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 emphasizes extreme thinness and features eSIM technology, is significantly lower than expected, leading to supply chain cutbacks and potential component discontinuation by the end of 2025 [1] - The eSIM technology's adoption in smartphones is hindered by user habits, manufacturer conservatism, and insufficient cooperation from telecom operators, making it a secondary feature rather than a core component [2][3] Group 1: iPhone Air and eSIM Challenges - The iPhone Air's attempt to innovate with a pure eSIM design has not resonated with mainstream consumers, as many are unwilling to pay a flagship price for a device with compromised core specifications [2] - The cumbersome processes associated with eSIM activation and switching further reduce user acceptance of this technology [2] - Current smartphone models from domestic manufacturers, such as OPPO and Huawei, have adopted eSIM but still support physical SIM cards, indicating a cautious approach to eSIM integration [3] Group 2: Shift to AR Glasses - The industry is shifting focus to AR smart glasses as a more suitable application for eSIM technology, with Thunderbird Innovation launching the "Thunderbird X3 Pro Project eSIM" at CES 2026 [4] - The investment from major telecom operators into the AR glasses sector signifies a strategic interest in integrating eSIM technology into new devices [4] - The design of AR glasses, which prioritizes extreme thinness, aligns well with eSIM's no-card feature, potentially enhancing the device's functionality and independence from smartphones [5] Group 3: Future Potential and Challenges - While eSIM technology shows promise for AR glasses, the current focus in the industry remains on improving optical display and spatial computing capabilities rather than communication features [6] - The existing limitations in AR glasses, such as display technology and battery life, need to be addressed before eSIM can become a core necessity [6] - The potential for eSIM to become a necessity in various scenarios, such as cross-border travel and IoT applications, exists but requires further technological and market developments [7]