Google One subscribers may soon receive a highly significant eSIM feature.

      Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

      In today's world of eSIMs, you no longer have to worry about managing a tiny piece of technology to use your phone. However, there is a notable drawback: if your phone gets damaged, transferring the eSIM to a new device depends on your carrier's policies. A recent update to Google Play Services indicates that a solution may be forthcoming in the form of eSIM backup as part of the Google One subscription.

      Android Authority explored Google Play Services v25.16.33, the latest beta version, and found hints of a SIM data backup feature. It's reasonable to rule out physical SIM cards here, as they are not affected by data wipes. This points to eSIMs, making it easier to switch from one phone to another.

      It’s essential to note that features found in beta versions are not guaranteed, but they imply ongoing development. In this case, additional evidence can be seen in a March update where Google also referenced SIM backups.

      Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

      Having the ability to back up an eSIM would be useful if your phone breaks or if you wish to transfer everything to a new device without going through your carrier (assuming that’s permitted), though it may remain a somewhat specialized feature. When performing a factory reset on Android devices, users have the option to retain eSIM data. You would simply need to restore your data from the cloud in that scenario.

      Conversely, phone theft is a prevalent issue, and if you're already making regular backups, you could disable the stolen device and activate a new one with all your settings more rapidly. While the feature could be advantageous, there’s no certainty about when or if it will be officially released.

      Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more.

      Google Maps’ new feature sees Android play catchup to iOS

      Android users are getting their first look at a new feature in Google Maps as the app becomes the first to utilize the Live Updates capability added with Android 16. This feature will provide users with real-time information in their status bar to track ongoing activities, such as following directions in maps. Similar to Apple's Live Activities system, the function on Android could be adapted by various apps, though it is initially seen in Google Maps. "Live Updates represent a new class of notifications that assist users in monitoring and quickly accessing important ongoing activities," explained Android developers in a post announcing the feature.

      Read more

      Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 & Flip 6 start getting One UI 7 beta update

      Samsung has commenced the rollout of the One UI 7 Beta update for its latest foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6. Several users have reported receiving the enrollment message on X and Samsung’s community forum on their compatible devices. Recently, the company announced that One UI 7 beta testing for its newest foldables would soon begin for users in India, Korea, the US, and the UK. According to user reports in the Samsung forum, Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 users in the US have begun receiving the update.

      Read more

      It’s time for Apple, Samsung, and Google to solve the eSIM problem

      When Apple unveiled the new iPhone 16e on Wednesday, the Apple Store in every region displayed only eSIM under connectivity: no mention of a physical SIM. This led to a moment of panic thinking that Apple had quietly moved to sell the iPhone 16e globally as an eSIM-only device. A brief search, along with visuals, confirmed that this was not the case; however, my initial reaction sparked thoughts about the state of eSIMs, their potential (and initial promises), and the current eSIM landscape worldwide. After traveling for the past month, I’ve found that eSIMs are quite chaotic. While the potential is significant, it often conflicts with the interests of carriers, making ease of use a challenge. Nonetheless, a solution exists.

      Read more