Apple Hints That iPhone 17 Is to Eliminate the Physical SIM Card

Technology

Apple iPhone 17 to Transition to eSIM in More Regions

Apple is preparing to expand the removal of the physical SIM card slot from its upcoming iPhone 17 models, with significant implementation expected in the European Union.

This move aligns with Apple’s strategy of transitioning to eSIM technology, which has already been adopted in the United States.

Apple is reportedly requiring employees at Apple Authorized Resellers across the 27 European Union countries to undergo training on iPhones with eSIM support.

This training is scheduled to be completed by Friday, September 5, ahead of the anticipated unveiling of the iPhone 17 lineup on Tuesday, September 9.

The timing suggests that some iPhone 17 models sold in the EU, including in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, may lack a physical SIM tray, necessitating customer adoption of eSIM technology.

eSIM technology enables users to activate a cellular plan without a physical nano-SIM card, allowing easy switching between carriers and managing multiple phone numbers on a single device.

The training materials are being distributed globally through Apple’s SEED app, suggesting a potential broader international rollout of eSIM-only iPhones.

Apple initially removed the physical SIM tray from iPhones sold in the U.S. with the iPhone 14 series in 2022, citing enhanced security and convenience.

The new iPhone 17 lineup, particularly the ultra-thin “iPhone 17 Air” model, might be eSIM-only due to design considerations. This change may apply to the entire iPhone 17 range, including Pro and Pro Max models, in several markets.

Markets like China are expected to retain the physical SIM slot due to regulatory considerations and widespread use of dual physical SIMs. In regions like India, a mixed lineup is anticipated, where some models could be eSIM-only.