Is the SIM Card Going the Way of the VHS?

Remember when cassette tapes, VHS, and even CDs were everywhere—and then, suddenly, they weren’t? Well, the humble plastic SIM card might be next on the endangered tech list.

With Apple now rolling out iPhones that only use eSIMs, the writing’s on the wall for the physical SIM card. And the numbers back it up: research from Australian travel SIM provider SimCorner shows Aussies—especially younger ones—are already making the switch.

Aussies Know Their eSIMs

According to SimCorner’s survey in August 2025, a whopping 93% of Australians know what an eSIM is. That’s up 12% from last year. Awareness isn’t the problem—it’s adoption, and that’s where the generational divide kicks in.

For younger travellers (18–26):

1. 55% are exclusively using eSIMs when travelling.
2. Only 21% stick to physical SIM cards.

For older travellers (65+):

1. 56% still rely on physical SIMs.
2. Just 23% use eSIMs exclusively.

So while Gen Z and Millennials are already living in a digital-SIM world, Boomers and beyond aren’t quite ready to let go of that tiny piece of plastic.

Why the Shift?

Shehbaz Shaikh, CEO and Co-Founder of SimCorner, puts it bluntly:

“The SIM card is facing an existential threat. We’ve seen clear growth in Australians making the switch to using eSIMs in the past year. The convenience to use an eSIM when travelling for so many customers wins out.”

For younger users, eSIMs are all about convenience—no fiddly trays or swapping cards in and out, just scan a QR code and you’re online. But for older travellers, there’s still comfort in something tangible. Many prefer the ability to make local calls easily, which they say feels more reliable than juggling digital settings.

What Exactly Is an eSIM?

If you haven’t made the switch yet, here’s the quick version: an eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM built into your phone. No physical card. No ejector pin. Just download, activate, and connect.

For frequent travellers, this means:

1. Switching between carriers on the fly.
2. Dodging nasty roaming charges.
3. Running multiple numbers on one device.

And yes, it really does mean the end of digging around your bag for that little paperclip tool.

The Bottom Line

The physical SIM isn’t gone yet—but it’s heading in the same direction as the floppy disk. As Aussies upgrade their phones and get more comfortable with the tech, eSIMs will almost certainly take over.

Until then, expect a split market: younger, tech-savvy travellers going all-in on eSIMs, while older travellers still pack a plastic backup “just in case.”

If you’re heading overseas soon and want to give it a try, you can check out SimCorner’s eSIM options here.