated iSIM chip fails, repair or replacement may be more complex and costly than replacing a traditional SIM. |
Manufacturing Cost Reduction: By eliminating the need for a separate SIM chip, iSIM can potentially reduce the production costs of devices. | Standardization Challenges: Due to direct integration into the processor, iSIM could face standardization challenges, particularly in terms of interoperability between different devices and manufacturers. |
Energy Efficiency: The integration of iSIM into the processor helps optimize energy consumption, contributing to better battery life. | Dependence on Technological Advances: As iSIM is closely tied to processor evolution, rapid technological advancements could make certain devices obsolete more quickly. |
Centralized Management and Enhanced Security: The integrated iSIM can enable centralized management of operator profiles and software updates while enhancing data security with a secure element. | Update Complexity: Updating the iSIM could be complex, especially if it is closely tied to processor updates or requires hardware changes. |
Use Cases of iSIM
The iSIM, integrating the functions of SIM cards directly into the processor of a device, offers a multitude of possibilities across various fields. Here are some of its use cases:
- Smartphones: iSIM is ideal for smartphones as it offers several advantages over traditional SIM cards. It frees up space in the phone, improves its waterproofing, and simplifies management.
- IoT Devices: iSIM is smaller and lighter than a traditional SIM card. This can be crucial for certain IoT devices, such as smartwatches or fitness trackers, which need to be compact and lightweight for portability.
- Industrial IoT Devices: Industrial IoT devices, such as industrial sensors, are often used in harsh environments.
iSIM is more durable than traditional SIM cards, making it better suited for these environments.
For example, an industrial sensor used in a factory may be exposed to vibrations or dust. The iSIM is more resistant to these elements than a traditional SIM card.
- Healthcare: In the healthcare sector, iSIM is integrated into connected medical devices to secure the transmission of medical data, enhance telemedicine services, and monitor patients remotely.
- Late Customization in Factory with the Future SGP.41 Standard: The iSIM, as a groundbreaking component integrating SIM card functions directly into the device’s processor, paves the way for significant advancements, particularly with the adoption of the upcoming SGP.41 standard. This standard, still under development, aims to enable late-stage customization in factories, offering unparalleled flexibility in configuring iSIM cards throughout the production process. This innovative approach revolutionizes how iSIM-equipped devices are tailored to the specific needs of end-users, network operators, and device manufacturers.
In the first quarter of 2023, over 450 million IoT modules were already compatible with eSIM or iSIM, accounting for approximately 16% of the 2.8 billion active cellular IoT connections worldwide. These figures highlight the growing demand for flexible, fast, and efficient connectivity solutions in the emerging IoT era.
The Rise of eSIM/iSIM Cards: In 2023, the market share of eSIM/iSIM reached 32%, surpassing physical SIM cards
Source : IoT Analytics
Differences Between iSIM and eSIM
eSIM and iSIM offer distinct approaches to integrating SIM card functionality into electronic devices.
The comparison table below highlights the essential differences between eSIM and iSIM, showcasing their specific features in terms of physical integration, security, profile management, hardware dependency, and potential for technological evolution.
FEATURES | eSIM | iSIM |
Integration | Separate chip integrated or inserted into the device. | Integrated directly into the processor (SoC/SiP). |
Physical Slot | A SIM slot for 2FF, 3FF, 4FF formats, and on the PCB for the MFF2 format. | Integrated within the processor, no additional space required. |
Profile Management | Can store multiple operator profiles. | Manages profiles directly at the processor level. |
Hardware Dependency | Dependent on the device’s hardware capabilities. | Closely dependent on the SoC used and its technology. |
Updates | Software updates for SIM features. | Software updates potentially tied to the SoC. |
Device Compatibility | Wide compatibility with various devices. | May require adjustments for integration. |
Technological Advancements | Can be updated via software updates. | May become obsolete with rapid advancements in SoC. |
How iSIM and eSIM Are Transforming the IoT Market
The rise of eSIM/iSIM is not just a technological advancement; it’s a paradigm shift.
It involves the seamless integration of IoT devices, simplifying connectivity, and improving the user experience. The use of eSIMs/iSIMs can help businesses reduce time-to-market and enhance the efficiency of IoT deployments.
This technology offers several advantages over traditional SIM cards, including:
Increased flexibility for IoT solutions
eSIM/iSIM technologies offer increased flexibility and reduced provisioning time for IoT devices. By allowing devices to be remotely configured with different operator profiles, they enable seamless switching between networks without the need to physically change SIM cards.
