Global eSIM adoption continued its sharp rise in 2025, with shipments reaching more than 600 million units according to new figures from the Trusted Connectivity Alliance. The jump, representing an 18% increase year on year, reflects the growing shift towards digital SIM technology‑a move that helps reduce reliance on plastic cards and cuts down the environmental footprint traditionally associated with SIM distribution.

While eSIM‑enabled smartphones have been the primary driver of this growth, adoption has expanded well beyond premium handsets. Manufacturers are now integrating eSIM capability into mid‑range devices, signalling a broadening of the market and paving the way for eSIM to become the default activation method in the years ahead. Crucially, emerging markets such as Africa, the Middle East and South America saw their uptake double last year, highlighting how digital connectivity can expand without the material waste of legacy systems.

Despite the momentum behind eSIM, physical SIM cards are still widely used, with the traditional market reaching an estimated 3.5 billion units last year. However, the industry is clearly moving toward hybrid models, supported by sustainability‑driven reforms. Nearly half of all SIMs produced by TCA members in 2025 were in reduced‑plastic “half‑SIM” formats, and eco‑friendly materials are gaining ground across Europe and beyond. As carriers and manufacturers race to modernise infrastructure, environmental considerations are now firmly part of the connectivity equation.