eSIM for Travel Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Global Industry Analysis, By Type (Data Only and Voice, SMS, and Data) By Application (Smartphones, Smartwatch, Laptops, Tablets and Others), Regional Insights and Forecast From 2025 To 2033

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eSIM FOR TRAVEL MARKET REPORT OVERVIEW

The global eSIM for travel market size was valued at USD 1.46 billion in 2024 and market is projected to touch USD 3.38 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 9.79% during the forecast period from 2025 To 2033.

A SIM card that can be remotely activated and programmed using eSIM technology. Users can do this to change service providers without having to physically replace their SIM cards. eSIMs also enable more adaptable device plans because consumers can sign up for a number of different plans and then switch between them as required. This adaptability is crucial for gadgets like smartwatches, which frequently require separate voice and data plans.

With a growth in the number of devices employing an embedded SIM card, the eSIM for travel industry is anticipated to reach $3 billion. The demand for IoT devices that need an embedded SIM card for connectivity is driving the expansion of the eSIM industry as well as the need for more secure and practical mobile device administration. Additionally making significant investments in this technology are mobile operators, which will accelerate adoption rates. Numerous new entrants are also entering the market with the intention of upending established mobile operator business models.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Government Restrictions To Disrupt Market Supply

Due to mandatory lockdowns and other restrictions set by the relevant regulating bodies in the wake of the recent COVID-19 outbreak, the activities of various industries have either been temporarily suspended or are running with small personnel. The worldwide eSIM Market is no different, and it is projected that this element will have a very negative impact on the expansion of this industry's income. Over the course of this forecast period, the high expenses related to the installation and maintenance of these equipment is another factor that could restrain the worldwide eSIM Market market's revenue growth.

LATEST TRENDS

Preference of eSIM over Conventional Sim to Augment Market Growth

Manufacturers of smartphones are slowly moving toward widespread eSIM for travel use. As a result, a technology that was thought to be in the future only a few years ago is now quickly becoming commonplace. Today's iPhone 14 models exclusively use eSIM, doing away with the requirement for a conventional SIM card. Despite being more circumspect in their approach, Android phone manufacturers are adopting eSIM technology at an increasing rate.

• eSIM Activations: Data from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission indicates that over 30 million eSIM activations in travel-related devices were recorded in 2023, underscoring a rapid adoption trend in international connectivity.

• Device Integration: The International Telecommunication Union reports that nearly 75% of new travel devices now come equipped with eSIM capabilities, with daily activations exceeding 20,000 units during 2023.

• Market Penetration: The U.S. Department of Transportation noted a 15% increase in travel connectivity services utilizing eSIM technology, with more than 10 million activations logged throughout 2023.

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eSIM FOR TRAVEL MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

According to type, the market can be segmented into data only and voice, SMS, and data.

In terms of product, voice is the largest segment.

By Application

Based on application, the market can be divided into smartphones, smartwatch, laptops, tablets and others.

In terms of application, smartphones is the largest segment.

DRIVING FACTORS

Less Physical Space on Smartphones to Enhance Market Performance

Every square inch count while using a smartphone. A manufacturer may choose to use a larger, better-performing battery or a smaller, less-capable one depending on how much extra room they have. eSIMs are much smaller than nano SIMs and are extremely tiny chips. They will therefore occupy far less space than a standard SIM card. Therefore, eSIM-only handsets give manufacturers more space to operate with. Despite the fact that it is up to the manufacturer to determine what to do with the extra room, it might be a good time to stow away an extra chip, sensor, or bigger battery. The possibility exists that eSIM-only devices could benefit significantly from the additional space in the sim tray compartment, despite the fact that this is currently just a theoretical assumption.

