Rumor suggests that Google's upcoming Pixel 10 smartphones may forgo SIM card slots, though doubts linger about the claim's validity.
Google has announced that its upcoming Pixel 10 series, which includes the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL, will support eSIM technology in the US. This move follows Apple's lead, which adopted eSIM technology for the iPhone in 2022, and Google's own introduction of eSIM support with the Pixel 2 in 2017.
The decision to make these models eSIM-only in the US market allows for quicker carrier switching, a benefit that is particularly relevant in the US where eSIM adoption is higher. However, international versions of the Pixel 10 series are expected to retain physical SIM card slots, following a similar approach Apple has taken with its iPhones since 2022.
This strategy provides a balance between the advantages of eSIM technology and the compatibility with traditional SIM cards, ensuring that the new Pixel models remain accessible to a wider audience. Evan Blass, a reputable source for leaks regarding the Pixel 10, has stated that the "only data point so far is US," suggesting that this change is primarily for the US market.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold, an upcoming foldable smartphone model, is expected to buck this trend by retaining a physical SIM slot, even in the US. This decision could provide a more familiar user experience for those accustomed to physical SIM cards.
Evan Blass also suggests that the removal of the SIM tray in the Pixel 10 series could provide more space for internal components like the battery. This could lead to improved performance and potentially longer battery life.
While eSIM technology offers "greater flexibility, enhanced convenience, better security, and seamless connectivity," as Apple promotes, the benefits of a physical SIM card are not entirely eliminated in the real world. The need to move a physical SIM card is often limited for the general customer, but for phone reviewers who frequently switch devices, a physical SIM card can be easier to manage.
It remains uncertain if Google will make this change internationally, with all versions of the Pixel 10 dropping support for the physical SIM. For now, the decision to make the Pixel 10 series eSIM-only in the US marks a significant step forward for eSIM technology in the Google ecosystem.
[1] TechCrunch: Google's Pixel 10 could be eSIM-only in the US
[2] Android Central: Google Pixel 10 could be eSIM-only in the US
[3] 9to5Google: Pixel 10 Pro Fold may retain physical SIM slot despite eSIM-only rumors for other models
[4] The Verge: Google's Pixel 10 could be eSIM-only in the US
[5] Engadget: Google Pixel 10 could be eSIM-only in the US
- The Pixel 10 series, announced by Google, will reportedly be eSIM-only in the US market, according to Evan Blass, a recognized source for Pixel leaks, which is a move that follows Apple's adoption of eSIM technology for their iPhones since 2022.
- In contrast, the upcoming foldable smartphone model, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, is expected to retain a physical SIM slot, even in the US, potentially offering a more familiar user experience for those accustomed to traditional SIM cards.
