Connect with us

CNET

Why Apple Switched to eSIMs on the iPhone 14

Apple’s latest phone lineup replaces physical SIM cards with software-based virtual ones. Here’s what that means for iPhone users. 0:00 – iPhones Switch to eSIM 1:05 – What Are eSIMs? 1:29 – eSIM Advantages 2:19 – eSIM Disadvantages 2:44 – How eSIMs Work Overseas 3:17 – One Phones With eSIMs 3:54 – Why Apple Wants…

Published

on

Apple’s latest phone lineup replaces physical SIM cards with software-based virtual ones. Here’s what that means for iPhone users.

0:00 – iPhones Switch to eSIM
1:05 – What Are eSIMs?
1:29 – eSIM Advantages
2:19 – eSIM Disadvantages
2:44 – How eSIMs Work Overseas
3:17 – One Phones With eSIMs
3:54 – Why Apple Wants eSIMs

Subscribe to CNET:
Never miss a deal again! See CNET’s browser extension 👉
Follow us on TikTok:
Follow us on Instagram:
Follow us on Twitter:
Like us on Facebook:

Continue Reading
Advertisement
74 Comments

74 Comments

  1. Maneesh Deva

    September 20, 2022 at 8:02 pm

    This will be great when travelling overseas!

  2. DaLouieV

    September 20, 2022 at 8:37 pm

    I am just wondering, if these phones have “e-sims” will they also be sim locked???? Cause I doubt that mobile carriers will be like “oh yes give us esim and allow customers to try other carriers while using our services”… the e-sim stuff sounds super fishy! if anything I think this is a burden on consumers who want to flip sims for whatever reason… under no circumstances am I trying to call customer service 😂

    • text me on telegram@official_cnet

      September 20, 2022 at 8:43 pm

      Congrats!
      Thanks for watching
      Send a DM through the above platform
      I have a gift for you🔝🎁,.

  3. Moustafa Baroud

    September 20, 2022 at 8:44 pm

    The problem with esim. Most countries don’t support it. Also the countries that support it. They will ask for you to open a post paid account. Which means you have to show residency in that country. So. It BS that once you land that you can get an esim

    • text me on telegram@official_cnet

      September 20, 2022 at 8:53 pm

      Congrats!
      Thanks for watching
      Send a DM through the above platform
      I have a gift for you🔝🎁,…

  4. Zach Meschke

    September 20, 2022 at 8:53 pm

    Apple can say convenience and security as much as they want but this is all about iOS lock in and making it more difficult to hop from iOS to Android. Also for international travel I can’t think of one way eSIM is easier than just popping in an international SIM lol.

    • text me on telegram@official_cnet

      September 20, 2022 at 9:00 pm

      Congrats!
      Thanks for watching
      Send a DM through the above platform
      I have a gift for you🔝🎁!!!!

  5. David D

    September 20, 2022 at 9:06 pm

    LIESSS this will price gauge

  6. Carl Lafleur

    September 20, 2022 at 9:32 pm

    I don’t want to have to call anyone to change my phone, they better not do it like that. Sprint used to be like that before they switch to sim cards. You had to call their customer service to add a new device.

  7. Tomi Huang

    September 20, 2022 at 9:58 pm

    I hate this apple’s move, bad for international travelers. But for the long term, it could be good to force every carrier to adapt.

  8. ismet Muhamedagic

    September 20, 2022 at 9:58 pm

    Why people make stupid reviews base how they bin told

    • text me on telegram@official_cnet

      September 20, 2022 at 10:07 pm

      Congrats!
      Thanks for watching
      Send a DM through the above platform
      I have a gift for you🔝🎁,..

  9. Sala_13

    September 20, 2022 at 10:44 pm

    It took 2 hours and 5 different Indian guys to make my iPhone 14 work.

