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03/11/2025In the digital age, eSIM (embedded SIM) technology has revolutionized our traditional understanding of mobile communication with its innovative approach. The eSIM module is directly embedded into various devices and becomes an integral part of the device hardware. At the same time, it simplifies device configuration and network switching processes through digitalization, allowing users to connect to cellular networks without inserting or replacing physical SIM cards, providing unprecedented flexibility and convenience.
eSIM, as the core of global connectivity solutions, has been widely applied in consumer electronics, the Internet of Things (IoT), the Internet of Vehicles, industrial automation, transportation and logistics, smart energy, and more. With the rapid development of new technologies such as 5G, and IoT, eSIM will play a significant role in more emerging fields, helping to promote global intelligence and digital development.
As technology evolves and security threats change, eSIM technology requires continuous upgrades to meet various requirements, which is the process of completing eSIM’s “evolution”. Through eSIM “evolution”, the following can be achieved:
• Rapid Iteration of Versions and Products: By upgrading, products can iterate quickly, helping customers reduce research and development costs and shorten product launch cycles, gaining a competitive edge in the fierce market competition.
• Fixing Security Vulnerabilities and Defects: By upgrading, security vulnerabilities and functional defects can be fixed, enhancing the overall security and stability of the system, and reducing resource waste and maintenance costs.
• Supporting New Business and Customization: By upgrading, the eSIM system’s capabilities can be expanded to support new business functions and customer customization, improving system compatibility and applicability.
The technical participants in the eSIM solution mainly include: cloud systems, device-side plugins, and eSIM Secure Elements. For cloud systems and device-side firmware, there are mature upgrade solutions that can be leveraged to complete the “evolution” of technology. However, for eSIM Secure Elements, which are usually directly soldered onto the device’s motherboard and cannot be easily removed or replaced, traditional solutions cannot be applied when problems arise or new functions are added. The upgrade must be completed by updating the Secure Element’s operating system. However, there is no standard solution for updating the Secure Element system. Solving this issue is the most critical step in eSIM’s “evolution”.
The eSIM Secure Element, as a key part of the system, not only carries the profile management function but also takes on the role of a physical SIM (Subsciber Identity Module) card. These “roles” have higher requirements for its “evolution”:
- – Seamless Upgrade: The upgrade process is imperceptible to users and does not affect using all Secure Element’s functions.
- – Data Security: The security and integrity of upgraded data are ensured through secure protocols and cryptographic algorithms.
- – Upgrade Ways: Support for upgrades on various devices, such as IoT devices and mobile devices; support for various upgrade methods, such as remote upgrades, local upgrades, and offline upgrades.
- – Data Preservation: After the upgrade, the file system, applications, and personalization data within the Secure Element remain unchanged.
- – Exception Rollback: If an upgrade fails or the Secure Element operates abnormally, it must be able to roll back to the previous OS version.
Upgrade Service Support:
Secure Element Support:
• Upgrade Mechanism: Decoupling of OS code and data for lossless upgrades; Loader and dual OS mechanisms for double insurance in upgrades;
• Security Mechanism: Support for various data encryption methods such as AES and SM4 etc.; Support for standard security channel protocols such as GlobalPlatform SCP03, SCP04, SCP11, and SCP81, etc.
As the application prospects of eSIM technology become broader and more diverse, the pace of its “evolution” will accelerate. Meeting the various “evolution” needs requires joint efforts and exploration of the industry chain. Watchdata will actively participate in innovative practices, adapting to the constantly changing technological environment and security demands; actively collaborate with industry partners to continuously enhance the security and user experience of eSIM technology, and jointly promote the application and development of eSIM technology worldwide.