eSIM adoption in Latin America

In early July 2026 a review of the leading eSIM services for the year was published, highlighting the growing market for digital SIM solutions. By the end of the month, data from The Competitive Intelligence Unit showed a pronounced shift in consumer behavior in Mexico and Chile. In Mexico, only 3.2% of smartphone users with dual physical SIM slots keep both lines active, reflecting a move toward eSIMs that can support multiple profiles without separate cards. In Chile, projections indicate that 78% of new smartphones shipped in 2026 will include eSIM capability, underscoring rapid regional uptake despite a global reliance on removable SIMs that persists for compatibility reasons. These trends illustrate a broader transition toward eSIM technology across Latin America, driven by operator rollouts and upcoming device releases such as the iPhone 17.