    • ♜𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗺𝗲+①③②③③⓪⓪⑦⑧⑧⓪

      September 21, 2022 at 12:11 am

      ☝️☝️☝️☝️CONGRATULATIONS
      DIRECT MESSAGE TO CLAIM PRIZE🎁🎁≤<< 🔝🔝🔝

  10. Hussien Alsafi

    September 20, 2022 at 11:06 pm

    🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠😎😎😎😎😎😎

    • ♜𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗺𝗲+①③②③③⓪⓪⑦⑧⑧⓪

      September 21, 2022 at 12:11 am

      ☝️☝️☝️☝️CONGRATULATIONS
      DIRECT MESSAGE TO CLAIM PRIZE🎁🎁
      🔝🔝🔝,,

  11. Dennis Doroslovac

    September 20, 2022 at 11:18 pm

    Apple removed the physical sim to reduce the bill of material costs. Next will be no physical charge connection (lighting or type C). I don’t see any other reason why than that

    • ♜𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗺𝗲+①③②③③⓪⓪⑦⑧⑧⓪

      September 21, 2022 at 12:11 am

      ☝️☝️☝️☝️CONGRATULATIONS
      DIRECT MESSAGE TO CLAIM PRIZE🎁🎁,””
      🔝🔝🔝

  12. CRC23

    September 20, 2022 at 11:34 pm

    There are countries that some people travel to, that don’t provide esim support.

    • ♜𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗺𝗲+①③②③③⓪⓪⑦⑧⑧⓪

      September 21, 2022 at 12:10 am

      ☝️☝️☝️☝️CONGRATULATIONS
      DIRECT MESSAGE TO CLAIM PRIZE🎁🎁
      🔝🔝🔝≤‹

  13. Marc Cisneros

    September 20, 2022 at 11:37 pm

    At this point they should just make the iPhone unlocked for all instead of the BS AT&T/Tmo/Verizon versions that do absolutely nothing different. Simplify it all.

    • ♜𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗺𝗲+①③②③③⓪⓪⑦⑧⑧⓪

      September 21, 2022 at 12:10 am

      ☝️☝️☝️☝️CONGRATULATIONS
      DIRECT MESSAGE TO CLAIM PRIZE🎁🎁
      🔝🔝🔝

  14. Franklin Ibemessie

    September 20, 2022 at 11:45 pm

    You have a responsibility to properly research this before putting this out. Traveling with an eSim only phone is NOT an advantage. That’s an asinine thought on many levels. Except if by travel, you mean Canada!

    • ♜𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗺𝗲+①③②③③⓪⓪⑦⑧⑧⓪

      September 21, 2022 at 12:10 am

      ☝️☝️☝️☝️CONGRATULATIONS
      DIRECT MESSAGE TO CLAIM PRIZE🎁🎁≤»✓
      🔝🔝🔝

  15. IgnemFeram01

    September 21, 2022 at 12:01 am

    Things Apple doesn’t include for the sake of “flexibility:”
    1. Expandable storage
    2. Headphone jack
    3. A USB-C port
    4. And now, a SIM tray.
    Thank god for “progress” and “flexibility.”

    • ♜𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗺𝗲+①③②③③⓪⓪⑦⑧⑧⓪

      September 21, 2022 at 12:09 am

      ☝️☝️☝️☝️CONGRATULATIONS
      DIRECT MESSAGE TO CLAIM PRIZE🎁🎁≤≤>>
      🔝🔝🔝

  16. David Cuerpo Jr

    September 21, 2022 at 12:05 am

    It’s a mistake for Apple to only offer the iPhone 14 with eSIM for US customers. Just keep both physical SIM and eSIM options available like everywhere else they’re selling the iPhone.

