In short: the eSIM is no longer a high-end rarity: according to Counterpoint Research, over 9 billion eSIM/iSIM-compatible devices will be shipped between 2024 and 2030 (a 22% annual growth), and Juniper Research predicts active eSIM connections to grow from 1.2 billion in 2025 to 4.9 billion in 2030. The real question for a traveler is no longer "if" their phone has it, but in which countries they can use it without surprises.
What the data says: eSIM is growing faster than the rest of the mobile market
For years, eSIM was a feature that appeared in technical specifications without almost anyone using it outside very specific cases. That has changed. The two leading consulting firms in the sector, Counterpoint Research and Juniper Research, agree that we are facing one of the fastest mobile infrastructure changes of the last decade.
Counterpoint Research estimates that between 2024 and 2030, over 9 billion eSIM or iSIM-enabled devices will be shipped, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22%. This figure includes not only smartphones, but also tablets, laptops with their own connectivity, and IoT devices, but the bulk continues to be the phone in your pocket.
For its part, Juniper Research focuses on active connections, not manufactured devices: from 1.2 billion eSIM connections in 2025 to 4.9 billion in 2030. In other words, in five years, the number of eSIM lines actually in use will more than quadruple.
| Data Point | Figure | Source / Year |
|---|---|---|
| eSIM/iSIM Devices Shipped, 2024–2030 | +9 billion (22% CAGR) | Counterpoint Research |
| Active eSIM Connections Worldwide, 2025 | 1.2 billion | Juniper Research |
| Projected Active eSIM Connections, 2030 | 4.9 billion | Juniper Research |
| Destinations with eSIM Available on PuraSIM | +200 destinations | PuraSIM |
The interesting thing about reading these two figures together is that they tell the same story from two different angles: on the one hand, the manufacturing of compatible hardware is skyrocketing; on the other, the number of people who actually activate and use an eSIM is growing even faster proportionally. It's not just that phones are ready, it's that more and more people are encouraged to use it, especially when traveling.
Which phones will have eSIM in 2026 (and why it's no longer the exception)
It's important to be honest here: there is no closed and universal list of "these models yes, these no" that can be considered valid forever, because each manufacturer incorporates the technology at its own pace and it varies depending on the market where the device is sold. What can be said with certainty, and this is exactly what Counterpoint's data reflects, is the underlying trend: eSIM has ceased to be an exclusive feature of the latest high-end devices to extend to the mid-range, and the main manufacturers—Apple, Samsung, Google, among others—have been incorporating it as standard in a good part of their catalog for several generations.
If you have doubts about whether your specific phone is compatible, the most reliable source is always the manufacturer itself or your phone's network settings: on most devices, simply search for "add eSIM" or "add cellular plan" within the mobile data settings to see if the option exists. We explain the step-by-step process, with screenshots, in our guide on how to install an eSIM, and if you're still not sure what exactly this technology entails compared to a physical SIM, you should start with what an eSIM is.
One nuance that is often missed: just because a phone "has eSIM" doesn't mean that all operators in all countries activate it the same way. Some markets are faster than others in enabling the technology on their networks, and that's precisely what makes the question of "in which destinations does it work" as relevant as "which phone has it."
Not all phones manage eSIM in the same way either. Some devices allow an eSIM and a physical SIM to be active at the same time, which is very practical if you want to keep your Spanish number for calls and SMS while using data from a travel eSIM. Other devices go further and allow several eSIM profiles to be installed at the same time, although only one is active at any given moment, so you can prepare the eSIM for your next destination in advance without having to delete the one you used on the previous trip. This flexibility is precisely one of the reasons why manufacturers are increasingly committed to this technology, in line with the 22% annual growth reported by Counterpoint Research.
For those who have always used a physical SIM, the change in mindset is simple but requires some prior reading: there's no need to go to a store, no need to wait for anything to arrive by mail, and no risk of losing a tiny physical card at the bottom of your suitcase. The entire process—buying, installing, and activating—is done from the phone itself.
In which destinations does a travel eSIM work?
This is the part that really matters when you're packing your bags. A travel eSIM doesn't depend on there being a local operator with its own eSIM in the country you visit: what a specialized provider like PuraSIM does is offer you a profile that connects to the best available local network in each area, without you having to negotiate with any operator in the destination country.
Right now, that coverage translates into eSIMs available for over 200 destinations worldwide. This includes the classics – Europe, the United States, Southeast Asia – as well as markets where previously you'd have to arrive at the airport and search for a local operator's store with your credit card in hand.
Within the European Union, the landscape is different from the rest of the world for a very specific regulatory reason: since 2017, Roaming Like At Home (RLAH) has been in effect, allowing residents of the 27 EU countries to use their usual data, call, and SMS plan when traveling to another member country, without roaming surcharges. This means that if you go from Spain to France or Italy, you often don't even need an additional eSIM. Outside the EU – the United Kingdom, the United States, most of Latin America, Asia, Africa – your Spanish operator's roaming is usually expensive or not included at all, and that's where a travel eSIM changes the calculation.
