According to recent reports, Google is developing a method for converting traditional SIM cards into electronic versions known as eSIMs. Users would also be able to quickly move an existing eSIM from an old smartphone to a new one using this method. Pixel users now have access to a preview of the potential changes that may be included in the March Feature Drop, as Google has just started to issue its Android 13 QPR2 Beta 2 version. In addition to the addition of 31 new emojis and a feature that enables you to force-theme icons on your home screen, this most recent version also has significant improvements that have been made to Android’s eSIM experience.
According to a tweet by Mishaal Rahman, you can soon be able to simply move an existing eSIM onto a new device or a fresh Android install. This is something that might happen very soon. Google appears to be working on a way for converting the data on physical SIM cards into eSIMs, which would make the feature much more accessible.
At the moment, Android does not permit you to move your eSIM profile from one phone to another. In order to activate the eSIM profile on your new phone, you will first need to deactivate it on your previous phone. The process is not completely seamless, and it is possible that you will have to get in touch with your carrier in order to get the eSIM activated on your new phone. On the other hand, iOS comes with a function called Quick Transfer that is built right in. This feature enables you to move either physical or electronic SIM cards from an older iPhone to a newer model without having to get in touch with your carrier. According to reports, Google is currently working on bringing a feature that is analogous to one that is available on iOS to the Android operating system.
Rahman points out that the ability to transfer eSIMs between different devices is not a native feature of the eSIM specification. Because of this, it is possible that Google may be unable to make this feature available to all Android devices through AOSP. Instead, it is possible that Google will be forced to keep things limited to the Pixel phones. It’s possible that eSIM transfers will only be successful when moving from one Pixel to another or while performing a factory reset on the same device. Additionally, the ability to convert physical SIM profiles to eSIM will likely be dependent on carrier support.
There is currently no information available regarding when exactly Google intends to make the feature available to users. It is possible that it will debut with the Pixel Feature Drop in March 2023, or it may come later in the year with Android 14.