Google has joined Apple in more ways than Pixel Snap this year. When buying the new Pixel 10 series in the United States, the phone will be eSIM-only, aligning with Apple’s move since the iPhone 15.
Speaking to Goosed.ie, a Google spokesperson said “Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL phones in the U.S. will be eSIM only. As a result, these phones have our cleanest Pixel designs yet with no SIM tray, no visible mmWave antenna cutout and the new elegant speaker mesh found on the bottom of our two pro models”.
There will be little impact on customers in Ireland purchasing a Pixel 10 series phone here. But it’s an important note for anyone traveling to the U.S. and considering making a purchase when there. If you return home with your new Pixel 10 and your network doesn’t support eSIM, you’re scuppered.
Google has stated to other outlets that 70% of US-based Pixel owners are already using eSIM only.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the exception from the series, as this is set to retain a physical SIM slot even in the U.S.
This is good news for companies like SIM Local that are making it easier for American tourists to have a data plan ready for their arrival in Ireland. eSIM-ready and eSIM-only phones allow customers to download a plan for activation when they land. CEO, Sarah McGarr says this “is a huge win for convenience” but also highlights the pitfalls, stating “not every mobile network is ready yet”.