This flexibility is particularly beneficial for companies deploying IoT devices across multiple countries or regions.
Additionally, the ability to remotely provision and update eSIM/iSIM simplifies and speeds up the deployment process, especially in large-scale IoT deployments, allowing businesses to quickly adapt and optimize their IoT rollouts.
Several automotive manufacturers, such as BMW, Audi, Tesla, and Volkswagen, have adopted eSIM technology to offer connected services in their vehicles.
Through their respective platforms, these companies can remotely activate, manage, and switch mobile network profiles. This provides greater flexibility and scalability in IoT deployments.
Compact eSIM/iSIMs Enable Smaller IoT Devices
eSIM and iSIM cards allow for more compact IoT device designs. This makes devices smaller and lighter compared to traditional SIM-based devices. Notably, eSIM/iSIM cards have facilitated the development of smart tags, ultra-thin devices offering precise and secure tracking of small and lightweight objects.
DB Schenker, the logistics branch of Deutsche Bahn, has implemented a solution using ultra-thin smart tags with integrated iSIMs to track small freight shipments globally.
iSIM and eSIM: Enhanced Security
eSIM/iSIM cards incorporate built-in secure elements, offering advanced security features compared to traditional SIM cards. The secure element acts as a hardware root of trust for asymmetric encryption, ensuring end-to-end secure communication.
Furthermore, the IoT SAFE (Secure Access for Everyone) standard enhances this security by standardizing the use of the SIM as a certificate management element to secure application data.
By integrating eSIM/iSIM into the IoT SAFE security ecosystem, a standardized approach is established to ensure the authenticity of connected devices and the confidentiality of exchanged data.
The eSIM in Tesla vehicles enables features such as remote vehicle monitoring, software updates, and over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates.
The eSIM acts as a hardware root of trust by securely storing cryptographic keys and certificates used for authentication and encryption.
The durable eSIM/iSIM technology reduces electronic waste and CO₂ emissions
eSIM/iSIM technology offers a more Eco-friendly alternative by eliminating the need for traditional physical SIM cards, thus reducing electronic and plastic waste.
Although it is true that some eSIMs can be physical and made from plastic, they still generate less waste than traditional SIM cards. Additionally, eliminating the shipment of physical SIM cards to IoT modules or devices helps reduce the CO₂ emissions associated with transportation. These environmental benefits make eSIM/iSIM a more sustainable option for IoT connectivity.
The future of iSIM and eSIM technology in IoT
Looking ahead, we anticipate further growth in the penetration of eSIM/iSIM technology in the IoT market.
Currently, the market is still dominated by a variety of SIM cards, with a market share (based on shipments) of around 67%.
As the industry progresses, we expect eSIMs to become the dominant SIM technology over the next 2 to 3 years. Then, with the next module hardware cycle, iSIMs are expected to start gaining market share as they offer enhanced security features. In the long term, it is anticipated that even the eSIM market will migrate towards iSIM technology.
Two factors are likely to drive the growth of eSIMs and iSIMs in the cellular industry:
Cybersecurity Regulation
The importance of robust security measures in cellular IoT cannot be overstated. Cybersecurity regulations play a key role in strengthening the security of IoT projects, especially through the implementation of hardware-based solutions.
Given the recent activity surrounding technology regulation in the EU and the United States, it is likely that the coming years will see new laws requiring enhanced security for IoT, potentially mandating the use of a hardware root of trust.
In this context, eSIM/iSIM technology emerges as a practical solution for implementing chip-to-cloud security. By leveraging the secure element as a hardware root of trust, it is possible to enable asymmetric encryption, thus enhancing the overall security framework.
GSMA Specifications
The GSMA specifications SGP.31 and SGP.32 will play a crucial role in the future of eSIM/iSIM technology in cellular IoT.
By streamlining remote profile management and provisioning processes, these specifications will simplify the deployment of IoT devices and reduce time to market.
Additionally, the introduction of eSIM and the transformation of the LPA (Local Profile Assistant) into IPA (IoT Profile Assistant) will provide businesses with greater control over their IoT deployments, enabling them to quickly adapt to market changes and customer needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, eSIM and iSIM technologies represent significant advancements in the connectivity of IoT devices. eSIM, by offering remote operator profile loading, and iSIM, directly integrated into the processor, provide distinct advantages, from simplifying connectivity to enhancing security.
These groundbreaking technologies pave the way for more compact IoT devices, more flexible operator profile management, and enhanced security solutions, driving the industry into an era of unparalleled innovation and connectivity.
