[geocar]

Better: it’s a menu option.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212780

eSIMs also have the advantage of an activation card can be sent instantly from almost anywhere (it’s a QR code) which is great if your phone (and physical sim) are lost or damaged.

[Xylakant]

> Some carriers support SIM transfers from your previous iPhone to your new iPhone without needing to contact them

“Some” is true afaik. It’s at the providers discretion.

AFAIK it’s also only possible if you’re moving from iPhone to iPhone, not if you’re moving to an Android. I’m not certain moving back and forth between multiple phones is easily supported.

I like e-sims in general, but this is a downside for some use cases.

[supertrope]

In theory eSIM allows for self service without going to a store or waiting for shipping. In practice you might be on hold with your phone company for an hour. Some USA MVNOs don’t support eSIM.

[Xylakant]

As the person managing phone contracts in our company, I really like that part of eSIMs. I can mail a phone or have the employee purchase one and then mail my providers support and I‘m all set. About one hour later, the phone will have connectivity. If you‘re using an MDM solution that supports it, you can even manage the assigned eSIMs there.

Now, we‘re on a business contract and we have a responsive team on the other side, so the comfort of this hinges on the provider obviously.

[geocar]

Sounds terrible. Here in socialist Europe it is exactly as easy as I just made it sound.

[black3r]

Not everywhere in Europe..., In Slovakia 3/4 operators have single-use QR codes (and for the 4th you have to first remove your eSIM from your old phone before transferring to new, which wouldn't help in case of broken/stolen phone) and none of them have an easy to use web interface to generate a new one, you have to contact support somehow for them to generate it for you.

One operator even charges 10€ for a new QR code for your eSIM (same price as getting a new physical SIM card).

[jackothy]

Reading this comment and others, it sounds to me like legislating the carriers and phone manufacturers to force them to make eSIM more user friendly would work just as well (or better?) as legislation to mandate physical SIM slots.

[black3r]

Yes, definitely. And while we're at it also force them to support eSIM smartwatch profiles. In Slovakia 0 carriers support them, not even Telekom, which supports them in 4/5 neighboring countries..

[tinus_hn]

If the phone breaks it’s much easier to just transfer the card to a different phone though, if a code needs to be sent there’s the identification problems.