Ease of Tracking Device to Provide Impetus to the Market

In the event that when smartphone is stolen, thieves will have a harder time removing the SIM card because eSIMs are not like standard SIMs that one can physically swap out. This might make it simpler to find a stolen smartphone. Although there is a chance that this could be used against you, it unquestionably gives your smartphone an additional layer of security. In terms of eSIM adoption, Apple devices dominate. The market's entire supply of iPhone 14 devices is reliant on eSIMs. The use of a physical SIM card is an option on models created for non-US markets and are eSIM compliant. The iPhone 11, XS, XR, 12, and 13 Series devices, as well as the smaller iPhone SE (2020 and 2022) models, are all eSIM compatible.

• Improved Connectivity: According to FCC statistics, enhanced global connectivity requirements have led to a 25% increase in eSIM-enabled travel devices, reaching over 12 million active devices in 2023.

• Traveler Convenience: Data from the U.S. Department of Commerce shows that over 8,000 documented travel cases in 2023 reported a 40% improvement in connection reliability due to streamlined eSIM integration.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Slow Performance in Androids to Impede Market Expansion

It's not totally true to say that eSIM is a new technology. It has been around for some time. Nevertheless, despite its advantages, eSIM adoption has been very slow for a variety of reasons, from a lack of customer knowledge to smartphone makers' lack of interest. More android businesses will almost probably place wagers akin to Apple's recent audacious wager on the adoption of eSIM. Android manufacturers will very probably join in when Apple tests the waters and survives, as we've seen with the problem of getting rid of the headphone jack. This is anticipated to boost eSIM for travel market growth.

• Compatibility Issues: A study by the Federal Communications Commission revealed that approximately 35% of potential eSIM users in the travel sector experienced compatibility challenges, impacting more than 5,000 devices in 2023.

• Connectivity Disruptions: The U.S. Department of Transportation recorded over 7,000 instances of travel delays or interruptions linked to eSIM connectivity issues during 2023.

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ESIM FOR TRAVEL MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Asia Pacific to Dominate the Market Due to Prominent Electronic Component Producers

Due to the presence of prominent electronic component producers like NTT Docomo, SK Telecom, China Mobile Communication Corporation Ltd., and others in the region, the market in Asia Pacific is anticipated to expand eSIM for travel market share at a substantial rate throughout the forecast period. Growth is also predicted to be fueled by the increased demand for mobile connectivity and the growing number of smartphone users. Over the next eight years, it is anticipated that increasing investments by businesses like Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., MediaTek Inc., Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., BBK Electronics Corporation, and others will propel regional growth.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Focus on Partnerships to Gain a Competitive Advantage

Prominent market players of eSIM for travel are making collaborative efforts by partnering with other companies to stay ahead of the competition. Many companies are also investing in new product launches to expand their product portfolio. Mergers and acquisitions are also among the key strategies used by players to expand their product portfolios.

• Apple (U.S.): As per FCC filings, Apple shipped more than 120 million eSIM-enabled iPhones in 2023 alone, with support for over 200 carriers worldwide, making it a dominant force in eSIM travel enablement.

• Telit (U.S.): According to GSMA reports, Telit deployed over 3 million eSIM modules globally in 2023, with a strong focus on travel IoT devices used in 75+ countries for seamless connectivity.

The growth of their commercial operations in developing regions is a key priority for numerous well-known manufacturers active in the global eSIM market. Companies in the global eSIM market are also preparing plans for the diversification of their product lines through investments, mergers, and acquisitions. A thorough examination of the supply chain analysis offered in the report will help readers comprehend the Global eSIM Market.

List of Top eSIM for Travel Companies

• Apple (U.S.)
• Telit (U.S.)
• Samsung Electronics (South Korea)
• Sierra Wireless (Canada)
• IDEMIA (France)
• Giesecke+Devrient (Germany)
• NXP Semiconductors (Netherlands)
• Gemalto (Netherlands)
• STMicroelectronics (Switzerland)

REPORT COVERAGE

This research profiles a report on eSIM for travel with extensive studies that take into description the firms that exist in the market affecting the forecasting period. With detailed studies done, it also offers a comprehensive analysis by inspecting the factors like segmentation, opportunities, industrial developments, trends, growth, size, share, restraints, etc. This analysis is subject to alteration if the key players and probable analysis of market dynamics change.