If you want to understand this difference well before deciding what to take on your trip, we have a guide that explains it in detail: eSIM vs. roaming, where we compare both options destination by destination and also explain what data roaming is. If your doubt is more about "eSIM or physical prepaid SIM bought there," the analysis is in international chip vs. eSIM.
Physical eSIM, virtual eSIM, and other common confusions
A common mistake is thinking that "virtual eSIM" is a different product from a regular eSIM. It isn't: an eSIM is already a digital profile in itself; there's no physical chip to insert. When someone uses the term "virtual eSIM," they usually simply refer to the fact that you activate it by scanning a QR code or installing it directly from an app, without going to a physical store. If you've come across that term and aren't clear what exactly it refers to, we explain it in detail in what is a virtual eSIM.
Another common confusion, especially among those buying their first eSIM, is not knowing where and how to acquire it with guarantees: what to look for before paying, what to ask, and what signals indicate a serious provider. If it's your first purchase, you'll want to review how to buy an eSIM before deciding.
What this means for you if you have a trip ahead
With the market growing at the pace set by Counterpoint and Juniper, it's not reasonable to wait until "everyone has eSIM" to try it, but rather to take advantage of the fact that the technology is already mature in the vast majority of phones from recent years. Some practical ideas:
- Check it before leaving home, not at the airport. Check your phone settings to see if it supports eSIM and, if you have doubts, calmly follow our step-by-step installation guide (linked above), with stable Wi-Fi and without last-minute rush.
- Think about the destination, not generally. A trip within the EU, where RLAH might make an additional eSIM unnecessary, is not the same as a trip to the United States or any destination outside Europe, where the savings compared to your usual operator's roaming are usually considerable. We have eSIMs ready to activate in destinations like Europe, the United States, or, if you need additional data without leaving Spain, within the national territory itself.
- Estimate the data you will actually use. Most people overestimate or underestimate their actual travel consumption. If you want to refine the plan you purchase and not run short or overpay, it's a good idea to check in advance how much you actually spend on social media, maps, and messaging on a normal travel day.
- Don't unnecessarily mix eSIM with network security. Using mobile data from a trusted eSIM provider is not the same as connecting to an unknown public Wi-Fi, but if you're going to combine both on your trip, it's worth knowing when it makes sense to add an extra layer of privacy to the connection.
- Have a backup plan for support, not just for data. If something doesn't activate properly or you have doubts mid-trip, it's better to know in advance how to contact the provider. At PuraSIM, support is available 24/7 by email and WhatsApp, so you don't depend on office hours if a problem arises on a Sunday night in a different time zone.
If your next destination is Latin America, and specifically Colombia, it's advisable to check the available coverage in cities like Medellín, Bogotá, or Cartagena beforehand, as the quality of the local network can vary from one area to another.
Why so many Spanish travelers are ditching roaming
The growth reflected by Counterpoint and Juniper Research cannot be fully understood without also looking at what is happening on the traditional roaming side. More and more Spanish travelers compare what their usual operator charges them outside the EU with the cost of a local eSIM before traveling, and that comparison usually tips the scales towards the second option. We analyze this trend in detail, with specific data on the behavior of Spanish travelers abroad, in our article on roaming statistics for Spaniards abroad.
It's not that traditional roaming has disappeared—within the EU, thanks to RLAH, it's still perfectly reasonable in many cases—but outside the European Union, there is an increasingly mature and cheaper alternative that can be set up in advance and doesn't depend on the specific conditions of your plan in Spain. That, ultimately, is the underlying message behind all the sector's growth figures: it's not a passing fad, it's an infrastructure change that is already underway and, according to Juniper Research's projections, still has a way to go until 2030.
Frequently asked questions
Do all new phones already have eSIM?
Not all, but the trend is clearly in that direction: according to Counterpoint Research, more than 9 billion eSIM or iSIM-compatible devices will be shipped between 2024 and 2030, with an annual growth of 22%. The most reliable way to know for your specific model is to check your phone's mobile data settings.
How many people worldwide are already using eSIM?
Juniper Research estimated 1.2 billion active eSIM connections in 2025, with a forecast of 4.9 billion by 2030. This is a growth well above the average for the mobile sector in general.
In how many countries can I use a PuraSIM eSIM?
PuraSIM offers eSIMs for over 200 destinations. The eSIM connects to the best available local network in each area, so you don't depend on having a roaming agreement with your usual operator.
Do I need an eSIM if I travel within the European Union?
It depends on your operator and your plan, but in many cases, no: since 2017, Roaming Like At Home allows you to use your usual data plan without surcharges in the 27 EU countries. Outside the EU, the situation changes, and a travel eSIM is usually more cost-effective.
Is virtual eSIM the same as regular eSIM?
Yes, it's the same product. The term "virtual" simply refers to the fact that it is activated via QR or from an app, without a physical card to insert, which by definition is already the case for all eSIMs.
What if my phone does not support eSIM?
Then you will need to continue using a physical SIM or a local prepaid chip at your destination. Before deciding which is more worthwhile, we recommend comparing both options with our guide on international chip versus eSIM.
Can I contact support if I have a problem with the eSIM during my trip?
Yes. PuraSIM offers 24/7 support via email and WhatsApp, so you can write at any time of day or night, no matter where your destination is.
