December 23 – January 1, 2026
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iPhone 17 Air Goes eSIM-Only Worldwide, Accelerating Global Transition
Apple announced iPhone 17 Air will launch eSIM-only globally (December 9, 2025), expanding beyond US-only implementation since iPhone 14 (2022). Google Pixel 10 also adopted eSIM-only in US. Industry forecasts 75% smartphone connections via eSIM by 2030 (up from 10% in 2023). Roland Berger predicts travel eSIM sales rising from 70M (2024) to 280M (2030). Benefits: simpler carrier switching, reduced plastic waste, enhanced security. eSIM-capable handsets to reach 3 billion by 2030.
Sources: – South Texas News (Dec 9, 2025)
2. Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold Launches with Dual eSIM Support
Samsung unveiled Galaxy Z TriFold (December 2, 2025), its first tri-foldable smartphone featuring dual Nano SIM and multi-eSIM support. The 10-inch display device (3.9mm thin) launched in Korea December 12, followed by China, Taiwan, Singapore, UAE, with US release Q1 2026. Supports up to two active profiles with eSIM availability varying by region/carrier. Powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite, 200MP camera, 5,600mAh battery. Priced ~$2,440. Includes standalone Samsung DeX, advanced hinges, and IP48 water resistance.
Sources: – Samsung Newsroom (Dec 2, 2025)
3. Verum Messenger Unveils Next-Generation eSIM Platform
UK-based Verum Messenger launched next-gen eSIM technology on January 1, 2026. The virtual SIM installs on smartphones, tablets, and Wi-Fi routers without carrier visits. No roaming fees; worldwide and regional plans. Key advantage: router support for multiple devices. Accepts cryptocurrency payments, targeting travelers, remote workers, and digital nomads.
Sources: Telematics Wire (Jan 1, 2026)
4. Global eSIM Market to Reach $5.8 Billion by 2030
Research and Markets projects eSIM market from $1.2B (2024) to $5.8B (2030) – 29.1% CAGR. Smartphone segment: 31.7% CAGR; M2M: $1.8B by 2030. U.S. market: $360.9M (2024); China: $445M (2030). GSMA forecasts 60% smartphone sales eSIM-compatible in 2025. ABI Research expects 633M shipments in 2026.
Sources: Yahoo Finance, ABI Research (Dec 10, 2025)
5. eSIM Adoption Accelerates: 60+ New Devices Launch
GSMA/TechCrunch analysis: 60+ new eSIM smartphones launched H1 2025. Global adoption: 5% (up from 3%). U.S. leads: 41% of 2024 devices have eSIM. Travel drives adoption: 51% use eSIM internationally. Airalo: 85% first-time users. Activation rate: 30% (2024), projected 75% by 2030.
Sources: TechCrunch (Dec 5, 2025)