This Android 13 feature might be the beginning of the end for SIM cards
SIM cards are the beating heart of our mobile, connected lives. These tiny modules allow users to receive calls, send messages, and connect to all manner of internet services.but it seems like Google might have some solutions ready in Android 13.
The core problem here is how to offer something similar to dual-SIM support with eSIM chips that only work with a single subscriber line at a time. Google’s solution uses something it calls multiple enabled profiles (MEP) to allow multiple active SIM profiles on one eSIM, as detailed by Esper’s Mishaal Rahman. In other words, a single eSIM element will be able to connect to two different carriers simultaneously.
What makes Google’s MEP method interesting is that everything happens on a software level. Multiple logical interfaces serve as independent communication channels between a SIM profile and the phone's modem, while maintaining only one true physical connection between the components. Google's adding API classes to AOSP that will let carrier apps get information about the logical and physical interfaces alongside the SIM profiles stored on them.
Everything points to Google introducing this supercharged eSIM support on Android 13. Rahman's report notes that AOSP references the technology, while the Android Developers website suggests Android 13 may integrate it. Some new MEP APIs are even already present in Android 13 DP2. Right now we're just waiting to see some vestige of it finally go live — good thing A13 betas are right around the corner.