iPhone 14 eSIM Only: Not for Everyone

Many Apple users had conflicting views about the iPhone 14 US version being eSIM only when it was announced. Up until now, older models came with a physical SIM tray.

Newer models starting from the X would end up with the dual SIM compatibility feature. This would grant the user the option to have both a Physical SIM and eSIM activated at the same time.

What’s an eSIM?

Without going into too many details an eSIM digitizes the physical SIM, therefore, making its predecessor absolute. But, why did this move get a large portion of iPhone users in a bad mode?

To answer the question, we need to take a closer look at what are some of the advantages to have each type.

Advantages eSIM

• Let’s start off with the obvious, Apple’s strategy seems to be less is more. In this case, no physical SIM tray equals more space in the body, which opens up the potential for a bigger battery, or perhaps some new feature.

• eSIM is supposed to be more secure since there is no physical SIM. Once a phone is lost or stolen all data is will be retained on the phone.

• Another advantage is, you no longer have to purchase or wait for a physical SIM card. Activating a phone should be easy as contacting your service provider.

• Lastly, you might end up saving a few bucks since some companies might charge you for the SIM card.

Disadvantages of eSIM

These advantages all sound wonderful, but it is not all cut and dry. Not having a physical SIM option comes with a few limitations that we are going to outline.

• For various reasons, not all countries support eSIM yet. The cost to integrate it into their system might not be feasible at this present point in time. Nonetheless, this might not even be an issue since Apple produces a separate SIM support version for other countries. On the other hand, these locations are exclusive to about 25 countries (with official Apple stores).

• Many customers in non-eSIM-supported countries without Apple Stores, purchase their iPhones primarily from the US. This option will no longer be available since iPhone 14 (US version) won’t come with a physical SIM card option.

• These Individuals will instead, have to find somewhere that has a Physical SIM version (Mexico or Canada). However, This move could end up costing a lot more, since prices in other countries are a lot higher compared to the US. In addition, the cost of shipping, and customs duty could increase the final amount significantly.

• Lastly, those with access to the US version won’t have the flexibility of using an international SIM when they travel to another country without eSIM support.

Final thoughts

In the end, all technology will evolve with time, we learn to adapt to these changes without major issues. Before nano, there were micro, and standard sim. eSIM is just the next step up.

Nonetheless, there is still an option for those who are not quite ready to make the jump. A simple solution might be just to switch to an android that supports dual SIM or purchase an iPhone 14 from another location as previously mentioned.