Apple is reportedly considering removing the physical SIM card tray from iPhones in more countries next year, The Information reports. This move is expected to be implemented in the upcoming “iPhone 17 Air,” a rumored ultra-thin iPhone model. While specific countries have not been named, this change could potentially affect a wider range of iPhone models and markets.
In the U.S., all iPhone 14 through iPhone 16 models do not have a SIM card tray, and instead rely entirely on digital eSIM technology. Apple has yet to release any iPhones without a SIM card tray outside of the U.S., but it sounds like the change will finally expand internationally starting with the iPhone 17 lineup next September.
Indeed, the report said that all current “iPhone 17 Air” prototypes lack a SIM card tray. The report said it is unclear if the device will be sold in China as a result, since the country has not approved the use of eSIMs in smartphones. Of course, that could change.
MacDailyNews Take: eSIMs are just better than physical SIM cards in every way.
Apple’s list of wireless carriers and worldwide service providers that offer eSIM service is here.
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
