Some say jumping on the latest trends might not be the best way to manage your business, as it can easily steer your ship off course. However, in a situation where such a trend is refining the future of digital connectivity, this notion couldn’t have been more wrong.

eSIMs are a relatively new technology, but over the last few years, the industry has grown so much that it’s starting to overtake even traditional telco markets. The travel eSIM industry growth alone is projected to increase by 500% between 2023 and 2028.

The numbers in other eSIM markets are equally promising, and there is a lot of growth potential for you to explore as a business owner. In this piece, we’ll discuss the current realities of eSIM market adoption and how you can capitalize on eSIM partnerships and potential as a business owner in 2025.

eSIM Market Overview

The global eSIM movement started as far back as 2010, and began to gain some traction in 2016, when major tech companies started integrating the technology in their products. In 2016, Samsung launched the Gear S2 smartwatch as the first eSIM-enabled device, followed by a series of releases like the Apple Watch Series 3, Google Pixel 2, and others.

The innovation has gone a long way since its early days. Today, Grandview Research recorded the global eSIM industry growth size at an estimated $10.32 billion in 2024, with projections to reach $17.67 billion by 2033. In terms of percentages, this would amount to about 5.1% CAGR by 2033.

A lot of factors have contributed to this development. Some noteworthy mentions include rising smartphone adoption and 5G ready access. There are far more eSIM compatible devices on the market these days, from iPhones to Android devices and multiple generations of the Google Pixel releases.

All iPhones from the XS, XS Max, and XR models onwards support eSIM. All pixel devices from the Pixel 2 onward are also eSIM compatible. For Samsung devices, the Galaxy S and Galaxy Z series have also followed suit. In fact, over half of all GSMA-certified smartphones now include eSIM remote provisioning, and by the end of 2025, 60% of these device shipments are expected to support this new tech.

Also, embedded SIMs are becoming essential to 5G networks, because eSIM-enabled 5G devices are unlocking a level of flexibility, scalability, and digital reach that traditional SIM cards simply can’t match.

Other perks pushing the eSIM demand into mainstream markets are:

• Convenience and flexibility
• Lower roaming costs
• Zero need for physical SIM cards
• Remote activation
• Better security

eSIM Industry Growth in the Travel Sector

eSIM technology is transforming international travel. Recent data reveals that the global travel eSIM industry growth market is projected to go from $364.88 million (in 2024) to $734.16 million (by 2030). There is a lot of usability in this market that extends to several businesses, including airlines, hotels, rentals, and travel agencies. Each of these enterprises has audiences eager to buy into the functionality eSIMs have to offer.

1. Airlines

Primarily, airlines as a business are well positioned to benefit from eSIM demand in the travel industry. It is no longer necessary for travelers to purchase plastic SIM cards when traveling to new countries, and this is all thanks to the remote provisioning capabilities of embedded SIMs. All customers need to do now is find a reliable eSIM provider, and they get access to multiple mobile network operators on the go. The airline industry is well-positioned to make the most of this new reality, and there are several strategic benefits to it, like

• Improved customer experience
• Differentiation over competition
• Leveraging existing customer base to drive revenue

1. Hotels and Rentals

Hotels and Rentals are also integral parts of the travel sector, and as such, also stand to gain from this technology. In regions with heavy tourism and traffic, these businesses can easily approach using eSIMs as a value-added service. In rentals, services like Airbnb hosting can come with embedded SIMs as a better connectivity option for guests.

1. Travel Agencies

During bookings and travel planning processes, agencies can resell eSIMs and get exciting commissions from partnering with white label eSIM solution providers like Limitflex. There are several ways to be flexible with this, from travel packages to loyalty rewards, group tour bonuses, and more.

How to Capitalize on eSIM Market Demand for Your Business

The current eSIM industry growth has created significant opportunities for businesses to capitalize on. Let’s discuss some of them in this section.

1. Expand your product offerings

Starting an eSIM business if you run an airline or travel agency is the right way to go, because it’s a solution to a significant challenge that the majority of your customers might have when traveling. Expand your digital product offerings to cover eSIM sales, and partner with the right provider for exclusive and profitable deals.

1. Partnering with eSIM providers

Thanks to the global adoption of this technology, there are hundreds of providers out there looking to work with you and help you set up an eSIM reseller platform for your audience. If you’re a business owner with offerings in any of the sectors we’ve discussed above, this could be a rare opportunity to increase your revenue. White label eSIM reseller platforms like Limitflex allow enterprises to sell this service, while paying them exciting commissions in return.

1. Adding eSIM services to the customer experience

It’s also important to know that this opportunity isn’t limited to individuals in the travel industry. Domestic demand in eSIM tech is taking to new highs, which means you can incorporate it into any other product or service of your choice. A great way to incorporate this would be to increase your competitiveness in your industry through loyalty reward programs using eSIMs. Digital products like this could be an easy and effective way to attract new customers or retain already existing ones.

Get in Early

There is way too much growth potential in the eSIM market for anyone to miss out on, and it’s in your best interest to be one of the earliest to take advantage of these opportunities. You can start by setting up your white label eSIM solution platform through our platform, LimitFlex. You stand a chance to get up to 30% commission reward and 100% technical support through the entire process.