手机遇冷眼镜预热，eSIM仍在等待“上桌”

Core Insights - The demand for Apple's iPhone Air, which focuses on extreme thinness, is significantly lower than expected, leading to supply chain cutbacks and anticipated component discontinuation by the end of 2025 [1][3] - The eSIM technology, initially aimed at enhancing the iPhone Air's appeal, has not gained traction in the smartphone market, with manufacturers opting for dual support of physical SIM cards and eSIMs instead of fully adopting eSIM [1][4] Group 1: iPhone Air and eSIM Challenges - The iPhone Air's attempt to innovate in the smartphone market has revealed that consumers willing to pay for an ultra-thin experience are a niche audience [3] - Users are reluctant to purchase a device that compromises on essential features like battery life and camera quality for the sake of a lightweight design [4] - The cumbersome process of activating and switching eSIMs has contributed to slow adoption rates among users [4] Group 2: Shift to AR Glasses - The introduction of eSIM-enabled AR glasses by Thunderbird Innovation at CES 2026 represents a potential new avenue for eSIM technology, as AR glasses require compact designs that benefit from eSIM's lack of a physical card slot [6][7] - The strategic investment from major telecom operators in the AR glasses sector indicates a shift in focus towards integrating eSIM technology into new devices [6] - The compatibility of eSIM with AR glasses is seen as more promising than in smartphones, as the technology aligns better with the design and functional requirements of AR devices [7] Group 3: Future of eSIM in AR - While eSIM technology is mature and can be integrated into products with relative ease, it is not currently the primary focus for AR glasses, which prioritize optical display and spatial computing capabilities [8] - The potential for eSIM to become a necessity in AR devices hinges on advancements in technology and market conditions, particularly in scenarios like cross-border travel and IoT applications [9] - The industry acknowledges that while eSIM presents opportunities, the actual implementation and validation of its benefits will require time and further development [10]