  17. Dread Jockey

    September 21, 2022 at 12:06 am

    retrograde technology. So they want people to jump thru hoops just to switch phones

    • ♜𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗺𝗲+①③②③③⓪⓪⑦⑧⑧⓪

      September 21, 2022 at 12:09 am

      ☝️☝️☝️☝️CONGRATULATIONS
      DIRECT MESSAGE TO CLAIM PRIZE🎁🎁
      🔝🔝🔝≥≥

  18. Alex Arauz

    September 21, 2022 at 12:19 am

    This is just making me go with an iPhone 13 Pro instead of upgrading to the 14 Pro

    • ♜𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗺𝗲+①③②③③⓪⓪⑦⑧⑧⓪

      September 21, 2022 at 12:37 am

      ☝️☝️☝️☝️CONGRATULATIONS
      DIRECT MESSAGE TO CLAIM PRIZE🎁🎁
      🔝🔝🔝,,,,,

  19. Jameel

    September 21, 2022 at 12:20 am

    Stupid idea, at least keep the option of a physical SIM.

    Of course everybody will follow Apple.

    • ♜𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗺𝗲+①③②③③⓪⓪⑦⑧⑧⓪

      September 21, 2022 at 12:37 am

      Sénd Sugge’stions in, Private message,,
      To≥ claim, prizes›››
      🤟🤟🤟,,,,

  20. Frank Johnson

    September 21, 2022 at 12:36 am

    The wizard crashed while activating the e-sim on my new phone. Not a big deal but I did spend 20 mins in the phone with Verizon to fix it

    • ♜𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗺𝗲+①③②③③⓪⓪⑦⑧⑧⓪

      September 21, 2022 at 12:38 am

      You have been selected among our lucky winners…🆙✅
      Reach out to claim your Prize🎁

      ≤≥>>,,

  21. SH DMD

    September 21, 2022 at 12:50 am

    If you buy phones from Apple directly, they have been unlocked for 6 years

    Don’t buy from carriers

  22. HALWG51

    September 21, 2022 at 12:52 am

    I have always kept a secondary phone and I switch my Sim card regularly. When my iPhone XR died unexpectedly, all I had to do was put the Sim card in my backup phone and I was good to go until I replaced the XR with an iPhone 13. I had AT&T activate the physical Sim on that phone so I still have that flexibility. I hate the idea of losing that, and nobody has addressed how to switch your eSIM from one phone to another. I’ll be keeping my iPhone 13 for the foreseeable future.

  23. Anthony Browning

    September 21, 2022 at 1:07 am

    Not a fan of it since I switch devices regularly

  24. MazdaChief

    September 21, 2022 at 1:15 am

    Easy fix, don’t travel.

  25. Shinkuyuki

    September 21, 2022 at 3:46 am

    It’s only a matter of time. Apple is so good at initiating controversial changes that the world is eventually following their new standard. Give it a few more years and you will see carriers offer competitive pricing for eSIMs.

    Right now, eSIMs are expensive or outright impossible on other parts of the world. But like I said, just wait and see. All other phone manufacturer will follow this and the carriers will be pressured to adapt to the change.

  26. marlon toribio

    September 21, 2022 at 3:47 am

    Apple did a Bad move by not giving the option to buy in the us a phone with physical sim or without it. I returned my iPhone 14pro as soon I got it. Going back to Samsung after so many years with apple.

  27. Anfmethodjor

    September 21, 2022 at 4:21 am

    🙋‍♂️Which regions is the iPhone 14 going to support dual sim cards? (Not 1 sim + 1 e-sim)

  28. TT Innovations

    September 21, 2022 at 4:57 am

    sucks for people that travel, ..

  29. dansu92833

    September 21, 2022 at 5:11 am

    Easier for any gov to track you…

  30. JJMB’s Corner

    September 21, 2022 at 5:33 am

    Got my new iphone but guess what it is unusable at the moment due to esim activation issues. I’m actually thinking of returning it due to not having a physical sim.

