On November 7, the “One Wearable, One World” 2024 Unisoc Smart Wearable Salon was successfully held in Shenzhen. As a key ecosystem partner of Unisoc, Links Field was invited to participate. The company’s Vice President, Qiu Kun, delivered a keynote titled “eSIM Technological Innovations: The Future Path of Smart Wearables.”
When discussing recent developments in the smart wearable sector, improvements in camera functionality, screen resolution, and battery life typically come to mind. However, another noteworthy advancement is the seamless connectivity integration offered by eSIM technology.
Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIMs do not have a physical card but are integrated into the device itself. This allows users to easily switch operators and access networks in different regions through software, without the need for a physical card. Moreover, eSIMs are only 10% of the size of traditional SIM cards.
For Consumers: Enjoy stand-alone connectivity and full autonomy.
eSIM technology enables wearable devices to connect directly to cellular networks, greatly enhancing user experience and allowing the devices to operate independently. Even without a phone, users can make calls, send messages, and access the internet through their wearables. This enhanced connectivity keeps users online, whether jogging without a phone or having left it behind.
eSIMs also offer users unprecedented freedom to switch to more suitable networks depending on their needs when traveling or relocating, breaking free from a single operator’s constraints. This convenience makes smart wearables more appealing, sparking greater consumer interest and diverse usage scenarios.
For Manufacturers: Endless opportunities for innovation.
eSIM technology removes the need for physical slots, paving the way for innovations in wearable designs—be it large AR glasses, compact smart rings, or ultra-thin AI pins. Manufacturers can explore new types of wearables with embedded cellular connectivity without being bound by traditional SIM card constraints.
For the Ecosystem: Drive app development and increase market share.
According to IDC’s 2024 global wearable device market report, device shipments are expected to grow by 6.1% year-over-year. However, different types of wearables show uneven growth; for example, smartwatches may experience a decline in 2024. A critical challenge is their software functions overlap significantly with smartphones, limiting many apps’ usability. eSIM technology introduces a shift. Traditional wearables typically rely on Bluetooth for basic data processing, but eSIM allows devices to connect directly to the cloud for complex data processing.
Developers can leverage eSIM’s independent connectivity to create applications directly performing complex tasks, like navigation and remote work management, on the device, not merely extending phone functions to wearables. With eSIM, practical app development is set to drive market advancement, boosting consumer desire for independently functional smart wearables, fostering growth.
In the rapid evolution of communication tech, eSIM has transitioned from initial exploration to commercial rollout, progressing toward global adoption. Market research shows the eSIM market is growing from $11.76 billion in 2023 to $13.54 billion in 2024, continuing at a 15.27% CAGR. This growth is driven by the maturity of 4G and 5G technologies and the proactive promotion by major operators and device manufacturers.
In consumer electronics, eSIM’s application is expanding, especially in smart wearables, enhancing connectivity, design flexibility, and security. As technology progresses, eSIM plays an increasingly vital role in smart wearables.
We have always been a strong advocate for eSIM technology.
As pioneers in global IoT connectivity, Links Field has substantial expertise in eSIM technology, offering both domestic and international chip eSIM solutions. Our strengths lie in deep technical knowledge and keen customer insight with a comprehensive global service network. Links Field is a GSMA-certified eSIM service provider, following the latest GSMA standards, offering updated LPA services supporting cross-platform solutions like Android and Rotus.
Links Field has integrated eSIM technology into more than ten device types, including watches, phones, POS machines, law enforcement devices, and walkie-talkies, successfully completing nearly a hundred projects across Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Vice President Qiu Kun stated, “We have always been a strong advocate for eSIM technology. GSMA certification underscores our commitment to security, providing our customers with greater confidence. We are ready to embrace the next wave of eSIM management growth.”
With five years of experience in operator eSIM services, Links Field deeply understands the deployment and testing challenges faced by device manufacturers. We offer end-to-end testing solutions, including production quality testing, overseas operator testing, Google certification, network access verification, and download compatibility tests with major operators. Our services help clients preemptively avoid potential technical issues, ensuring smooth product launches.
Our professional FAE team offers 24/7 technical support worldwide. Whether for technical consultation or troubleshooting, Links Field promptly responds to ensure business continuity and timely resolution of any technical issues for our clients.
Links Field Networks is a market leader and solution provider for global IOT connectivity. We work with major wireless chipset vendors, wireless module manufacturers and global carriers to ensure compatibility with our sim solution. We offer IoT eSIM product as well as global IoT connectivity. All sims are managed by our inhouse CMP with customizable and lowcost data packs across 2G/3G/4G/eMTC/NB-IoT networks.