Deutsche Telekom took a pioneering eSIM step by transferring a profile between the two biggest smartphone OSes, breaking barriers to device upgrades using a GSMA standard and its own entitlement server.

The operator stated it is the first in Europe to transfer an eSIM profile between Android and iOS devices. The moves were previously restricted to phones on the same platform.

Deutsche Telekom explained its initial intra-platform capability spans iPhones running iOS 26 and Google Pixel 10 devices, with more Android models in the pipeline.

Using the GSMA TS.43 entitlement configuration specification and its own server, Deutsche Telekom enabled eSIM transfers to be initiated in the settings of the user’s new smartphone while its system performs background checks regarding the eligibility of the device, tariff and user.

If it all checks out, Deutsche Telekom’s system approves the transfer of the user’s existing profile while maintaining their phone number and tariff.

Deutsche Telekom explained developments carried out on its entitlement server since 2017 brought the functionality to its European subsidiaries and it plans to make it available in other nations in future.

The use of eSIMs is gathering momentum among mobile operators and other sectors: learn more on Mobile World Live’s dedicated Topic Hub, here.