In just a few years, eSIM technology has gone from being a technological curiosity to becoming the standard for mobile connectivity, especially for travelers and smartphone manufacturers. The digitization of SIM cards has sparked a debate about physical SIMs versus eSIMs , as operators and travel solution developers adapt to a rapidly expanding market. All of this leads users to wonder if the end of the plastic SIM card is closer than ever, or if, on the contrary, we will continue to use it for quite some time in Spain.
In this context, several news items have shaped the evolution of eSIMs in recent weeks. On the one hand, Apple's decision to keep the SIM card tray in European iPhone 18 Pro models, while removing it entirely in the US. On the other hand, the growing availability of international eSIMs for travel and the arrival of this technology to Spanish operators like Digi. The expansion of digital connectivity is also reaching smartwatches , such as the new Motorola Watch Ultra, confirming that the near future of connectivity inevitably involves virtual SIMs.
Apple is keeping the physical SIM card in Europe with the iPhone 18 Pro
The Cupertino company has confirmed that the new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will not have a physical SIM card slot in the United States, but the story is different in Europe. Unlike the strategy implemented in the American market since 2022, the SIM card slot remains intact on the continent. The trial began with the iPhone 14 and extended to markets such as Japan, Canada, and Mexico, but the response from European users and the specific characteristics of the European market have led Apple to proceed cautiously. The Cupertino company has found battery life to be a compelling argument for justifying its design decisions , and the eSIM-only version offers superior battery life.
According to leaked specifications, the iPhone 18 Pro will have a 4.288 mAh battery, and the Pro Max will reach 5.200 mAh. These capacities will be even higher in the US versions, which do away with the SIM card reader. All the space freed up by removing the plastic tray is used to house a larger battery. This same strategy was tested last year with the iPhone Air and the more recent iPhone Duo, but its complete withdrawal in the European Union hasn't been fully implemented. EU regulations don't prohibit the sale of phones without a physical SIM card, as has been mentioned on more than one occasion, but rather focus on software-based identification. Therefore, Apple's decision is more of a business strategy than a legal requirement.
International eSIMs for travel are winning over Spaniards
If there's one sector that has capitalized on the eSIM boom, it's travel. While traditional roaming still exists, albeit at potentially high prices, a growing number of users are opting for a digital profile from an international provider for use at their destination. These services are incredibly simple: travelers purchase a data plan online, receive a QR code, and scan it with their mobile phone. Within minutes, they have active connectivity in their destination country, without visiting physical stores or needing to replace their regular SIM card. Convenience and cost savings are the two main advantages of these eSIMs for travel, even surpassing local SIM cards.
Among the most popular services is Holafly, with unlimited data plans and coverage in over 200 destinations. The Travel eSIM Value Index 2026 study ranks it as the provider with the best value for money thanks to its pay-per-day model. The company allows users to purchase a Holafly eSIM for an 11-day trip, instead of forcing them to buy a 15-day plan, so they don't pay for time they won't use. This is something that other competitors, such as Airalo or Saily, don't offer, as they have fixed, predetermined durations. These providers require payment for 15- or 30-day plans, which increases the cost of a shorter trip.
A market with its own names: Ubigi, Holafly, Airalo and more
The international eSIM market is broad and increasingly competitive. Ubigi stands out for its extensive coverage in over 200 destinations and its regional plans for Asia , one of the most popular tourist destinations for Spaniards. For example, a Ubigi eSIM for Asia with 3 GB of data and 15 days of validity costs €18. If unlimited data is what you're looking for, the Better Asia plan can be purchased from €25 for one week. With the right discount coupon, the final price can be reduced by 10%. Compatibility with 4G and 5G networks, the ability to share data with other devices, and ease of installation are the features most highlighted in user reviews.
Airalo, for its part, allows you to purchase very affordable fixed data packages, starting at €4,50 for 1 GB. Saily, an alternative backed by Nord Security, offers the advantage that a single eSIM can be used for multiple trips, as you can add plans as you visit different countries. Holafly continues to rely on unlimited data and easy activation. eSimFlag and Ubigi round out the group of the most interesting options, along with proposals like Yesim, where you only pay for what you use.
Spain: operators prepared and the Digi case
In Spain, there are no problems using eSIMs. Most operators, such as Movistar, Orange, and Vodafone, as well as more budget-friendly options like O2, MásMóvil, and Pepephone, offer this service to their contract customers. Profiles are downloaded using QR codes or through the official apps, and the entire process takes only a few minutes. The only exception seems to be the Romanian operator Digi, which has offered eSIMs directly upon activation since the end of August, although prepaid customers still cannot convert their SIM to an eSIM using this technology. This strategic decision limits a service that, technically, could be available to everyone. The company states that they are taking user suggestions into account, although they haven't provided any specific timelines.
The watch with eSIM: an alternative to the phone in sports
The impact of eSIMs is also being felt in wearable devices, specifically smartwatches. The Motorola Watch Ultra , presented at IFA 2026 and available for €429, integrates an eSIM, allowing users to go for a ride or train without relying on their mobile phone. LTE connectivity is a feature that many athletes are beginning to appreciate, allowing them to leave their phones at home while staying connected and trackable during their rides. The Motorola watch includes dual-band GPS, very useful for cyclists riding through wooded areas or between tall buildings, where signal strength can be more challenging. The collaboration with Polar for sports metrics and sleep tracking completes the package of a watch designed for an active lifestyle.
It's not new that eSIMs are making their way into sports devices, but until recently they were the exclusive domain of high-end watches. The Motorola Watch Ultra arrives with a competitive price and a battery that lasts up to two days, a key consideration before heading out on a multi-day hike. However, the ability to run without your phone, listening to music, receiving notifications, or even making calls in case of a malfunction, is a compelling argument. The manufacturer's commitment to eSIMs in this type of product confirms that SIM virtualization will reach all areas of connected technology.
