eSIM—short for “embedded Subscriber Identity Module”—is seeing increased adoption in smartphones as it offers a number of advantages over traditional plastic SIM cards. For instance, eSIM can be provisioned remotely, eliminating the need to insert a physical SIM card. eSIM also makes it easier to add new subscriber profiles, giving users more convenient access to multiple plans and numbers.
eSIM technology is also transforming the automotive industry. Embedded within a vehicle’s telematics control unit (TCU), eSIM enables the remote management of subscription profiles without physical intervention—a critical part of the evolution of the software-defined vehicle (SDV).
For automakers and other connected vehicle manufacturers, eSIM enables seamless, always-on connectivity, allowing them to easily onboard and switch between mobile networks globally, update software remotely and streamline complexity. This enables automakers to provide new connected services like navigation and subscription features. In addition to enhancing the driver experience, eSIM can also reduce costs and open up new business models for automakers.
How is eSIM technology evolving within the automotive sector, and what are the benefits? Cubic³—a SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) group company and a global leader in SDV solutions—published an eBook on the subject entitled “SGP.32: How eSIM Innovation is Changing the Game for Connected Vehicles.” To learn more, download it here.
(Posted on September 19, 2025)
by SoftBank News Editors
