That's the bright spot in today's news. There's no doubt that an eSIM-only future is bound to be filled with pitfalls, but this move could lead to a space where trying out a brand-new carrier doesn't require you to leave your couch or wait for a SIM card in the mail. It's nothing but good news for the typical consumer, even if we on the Android side may have to deal with glitches and customer service calls along the way.

Physical SIM cards are far from perfect — some readers might even cheer on their impending death. If you've been considering shopping around your carrier with the goal of finding a more reliable network or lowering your monthly payment, the eSIM revolution might sound like a dream come true. But for those of us who find themselves rotating between phones on a regular basis — bloggers, developers, and enthusiasts alike — the road ahead looks rocky. While this doesn't mean the Pixel 7 or the Galaxy S23 will drop the SIM tray altogether, don't be surprised if your next phone is eSIM-only.