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China Unicom presented an updated development strategy eSIM technologies by 2026, which provides for a significant expansion of opportunities for users and predicts rapid growth of the eSIM smartphone market.
Transition to the “4-number” era
China Unicom has announced that its upcoming flagship smartphones will feature a standard “2P+2e” configuration, meaning that up to four numbers can be used simultaneously. This revolutionary innovation will allow users to flexibly manage their work, personal and communication needs while traveling, eliminating the need to physically swap SIM cards.
eSIM technology is currently being actively implemented: Apple and Huawei have already integrated eSIM support into all their new flagship models, making it a standard feature.
Updated eSIM program from China Unicom
The company introduced the updated “eSIM Tasting Season 2026” program, which includes three key areas to stimulate the development of the technology:
1. New features for users
From now on, users who activate eSIM will receive exclusive bonuses. Instead of fixed service packages, a mechanism for selecting benefits will be introduced, allowing customers to independently create their own package of discounts and bonuses.
2. Innovative service model
China Unicom is implementing an integrated model of “store + staff + AI” to provide services. 4000 branded stores and partner outlets across the country will be equipped with professional consultants and intelligent workstations based on artificial intelligence. This will provide comprehensive “one-stop” service for users.
3. Additional benefits and content
In the future, the offer will be expanded by integrating discounts on everyday goods and services, as well as digital benefits. In the second half of 2026, 8 million bonuses will be offered so that users can fully benefit from the development of the eSIM ecosystem.
eSIM smartphone market forecasts
Since the first eSIM smartphones appeared on the Chinese market, the technology has quickly gained popularity. China Unicom, in cooperation with six major mobile device manufacturers, has already introduced 18 eSIM-enabled smartphone models and held 22 offline events to introduce the technology.
In the first half of 2026, eSIM smartphone sales in China reached 1 million units. With further hardware improvements and the development of related infrastructure, the eSIM smartphone market is expected to grow 20 times in the second half of 2026, exceeding 20 million devices.
eSIM: a tool already available
China Unicom also announced the launch of an eSIM checker feature on its mobile app. Users can check how many numbers are already activated on their eSIM smartphone, or obtain this information from the operator's branch.
This indicates the operator's active steps to popularize and simplify the use of eSIM, which opens up new horizons for mobile communications.
