Apple fans are gearing up for the launch of the iPhone 17 series this September, and a major update has caught everyone’s attention the upcoming models may ship without a physical SIM card tray.
In the U.S., Apple already switched to e-SIM-only devices starting with the iPhone 14 in 2022. Now, the company looks set to bring the same change to Europe, meaning users will have to rely entirely on e-SIMs.
Apple Begins e-SIM Training in Europe
Reports suggest Apple has instructed staff at its authorized resellers across Europe to complete e-SIM training by September 5. This strongly hints that the iPhone 17 series, expected to launch at Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event on September 9, will be e-SIM-only in many European Union (EU) countries.
The EU includes 27 nations, such as France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. Analysts also believe Apple could extend e-SIM-only models to more countries beyond Europe in the future.
iPhone 17 Air: Slim and e-SIM Only
The lineup is rumored to introduce a new ultra-slim model called iPhone 17 Air. Reports say this device won’t feature a SIM card slot at all, making it exclusively e-SIM based.
Other iPhone 17 models are also expected to follow the e-SIM-only trend in most regions. However, markets like China and India may still get versions with physical SIM support, at least for now.
Why Apple Pushes e-SIM
Apple has been advocating for e-SIMs as a more secure alternative since they can’t be physically removed. This makes it easier to track lost or stolen devices.
Another benefit is flexibility — users can store and manage up to eight different e-SIM profiles on a single device, making switching between carriers and plans much simpler.