  31. Skynet6009

    September 21, 2022 at 6:48 am

    Please tech people stop justifying apple crap

  32. Shivam Agrawal

    September 21, 2022 at 7:02 am

    आईफोन 11 से उपर जितने भी मॉडल आ रहे है सब में ग्रीन स्क्रीन इश्यू है
    ये लोग इसके बारे में कभी बात नहीं करते
    आप यूट्यूब पर ही सर्च कर लो आईफोन ग्रीन स्क्रीन इश्यू
    हजारों लोग परेशान हैं
    यदि आप असली युट्यूबर हैं तो इश्यू के ऊपर वीडियो बनाइए

  33. text mike_hack2 on Instagram

    September 21, 2022 at 9:03 am

    👆 He is actually one of the best 👆 when it comes to hacking, retrieving and recovery. He was able to recover my lost bitcoin with ease

  34. Martyn Constantine

    September 21, 2022 at 9:33 am

    As one of the “Consumers” talked about on this video, I want a physical sim card/tray. I want a headphone jack. I use a Sony Xperia 1 IV which has both of these, and expandable storage. Thankfully there’s one company that still listens to and looks after its customers. Keep up the excellent work Sony.

  35. Last Preacher

    September 21, 2022 at 9:52 am

    Problem with big companies is that as they grow, they begin to lose touch with their target markets and start producing what consumers don’t want. Then a new kid will spring up and relegate them to history. Remember Nokia and Blackberry?

  36. Léo rbt

    September 21, 2022 at 10:21 am

    I like the part where you say it gives more room for other components, when Apple just put a plastic cube instead…
    Also, in the rest of the world, the e-sim is not or little developed, so they cannot do it for the moment elsewhere

  37. Ryan Valdez

    September 21, 2022 at 10:35 am

    Moving forward, will we be having double e-sim?

  38. Robin Hood

    September 21, 2022 at 10:45 am

    Why eSim? So you can be tracked !

  39. wryshh

    September 21, 2022 at 12:11 pm

    Apple is just removing the feature of physical sims, there’s no new feature added here.

  40. Leonel Urbina

    September 21, 2022 at 12:32 pm

    Why they don’t give the downside about this ? So bias video.

  41. Wujoma Ils

    September 21, 2022 at 12:47 pm

    Apple is very good at telling U to buy adaptor, adaptor for headphones, adaptor for usb port, now it’s time to buy an external device which wirelessly connect external sim card to ur e-sim only phone… We♡apple and adaptors.

  42. Tenzing Ngodub

    September 21, 2022 at 5:18 pm

    The main reason is they are trying to make a water seal phone.

  43. Michael Moscheck

    September 21, 2022 at 8:30 pm

    First they took away my stone tablets, making my hammer and chisel useless. Then cars (yeah, it was right after paper) and I had to eat my horse. Now they virtualize my SIM card?!? This is just too much. I want my physical card! Actually, bring back my punch cards!!! All they need is a reader and we can feed all kinds of things into the iphone.

  44. Joe Edwards

    September 21, 2022 at 8:41 pm

    All of these reasons to use an eSIM can apply to a phone that has a standard SIM card and an eSIM option. No need to get rid of the actual Sim card and force ONLY an eSIM down our throats. Just wait until carrier. Start charging 20 bucks to transfer your eSIM.

  45. Dominicana11uP1nU1

    September 21, 2022 at 9:51 pm

    Did she say one of the downside if I lose my phone or break it, I will have to do a little more work to get another phone activated? Soooo that means it will be a hassle in a nice way. I wanted this phone so badly but I also love using my android. I was hoping to have a sim card for I can switch phones easily.

  46. Asp Dap

    September 21, 2022 at 10:27 pm

    making a way to spy easily gradually in coming generations.

  47. ROB THE WIZ

    September 22, 2022 at 12:49 am

    They are the most ridiculous thing ever

  48. CODESCRAPER

    September 22, 2022 at 2:15 am

    Esim is the future hopefully better connection in third world countries

  49. Mohammed S

    September 22, 2022 at 3:53 am

    You don’t need a 4 minute video to tell you that they did it to squeeze out some more out if their already inflated profit margins….They’re gonna regret it quick though.

