eSIM has evolved from a niche technology to the new standard for mobile connectivity. In 2026, over 2.7 billion eSIM lines are active worldwide, and growth shows no signs of slowing down. This statistical guide compiles the most relevant data on global adoption, leading markets, and compatible devices, with all the information in one place.
Evolution of eSIM connections (2021-2026)
The growth of eSIM connections has been exponential since 2021. The main impetus came in 2022 with Apple, which removed the physical SIM slot in the iPhone 14 sold in the US, and in 2023 with the massive adoption of mid-range Android phones (Samsung Galaxy A, Motorola Razr). By 2026, virtually any smartphone over €300 will include eSIM as standard.
Key milestones in this growth: 2022 — Apple removes physical SIM in iPhone 14 USA. 2023 — Mid-range Android massively adopts eSIM. 2024 — European operators accelerate SIM→eSIM transfers. 2025 — eSIM 2.0 begins its rollout on premium devices. 2026 — eSIM surpasses the 2.5 billion connection barrier.
eSIM adoption by geographic region
eSIM penetration is not uniform. North America leads by far thanks to Apple's policy and the rapid adoption by US operators. Europe is making solid progress, especially in the UK, Germany, and Spain. Latin America is the region with the highest percentage growth, starting from a lower base but with an annual rate of 45-50%.
Why is LatAm growing so fast? The combination of more accessible premium smartphones (more citizens can afford a Galaxy S or iPhone that includes eSIM) and improved digital activation policies from operators is accelerating adoption. Brazil and Chile are the most advanced markets in the region.
Countries with the highest eSIM penetration in 2026
At the individual country level, the United States stands out with a penetration of 42% of mobile subscribers, driven by Apple's policy of removing the physical SIM. Australia and South Korea also lead thanks to the high penetration of premium smartphones and very active operators in digital migration.
| Country | eSIM Penetration | eSIM Users (M) | Operators with eSIM | Year of Mass Adoption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 42% | 140 M | T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon | 2022 |
| Australia | 38% | 10 M | Telstra, Optus, Vodafone | 2022 |
| South Korea | 35% | 18 M | SKT, KT, LGU+ | 2021 |
| United Kingdom | 30% | 20 M | EE, O2, Vodafone UK | 2022 |
| Germany | 28% | 24 M | Telekom, O2, Vodafone DE | 2022 |
| Spain | 18% | 8.5 M | Movistar, Vodafone, Orange | 2023 |
| Chile | 18% | 3.5 M | Entel, WOM, Movistar | 2023 |
| Brazil | 15% | 33 M | Vivo, Claro, TIM | 2023 |
| Mexico | 12% | 15 M | Telcel, AT&T, Movistar | 2024 |
| Colombia | 10% | 5.3 M | Claro, Tigo, Movistar | 2024 |
eSIM compatible devices: how many are there in the world
In 2026, there are more than 2,500 models of eSIM-compatible devices (smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, laptops). The ecosystem has expanded dramatically since the first compatible iPhones in 2018.
| Category | eSIM Models 2026 | % of total sales with eSIM | Main manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium smartphones (+€500) | >800 models | 95% | Apple, Samsung |
| Mid-range smartphones (€200-€500) | >600 models | 65% | Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola |
| Tablets | >200 models | 45% | Apple (iPad), Samsung |
| Smartwatches | >150 models | 30% | Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch |
| Laptops | >100 models | 20% | Microsoft Surface, Lenovo ThinkPad |
eSIM and travelers: adoption data in the travel sector
The travel sector has been the main catalyst for the travel eSIM market. Frequent travelers (3+ international trips per year) show a travel eSIM adoption rate of 38% in 2026, compared to 15% for occasional travelers.
| Traveler Profile | % uses travel eSIM | Average GB per trip | Average connectivity expenditure/trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequent traveler (3+ trips/year) | 38% | 8 GB | €18 |
| Digital nomad | 72% | 25 GB | €35 |
| Family tourist | 22% | 5 GB | €15 |
| Business traveler | 45% | 12 GB | €28 |
| Backpacker (1-3 months) | 55% | 20 GB | €25 |
eSIM market forecasts 2027-2030
Industry projections point to sustained acceleration. By 2030, eSIM connections are estimated to exceed 8 billion, driven by three factors: the expansion of eSIM 2.0 (multiple active profiles), the growth of IoT (connected industrial devices), and massive adoption in LatAm and Africa.
Acceleration factors: The elimination of physical SIMs in mid-range smartphones (estimated for 2027-2028 in premium markets), the adoption of eSIM in IoT (connected cars, smart meters, wearables), and eSIM 2.0 allowing up to 8 active profiles simultaneously are the main growth drivers.
Methodology and data sources
The data in this statistical guide comes from a compilation of industry sources: public reports from GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications Association), adoption data published by operators in their annual reports, market estimates from Counterpoint Research and Strategy Analytics, and PuraSIM's own analyses based on travel eSIM sales data. Adoption figures are industry estimates with confidence ranges of ±10%.
Frequently asked questions about eSIM statistics
How many eSIMs are active worldwide in 2026?
According to industry estimates, there are approximately 2.7 billion active eSIM connections worldwide in 2026. This figure includes smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, laptops, and IoT devices with eSIM connectivity.
What percentage of new smartphones include eSIM?
In 2026, over 85% of high-end and 65% of mid-range smartphones launched on the market include eSIM. In the low-end segment (under €200), penetration is 30-40%. The trend is clear: by 2028-2030, virtually all new models will feature eSIM.
Is Spain an advanced market in eSIM adoption?
Spain is at the European upper-middle average. With 18% penetration and 8.5 million eSIM users, it lags behind Germany and the UK but is ahead of Southern and Eastern European countries. The Spanish market will grow rapidly in 2026-2028 as operators (Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, Digi) simplify activation processes.
Where can I find updated eSIM statistics?
GSMA Intelligence publishes quarterly eSIM adoption data by market. Counterpoint Research and Strategy Analytics publish market reports. PuraSIM compiles and regularly updates these statistics for Spanish-speaking travelers at purasim.com.
Why is LatAm growing faster than other regions in eSIM?
LatAm combines increasing smartphone penetration (especially mid-range Samsung Galaxy with eSIM), operators who are strongly committed to digitalizing the activation process, and a base of international travelers who are discovering travel eSIM as a solution to expensive roaming. The +40-50% annual growth in LatAm compared to the +25% global growth reflects this acceleration.
Conclusion
eSIM statistics for 2026 tell a clear story: eSIM is already the new standard for mobile connectivity, with 2.7 billion connections and growing at 35% annually. For travelers, this means the barrier to access is disappearing: almost any modern smartphone can use travel eSIM without needing to change cards. Activate your plan at PuraSIM and join the millions of travelers who already travel with eSIM.
