[pxeboot]

> ESim are backed up as part of iCloud backups

You can’t actually backup an eSIM. If you could, they would be easy to clone. I know Apple uses that terminology, but that isn’t what is happening in the background. Same with transferring an eSIM. A new one is issued each time.

[flowerthoughts]

Isn't that just semantics? It's tied to the same phone number, and I assume the generation of a new eSIM invalidates any old one (as happens with my carrier.) It's essentially backed up, even if it's just a (carrier, number) pair. If the Lyca account is trashed, the rest is just an implementation detail.

[ValentineC]

But it's not, because some carriers explicitly don't allow eSIM transfers, or reuse of the initial QR code, or even the forced generation of a new eSIM without either customer support manually revoking the previous one, or deleting it yourself from the old device.

I think the problem here is: there's no consistent regulation on how a replacement eSIM can be provisioned on a new device.

[cromka]

True. Made a mistake of removing eSIM, need to visit a brick and mortar location for them to issue a new one. Crazy stuff.

[gruez]

>the rest is just an implementation detail.

Is the fact that you don't actually own a game you bought on steam, or a movie you bought on itunes (eg. if either of them went under, or you got banned) also "just semantics" and "implementation detail"?

[a456463]

NO. IT IS NOT. If it is a backup, then you should be able to restore it verbatim without involving a middle man 3rd party

[ThePowerOfFuet]

eSIM profiles are not backed up, as the key never leaves the Secure Element. What might be backed up is a token allowing the reissuance of a replacement eSIM by the carrier.

[hollow-moe]

Can you prove it tho? Apple controls the whole hardware and software stack. They absolutely could store these keys in icloud backup.

[ThePowerOfFuet]

Would be awfully obvious to have a subscriber to whom you issued an eSIM profile to an eUICC with the Removable flag set to False later accessing your network with a different IMEI...

[aiisjustanif]

Many one-time eSIMs aren’t transferable, Nomad for example.