  50. Andrew Liu

    September 22, 2022 at 4:24 am

    All I’m seeing are complaints in the comment section. Don’t like it, then don’t get the iphone 14. Or don’t use an iPhone. But word has it, Samsung is following in Apple’s footsteps. Eventually all phones will have this requirement. I’ve been using esim on my pixel phone under the Google-Fi plan for 2 years now. There’s ZERO difference in experience. Plus, with Google -Fi I am good internationally. No need to get a local sim. Not sure what all the fuss is about. Stop getting carrier locked subsidies phones. Just pay your phone out right unlocked.

  51. H ε z я o и

    September 22, 2022 at 4:32 am

    Physical sim >>>>>>> esim

  52. Michael Hinson

    September 22, 2022 at 6:18 am

    I just got the iPhone 13 mini and activated the esim thru T-Mobile chat. Only took a few minutes and it works great!

  53. ОККУПАНТ ХУЙло

    September 22, 2022 at 9:39 am

    Combination of a eSIM and a sim tray would be a great option.

    • Text me+①(⑦②⓪) ④③②-⑤⑤④⓪

      September 22, 2022 at 7:33 pm

      Thanks for watching and leaving a ❤
      Comment have been selected as a winner DM claim prize 📥📥📥📥

  54. missbutts85

    September 22, 2022 at 12:03 pm

    I’ve traveled to so many countries and have yet to buy a SIM card. T-mobile gives me text and data roaming in so many places I’ve never needed to get a sim so the eSIM thing isn’t an issue for me

  55. Amy Nichols

    September 22, 2022 at 3:41 pm

    Sim card good

  56. Whitney Foster-Johnson

    September 22, 2022 at 6:50 pm

    Hmm I rather use a physical sim instead of esim

    • Text me+①(⑦②⓪) ④③②-⑤⑤④⓪

      September 22, 2022 at 7:35 pm

      Thanks for watching and leaving a ❤
      Comment have been selected as a winner DM claim prize 📥

  57. Weekend Warrior

    September 22, 2022 at 11:09 pm

    They removed the sim card, and replaced it with empty plastic. What’s the point of doing it??

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CNET

We’re Going to Augmented World Expo (AWE)

We’re headed to Augmented World Expo from June 18 – 20! Let us know what you want to see us explore while we’re there! #vr #tech #awe2024 #giveaway #augmentedreality Be sure to visit to enter to win a Sony 15.6” Spatial Reality Display or tickets to the event. You have until June 20th to enter.

Published

on

We’re headed to Augmented World Expo from June 18 – 20! Let us know what you want to see us explore while we’re there! #vr #tech #awe2024 #giveaway #augmentedreality

Be sure to visit to enter to win a Sony 15.6” Spatial Reality Display or tickets to the event. You have until June 20th to enter.

Continue Reading

CNET

Nothing Can Beat the Original, Baybeee

We went ot Head in the Clouds Festival in New York and asked a few artists how they feel about AI in the music industry and overall. #ai #aimusic #headintheclouds #atarashiigakko #warrenhue #ohtnyc #hitcny #hitcny24 #artificialintelligience #88rising

Published

on

We went ot Head in the Clouds Festival in New York and asked a few artists how they feel about AI in the music industry and overall. #ai #aimusic #headintheclouds #atarashiigakko #warrenhue #ohtnyc #hitcny #hitcny24 #artificialintelligience #88rising

Continue Reading

CNET

Viture Pro XR Glasses + Accessories Unboxing 🕶️

Bring a portable monitor with you anywhere with Viture’s new Pro XR Glasses and a few accessories. Stay tuned for our full hands-on video and more. #vitureproxrglasses #xrglasses #glasses #gaming #tech #unboxing #viture

Published

on

Bring a portable monitor with you anywhere with Viture’s new Pro XR Glasses and a few accessories. Stay tuned for our full hands-on video and more. #vitureproxrglasses #xrglasses #glasses #gaming #tech #unboxing #viture

Continue Reading

Trending