> How does an eSIM work? Does it require any special hardware (beside the cellular radio, of course) on the phone or is it a purely software thing?

I am not an expert, but I believe eSIM-support is essentially a feature of the modem + the OS of the device.

The eSIM itself is basically just a blob of data that serves the same function as a SIM card WRT identifying/authenticating a phone on a network.

> I would assume not, but this FAQ feels weird

Agreed, being completely pedantic, that really isn't quite accurate. The "eSIM" construct is completely manageable through software.

Both iOS and Android allow adding/removing/disabling/enabling eSIMs once they are provisioned to the device through a carrier.