The latest market monitoring figures released today by Trusted Connectivity Alliance (TCA) – the industry association estimated to represent approximately 98% of the global eSIM hardware market – reveal that 2024 was a landmark year of growth across the eSIM ecosystem.
eSIM shipment volumes collectively reported by TCA members in 2024 surpassed half a billion units, increasing 35% year-on-year to reach 503 million. TCA also estimates that the total available market for eSIM was 514 million units. The growing availability of eSIM-enabled devices was matched by increasing consumer adoption, with consumer eSIM profile downloads* rising by 56%.
TCA is the only organisation to offer a quantitative global view of eSIM shipments, providing both actual and forecast data. This offers unparalleled and authoritative insight into the ongoing development of the eSIM ecosystem.
Improved Economic Conditions and Continued Innovation Drive eSIM Ecosystem Growth
TCA data shows that despite the residual impact of inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, an improved economic picture in 2024 – which saw demand for smartphones and mobile subscriptions start to recover – positively impacted the eSIM market. Growth was also bolstered by the launch of new eSIM-only devices, eSIM-enabled mid-range models and 5G smartphones.
Regionally, North America once again led in consumer eSIM adoption due to the prominence of eSIM-only devices and because operators continued to pursue ‘digital-first’ strategies. Profile downloads more than doubled in Asia, while Europe also saw strong uptake.
Increasing consumer adoption was supported by continued investment in eSIM Subscription Manager (SM) platforms, which enable the remote provisioning and lifecycle management of eSIMs. The number of deployed consumer eSIM SM platforms rose by 18% in 2024.
In addition to consumer uptake, TCA members also reported significant M2M eSIM adoption. Looking ahead, the release of GSMA’s eSIM IoT Specification (SGP.32) stands to accelerate the use of eSIM technology across IoT use-cases and TCA will chart the development of the SGP.32 ecosystem as deployments build.
Bertrand Moussel, Chair of the TCA Board, comments: “Our latest data offers the clearest demonstration yet of the extent to which eSIM technology is now being harnessed across the global digital economy, delivering flexible connectivity, advanced security and enhanced experiences. As the eSIM ecosystem continues to expand to encompass an array of emerging use-cases, so too does the importance of industry-wide collaboration to ensure all deployments are underpinned by a strong foundation of trust, consistency and reliability.”
TCA’s market data also provides exclusive statistical insight into the broader SIM ecosystem, with other key industry trends in 2024 including:
Strong Global Momentum for 5G SIM
TCA tracks deployments of the Recommended 5G SIM / eSIM, which promotes the highest levels of security, privacy and functionality in 5G and 5G standalone (SA) networks to maximise operator investments and support key use-cases. TCA members reported a steady 68% year-on-year growth in units in 2024, with volumes strongest in North America. Europe also saw robust growth as it emerges as a leading region for the rollout of 5G SA deployments.
Traditional SIM Market Remains Significant Amid Ongoing Evolution
TCA estimates that the total available market for ‘traditional’ SIM** remained stable at 3.7 billion units in 2024. The market continues to be shaped by accelerating digitalisation as eSIM adoption increases in key geographies such as North America. There is also a trend towards local players strengthening market share across lower-cost categories in India, China, and across the Pacific and MEA regions.
Enhanced Sustainability Across the Mobile Ecosystem
37% of all SIM volumes collectively reported by TCA members were in the half SIM format. A third of SIM volumes in Europe were manufactured using eco-friendly raw materials. Both figures reflect the trend of significantly reducing plastic waste and associated emissions.
* eSIM profile downloads, also known as eSIM profile transactions, refers to the number of times a mobile operator profile was downloaded.
** Includes removable SIM and soldered SIM for M2M form factors. Excludes eSIM.
