Android 13 Bringing 2 eSIMs Support, End of Physical SIM Cards?

Google is reportedly working on a new Android 13 feature that would bring 2 eSIMs profiles support to smartphones. The feature could be very fascinating to those who want to use a dual-SIM phone. The feature could also set a new revolution in SIM card technology for the coming years.

As per the developer platform, Google would use Multiple Enabled Profiles (MEP) to allow two carriers’ network profiles to a single eSIM on smartphones. This would let the users could easily switch between two different mobile networks whenever they want to.

Esper reports that Google is basing this eSIM tech on a patent it filed in 2020 that allows multiple network profiles embedded on a single motherboard. The system works by diving a single physical data bus between the modem and eSIM chip into many logical interfaces. These multiple logical interfaces are multiplexed on a single physical interface.

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Android introducing 2 eSIMs profile support!

Because it has advantages for both smartphone users and those who produce them. It rids smartphone OEMs of an extra space that a physical SIM card slot occupies. After transitioning to eSIM, the phone makers can get extra space. They can use it for a larger battery camera module or other hardware.

Likewise, consumers will enjoy a virtual SIM system where they could transition between separate mobile networks on the go. With 2 eSIM profiles on a phone, there is no need to buy physical SIM cards. One doesn’t have to be wary of damaging or hurting the physical parts on a SIM too. Everything is in the cloud. It is more convenient and durable.

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But Google has not confirmed or denied these reports. And smartphone brands have not yet jettisoned physical SIM card slots yet. It is also because many not many carriers have yet offered the technology across the world. However, a growing number of phones have at least a support for eSIM. This includes flagship lineups from Apple, Samsung, Huawei and etc.

Since Google writes Android OS and has its own Pixels lineups, we could the search giant introduce the tech first on Pixel hardware soon.

So far Android hasn’t offered much support for multiple eSIMs which is the prerequisite for smartphone makers to allow the feature. But with Android 13 bringing 2 eSIM profiles to support, this might herald a SIM revolution.

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Do you think Android 13 will imply the beginning of the end of physical SIM card slots on smartphones? Do share what you think in the comments below.