Apple Just Made eSIM-Only the New Global Standard. Here’s What Telcos Need to Know.

Apple just made eSIM-only the new global standard and elevated agile entitlements to a must. Are you ready for the acceleration?

It’s September, and that doesn’t just introduce a new season—it introduces a new iPhone. And for communications service providers (CSPs), this year’s model heralds a new age of telecommunications.

Get ready for an eSIM-only future.

What Does the New iPhone Air Mean for Telcos?

The release of the new iPhone Air marks the start of a global movement towards eSIM-only devices. Additionally, more than 10 countries (including Canada, Japan, Mexico and seven countries in the Middle East) have already joined the U.S. as eSIM-only geographies for all new iOS devices – making agile entitlement platforms a must for all operators (including those who don’t have an Apple Carrier Bundle).

For mobile network operators (MNOs) and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) in these eSIM-only iOS countries, it’s a massive industry shift. Customer expectations around eSIM transfers and watch and wearables are about to be reshaped , and the market dynamics redefined. If it currently takes more than three clicks and 45 seconds to transfer an eSIM from one device to another, then you’re not ready.

The eSIM Revolution Is Coming

For MNOs and MVNOs everywhere else, take note: While physical SIMs remain in use, most markets are likely to go eSIM-only within one to three years. This transition will hit faster than most expect – and the release of the iPhone Air is your notice to get ready.

Maybe iOS penetration is currently low in your market, but that doesn’t mean it has low strategic value—don’t forget that iOS users typically generate the highest ARPU, and Android is also expected to move to eSIM-only devices very soon. The time is now to capitalize on this opportunity.

The days of QR codes and apps are over, and the days of native seamless user experiences through your device are here. The key to enabling those native device experiences is an agile entitlement platform designed to give you and your customers speed .

How MVNOs and MNOs Can Prepare For an eSIM-Only World

CSG’s Entitlements-as-a-Service (EaaS), powered by NetLync, helps ALL operators—even those who don’t have a Carrier Bundle (CB) to access entitlements. With EaaS, Non-Apple Carrier Partners (including light MVNOs) can now leverage a game changing capability called Universal Entitlements to also succeed in the eSIM revolution.