The exclusion of physical SIM cards is one of the most significant changes on the iPhone 14. Alternatively, iPhone 14 models in the United States use eSIMs, or embedded SIM cards.

They are new versions of the regular SIM cards, but software-based ones. Nothing to worry about, they serve the same purpose.

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iPhone adopts “eSIM only” feature

For quite some time, Apple has been progressively making this shift. Since the release of the 2018 iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR as well as its most recent cellular iPads and Apple watches, it has enabled eSIMs.

The same goes for the iPhone 11, 12, and 13 as they support both eSIMs and conventional SIM cards.

However, the iPhone has never before totally got rid of the conventional SIM cards for eSIMs.

What does this mean for iPhones and may other phone manufacturers eventually follow the lead?

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What eSIMs really are

During its event for the iPhone 14 in September, Apple announced the update regarding the full transition to eSIMs in the US market, highlighting the ability to transfer cellular plans from another device.

eSIMs function almost exactly like traditional SIM cards. An eSIM is a chip embedded in your device that enables cellular carrier connections. eSIMs are supported by all three of the major US carriers.

so , you are still able to:

• connect to a 4g or 5g network
• have all the access that you normally have on a regular eSIM

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Some advantages

1. It is safer, since an embedded SIM cannot be physically removed if your iPhone is lost or stolen.
2. The same device may store many eSIMs, allowing you to have various cellular plans.
3. Having the option to compare the networks of several carriers, alongside your current one if you're considering switching.
4. The device will have more room inside after removing the SIM card tray, which might be used to add other functions.

Although it is unknown what the removal will contribute to the iPhone 14, more space will be available going forward.

5. Just download the carrier's app (Simly) when transferring your eSIM to a new device - go through the required login steps, and gather the necessary credentials. Moving your SIM physically no longer exists.
6. Stay connected overseas. eSIMs greatly simplify using your phone abroad. Instead of dealing with the chaos of purchasing a SIM card from a store after landing, just download the Simly app and you will be just a few steps away from getting your eSIM.

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Who else supports eSIMs?

There are other companies besides Apple that employ eSIMs. The most recent Google Pixel phones, the Motorola Razr, and the Samsung Galaxy phones all feature digital SIMs. The majority of these newer phones accommodate both conventional SIM cards and eSIMs.

However, it's likely that businesses will follow Apple's example and exclusively support eSIMs.

Since Apple removed the headphone jack, you hardly ever see one on higher-end phones anymore. And now that Apple is pushing forward with smartphones that only accept eSIMs, physical SIM cards will likely disappear from other devices as well.

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What does it mean for Apple?

Apple's switch to eSIM also seems to align with the company's overarching message of offering customers more flexibility and choice.

Apple has always endorsed the idea of giving users control over who else gets access to their software.

They discuss protecting your privacy and taking back control from businesses that want to use your information or advertise. Customers have discretion over their carrier experience and how they connect to different networks, thus Apple’s message is continued.