Emerging GSMA specifications will grow global IoT eSIM and iSIM connections by 680% over the next four years, according to a study from Juniper Research.

It found the global number of IoT eSIM connections will near 1.3 billion by 2028, from 165 million in 2024. This growth will be driven by emerging eSIM specifications that provide more flexibility to enterprises to provision eSIM profile switching remotely over IoT devices.

The GSMA’s SGP.32 is the latest technical specification for eSIM remote provisioning for IoT devices, and enables the remote activation of eSIM profiles via an eIM (eSIM IoT manager). Previous eSIM specifications caused network or user-interface constraints for IoT devices, as they relied on SMS for profile activation.

More details on the “Global eSIMs & iSIMs Market 2024-2028” report can be found at www.juniperresearch.com/research/telco-connectivity/operator-strategies/esims-isims-research-report.

The study identified automotive, logistics, and oil and gas as the industries benefitting most from the introduction of the specification. These industries, which require small form factors, are expected to account for over half of all eSIM-enabled IoT devices by 2028. The ability to ensure interoperable connectivity, enabled by SGP.32, is the key driving force for growth in these sectors.

It also anticipated the imminent arrival of further standards, noting SGP.42 as of key significance for stakeholders. SGP.42 provides similar functionality as SGP.32, but specifically for iSIM devices; iSIMs further reduce the form factor of devices, while retaining the same functionality.

“Stakeholders must begin preparing for SGP.42 immediately, as iSIM standards become finalised,” said report author Elisha Sudlow-Poole. “Standard-agnostic platforms that are flexible to upcoming form factors, certifications and use-case demands must be developed to capitalise on eSIM and iSIM market growth.”

The research offers an assessment of the eSIMs and iSIMs market to date, including insightful market analysis and in-depth forecasts for 60 countries. The dataset contains over 143,000 market statistics within a five-year period. It includes a competitor leaderboard and country readiness index to examine current and future market opportunities.