Apple iPhone 17 models in more countries without SIM slot

Further evidence has emerged that Apple is preparing to remove the physical SIM slot from the iPhone 17, which is coming in a few days, in more countries this year.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, just four days after employees are required to complete the training.

The training information is available in Apple’s SEED App is available, which is used by employees in both Apple Stores and authorized Apple resellers around the world. Therefore, it’s quite possible that the eSIM trend will extend beyond the EU.

In the US, all models starting with the iPhone 14 do not have a SIM slot. Instead, they rely on digital eSIM technology. Apple hasn’t yet eliminated the SIM slot in other countries, but will likely do so starting with the iPhone 17 series.

This theory first appeared in a leak last year:

“However, according to a person familiar with the matter, Apple plans to eliminate physical SIM cards in more countries next year.”

The report, however, did not mention specific iPhone 17 models or countries.

iPhone 17 with exceptions

According to Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, this will be the case in most, but not all, countries. However, there’s a good chance that the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and Pro Max will also only have an eSIM internationally. However, countries like China could be an exception.

When the iPhone 14 series launched in 2022, Apple favored eSIMs, arguing they were more secure than physical SIM cards because they couldn’t be removed from a lost or stolen iPhone. In addition, at least eight eSIMs can be managed simultaneously on one iPhone, eliminating the need to purchase, carry, and swap SIM cards while traveling.

Apple maintains the corresponding support document with mobile operators around the world that support eSIMs.