In a notable shift towards greater interoperability, Apple appears to be developing a new feature that could allow users to transfer their eSIM profiles from an iPhone to an Android phone—without having to delete the eSIM from their original device. This development, if officially rolled out, would mark a significant departure from Apple's traditionally closed ecosystem.
iPhones Could Revolutionize eSIM Flexibility
Currently, transferring an eSIM between platforms typically requires deactivating the eSIM on the original device before reactivating it on the new one. Apple's potential move to allow iPhone users to export their eSIM to Android devices without deletion streamlines this process. This function is reportedly being tested within the iOS 17.5 beta, where new code snippets reference an option to “Transfer eSIM to Android.”
This feature signals Apple’s increasing acknowledgment of consumer demand for greater device flexibility and cross-platform mobility. With eSIM technology becoming more common globally—especially in flagship devices—the ability to retain and reuse eSIMs across ecosystems would benefit frequent travelers, dual-device users, and those transitioning between platforms.
While Apple hasn't officially confirmed this feature, its inclusion in beta testing suggests it may debut in a future iOS update. The move is being interpreted as part of Apple's broader strategy to comply with growing regulatory pressure worldwide, especially in regions pushing for easier device-switching and broader consumer rights.
Moreover, this development aligns with Apple's past initiatives aimed at smoothing user experiences, such as universal QR code support for eSIM setup and expanding carrier compatibility. By enabling cross-platform eSIM sharing, Apple not only enhances user convenience but also lowers the barriers for switching away from iOS—a bold and uncharacteristically open strategy.
From a technical perspective, ensuring a secure and seamless eSIM transfer between iOS and Android platforms would require close cooperation with carriers, as well as robust encryption standards. The feature is still under evaluation, and specifics around supported Android models, security checks, and UI design remain unclear.
Nevertheless, the possibility of maintaining an eSIM on an iPhone while activating it on an Android device opens up intriguing scenarios for device management, travel convenience, and multi-platform usage. If fully implemented, it could reshape how users manage mobile networks and hardware ecosystems.
For now, tech enthusiasts and developers continue to monitor the iOS beta updates closely, anticipating a formal rollout. The timing and scope of release will determine just how transformative this update could be for mobile users worldwide.