eSIMとは？メリットとデバイスサポート

Embedded SIM (eSIM) technology is rapidly changing how we connect our devices. As more smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and laptops adopt eSIMs, understanding what an eSIM is and how it works has become increasingly important. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about eSIMs – from the basics of how they work to their key benefits and which devices support this exciting new technology.

eSIMとは何ですか?

An eSIM, short for “embedded SIM,” refers to a small, programmable chip embedded directly into a device that allows it to connect to a cellular network without needing a plastic physical SIM card.

Unlike traditional physical SIM cards that you can insert into your phone, an eSIM is soldered onto the device’s motherboard. It performs the same basic functions as a physical SIM card but in a smaller, non-removable format that is configurable remotely with software.

Here are the key defining characteristics of an eSIM:

• Embedded directly into the device hardware
• Remotely provisionable over-the-air via software
• Allows multiple cellular plan profiles on one device
• Non-removable and non-transferrable

In short, eSIM technology takes the standard physical SIM card and integrates it into the device itself as an embedded, reprogrammable chip. This allows devices with eSIMs to easily connect to and switch between cellular networks without needing to physically swap out SIM cards.

The eSIM specification was created and is still managed by the GSMA, an industry organization representing mobile network operators worldwide. It’s steadily gaining adoption, especially among flagship smartphones and smartwatches.

How Does an eSIM Work?

The user experience with an eSIM is quite straightforward. With a device that has an eSIM inside, you can download and install carrier plan profiles directly using software instead of having to obtain a physical SIM card.

Here’s a quick overview of how eSIM activation works on a supported device:

1. Select cellular plan – Browse and select a cellular data plan from a carrier of your choice that supports eSIM. This can done directly on your device or the carrier’s website.
2. Download profile – Download the eSIM profile for that carrier plan. This profile contains all the necessary credentials for connecting to that network. On iPhone, you simply scan a QR code provided by the carrier to download the plan profile.
3. Install profile – Next, install the downloaded eSIM profile onto your device. This allows your phone to access that carrier’s network using the plan you selected.
4. Connect – You’re all set! Connect to the cellular network and use your device online.

The great benefit of eSIMs is the convenience and flexibility. You can quickly add or swap cellular plans and even have multiple active profiles for different purposes, all without having to physically insert or replace SIM cards.

Business users can have separate eSIM profiles for work and personal lines. Frequent international travelers can get local data plans in different countries. And you can easily compare carriers and switch to the best deal on the fly.

eSIMと物理SIMカード

To understand the benefits that eSIM brings, it helps to compare it against the older physical SIM card standard.

Here are the main differences between an eSIM and physical SIM:

In summary, eSIMs provide more flexibility, convenience and reliability versus traditional physical SIM cards. However, many cheaper basic and older phones still rely solely on physical SIM slots.

Advantages and Benefits of eSIM

What are the practical upsides to using eSIM exactly? Here are some of the best advantages that eSIM technology enables:

キャリアの切り替えが簡単

Toggling between different carriers is a seamless experience with eSIM. You can quickly download eSIM profiles and test out different carriers’ networks. For example, switching between a local and roaming data plan while traveling is effortless.

Multi-line support

Having both personal and work lines on the same device is possible with eSIMs through multiple profiles. This allows carrying just one smartphone while keeping cellular plans separate.

Improved reliability

With no moving parts and delicate contacts to wear out like on physical SIM cards, eSIMs are generally more reliable long-term. Their soldered design also makes them more water and dust resistant.

Global roaming

Switching carriers is easier than ever while traveling abroad. Local carrier profiles can downloaded on demand, doing away with roaming fees.

Streamlined provisioning

For enterprises and carriers, eSIMs drastically simplify the logistics of handing out cellular connectivity. Phones can be shipped out ready for over-the-air cellular activation.

セキュリティ強化

Stolen phones are more secure thanks to eSIM’s remote provisioning capabilities. Lost or stolen devices can have cellular service revoked instantly without physical access.

As more OEMs adopt eSIM technology, users will continue reaping the benefits of greater flexibility, convenience and resilience when it comes to cellular connectivity.

What Devices Have eSIM Support?

eSIM adoption has steadily grown over the past few years, especially among flagship smartphones. As of 2024, these are some of the manufacturers and device lineups that come with embedded SIM capability:

Apple – All iPhone XS models and newer, cellular-enabled iPads and iPad Pros

Google Pixel – Pixel 3 and newer

Samsung – Galaxy S20 series, Z Flip series

モトローラ – razr 5G, edge 30 pro

Microsoft – Surface Pro X, Surface Duo

And many more smartphone OEMs like Sony, Nokia, Xiaomi, OnePlus and Oppo have released certain eSIM-enabled models. On the wearable front, recent Apple Watch editions and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 also come with eSIM support.

In general, mostly premium smartphones, cellular-connected tablets and smartwatches have adopted eSIM so far. But adoption is accelerating quick – by 2025, Counterpoint Research predicts close to a third of all smartphones shipped will be eSIM-enabled.

As more types of IoT and mobile devices add high-speed 5G connectivity, expect eSIM support to become mainstream across manufacturers.

How Do You Activate and Use an eSIM?

If you have a device with eSIM functionality like recent iPhones or Android phones, using an eSIM is straightforward:

1. Select a carrier plan that supports eSIM provisioning. Major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and Google Fi all fully support eSIM activation.
2. On your phone, initiate eSIM setup using the cellular settings. You’ll be prompted to scan a QR code provided by the carrier to download the plan profile.
3. Scan the QR code to load the carrier profile and follow the activation steps. Once installed, you may need to reboot your device.
4. Connect to the cellular network and verify your new plan is active. You can now use mobile data and make calls over the cellular network.

The process varies slightly depending on your device OS and carrier, but generally involves scanning a QR code linked to your eSIM plan. Multi-line profiles can be configured the same way by repeating provisioning.

Switching between plans or disabling an eSIM line is easy from the SIM settings menu. You’ll continue enjoying celluar connectivity without ever needing to physically insert or replace a SIM card to upgrade, replace or troubleshoot your mobile device.

The Future of Connectivity is eSIM

Embedded SIM technology does away with the limitations of physical SIM cards for good. With an eSIM built into devices, switching carriers and managing cellular plans becomes much simpler. Support for multiple active profiles also opens up helpful new dual-SIM use cases.

And this is just the beginning for eSIM adoption. We’re already seeing eSIM capability extend beyond smartphones and into vehicles, PCs, game consoles, smart home hubs and all kinds of IoT gadgets.

As 5G and cellular connectivity become more ubiquitous, eSIM is the enabling technology that delivers the flexibility that users and enterprises are asking for. Going forward, eSIMs will play a major role in revolutionizing how tomorrow’s smart, always-connected devices access mobile data.

So while the SIM card slot isn’t going away just yet across all devices, expect to see more smartphones and gadgets integrating eSIM capability under the hood over the next few years. Understanding what eSIM technology is and what it enables for users is key to unlocking the streamlined connectivity experiences of the future.