Google is expanding the Pixel 3’s eSIM support beyond the US. The latest Google flagship recently received the December 2018 security update, and seems to have bring along a wider eSIM support.
eSIM, or electronic SIM, is the virtual embedded equivalent of a physical SIM card. It cannot be removed, but instead, is rewritable by all telecom operators. This enables a subscriber to switch the carrier remotely over the air. No need to visit a physical store and then fiddle with a tiny piece of plastic.
eSIM technology starts picking up the pace
Google’s Pixel 2 was the first major smartphone with eSIM support. The company expanded the reach by embedding the technology in recently released Pixel 3 as well. And now, Google is planning to cross the territories.
Until recently, Pixel 3 support for eSIM was limited to one carrier in the US only. But that’s set to change now as Google promises to enable the eSIM functionality for the Pixel 3 in Germany soon. Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone will support the feature in the country. In addition, Sprint in the U.S., EE in the UK, Airtel and Reliance Jio in India, and Truphone and Gigsky in various countries will also roll out eSIM support for the Pixel 3 in the coming months.
eSIM is clearly the way forward for SIM cards and Google wants to be pivotal in the growth of the technology. The company plans to integrate the technology to the whole of the Google ecosystem — from Android smartphones to Chromebooks to Wear OS smartwatches. Google, in fact, is already working on to add eSIM support to Chromebooks.
It is, however, not just Google that sees the prospect of this next-gen technology. Apple has also added eSIM support in the latest iPhones, while Samsung has added the support in the Galaxy Watch. The Telia Company is selling the eSIM enabled Samsung Galaxy Watch in Finland.
