Google helps manufacturers make Android devices with e-SIM

Google has set up a program that enables Android device manufacturers to integrate e-SIM support. Such an ’embedded sim’ replaces the physical SIM card, but can also serve as an additional telephone number.

In October 2017, Google’s Pixel 2 was one of the first smartphones with an e-SIM on board. With the new Pixel 3, the technology will be supported by many more telecom operators. For example, German consumers will soon be able to contact Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone, British consumers at EE and American users at Sprint. The list of operators will be steadily expanded in the coming months, according to Google.

With a special partner program, Google now wants to make the ease of use of the e-SIM available to the entire Android ecosystem, ranging from smartwatches and tablets over Wear OS timepieces to Chromebooks. The intention is that the tech giant will closely support manufacturers in the development of devices with e-SIM integration.

It is not only Google who is committed to the ‘cardless’ technology. The iPhone Xs and Xr also have an e-SIM in addition to a slot for a classic SIM card. As soon as a telecom operator activates the option, users of Apple’s latest smartphones can use two telephone numbers interchangeably, for example to keep business and private calls separate.