Deutsche Telekom has taken a significant step in enhancing user experience by introducing a cross-platform eSIM switch in Europe. This new feature allows customers to seamlessly transfer their eSIM profiles between Android and iOS devices, offering flexibility and security without additional applications or paperwork.
Michael Hagspihl, Vice President of Global Strategic Projects and Marketing Partnerships at Deutsche Telekom, stated, “With the new eSIM transfer, we are making it easier than ever for our customers to switch devices. Simple, flexible, and secure—that is our goal.”
Previously, eSIM transfers were possible only within the same operating system, starting with iOS in 2020 and expanding to Android in 2023. The new capability now allows users to move profiles across different platforms, facilitating a smoother transition to a new smartphone.
Currently, the cross-platform eSIM switch supports iPhones operating on iOS 26 and Google Pixel 10 models, with more Android devices expected to be compatible soon. The system detects the old phone, verifies that the device, tariff, and user are suitable for transfer, completing the switch securely. Throughout this process, the user’s phone number and tariff remain unchanged.
The underlying technology is based on the GSMA standard and relies on Deutsche Telekom’s entitlement server, which has been developed internally since 2017. This system manages authorizations and ensures a secure transfer while allowing rapid adoption of new features. Expansion of this service to other Deutsche Telekom national companies is anticipated in the future.
Overall, the eSIM innovation signifies not just a convenient feature but also aligns with the growing trend of digital integration. By eliminating the need for physical SIM cards, these digital profiles markedly simplify the process of switching devices. This advancement not only benefits customers through ease and efficiency but also sets a precedent in the telecommunications industry for user-centric solutions.
