UPDATE: New reports from Juniper Research reveal that eSIM adoption is projected to surge by 30% in 2026, reaching a staggering 1.5 billion devices, up from 1.2 billion in 2025. This explosive growth, primarily driven by sectors like connected logistics, oil and gas, and smart street lighting, is expected to add around 75 million new connections to global networks.
The forecast highlights a significant shift in demand away from traditional smartphones and consumer contracts. Instead, industries are increasingly relying on the GSMA’s SGP.32 IoT eSIM standard, launched in 2025, which enables server-driven bulk activation for streamlined connectivity.
However, the transition to a new push provisioning model poses challenges. Currently, devices download profiles individually, but the industry is shifting to a centralized system where departments provision multiple eSIMs simultaneously. Ardit Ballhysa, Senior Research Analyst at Juniper, warns that “for enterprise IoT users, it is inefficient to use a pull model to provision so many devices, and eSIM platforms must adapt.”
As eSIM technology evolves, iSIM connections are also expected to explode, growing from 800,000 in 2024 to an estimated 10 million by 2026. This represents a staggering 1,200% increase, fueled by new GSMA SGP.41/42 specifications aimed at simplifying iSIM deployment across smart energy meters, remote logistics tools, and low-power devices. Juniper anticipates 210 million iSIM connections by 2028.
In addition to enterprise applications, consumer demand for eSIMs is also rising. Recent figures from CCS Insight indicate that 25% of UK consumers have utilized an eSIM for travel, attracted by the convenience and cost-saving benefits. As frustrations over rising mobile prices grow, 45% of Britons are opting for SIM-only deals, extending device upgrade cycles.
As eSIM technology gains traction, it is crucial for service providers to adapt quickly. “eSIM vendors must ensure that they provide standard-agnostic platforms that are flexible to upcoming form factors, standards, and use-case demands,” emphasizes Elisha Sudlow-Poole, report author.
This rapid evolution in eSIM and iSIM technology underscores the urgent need for the industry to scale up their capabilities. With the demand for non-physical SIMs on the rise, networks must be prepared to meet this growing enterprise and consumer demand.
Stay updated on this developing story and more by following TechRadar on Google News for the latest insights and expert analysis.
