Last year, eSIM was still being promoted, and this year it has just ceased fire?

In 2026, mainstream flagship models will collectively retain nano-SIM physical card slots. Last year, to promote eSIM, Apple even launched the iPhone Air with a thickness of only 5.6mm that supports only eSIM, making it the first eSIM-compatible phone in mainland China.

Although eSIM is very attractive to frequent travelers and those who switch devices often, for users who upgrade once a year, removing and inserting a physical SIM card into a new device is straightforward. In contrast, eSIM requires re-application for service. If used across borders, new regulations prohibit downloading foreign carrier plans within the country. For international travel, trying to get a local eSIM to save on roaming fees is simply not feasible, and costs are rising sharply.

Fewer than 80 countries worldwide support eSIM, and pure eSIM phones may not work in most countries.

Additionally, since eSIM is directly soldered onto the motherboard, once it malfunctions, repair costs can be up to 60% of the device's total price—more than ten times the cost of replacing a physical SIM card.