Apple may expand an US-only feature to iPhone 17 in more countries

Starting with the iPhone 14, Apple removed the physical SIM card tray from its U.S. models, relying solely on eSIM technology, while international versions continued to support both eSIM and a physical SIM. Now, fresh rumors suggest that Apple is preparing to phase out the physical SIM card slot on the iPhone 17 in additional regions beyond the U.S.

According to a report from MacRumors, retail staff at Apple Authorized Resellers within the European Union are currently required to complete eSIM-related training, with a deadline set for Friday, September 5. This timing is notable, as Apple’s highly anticipated “Awe dropping.” event is just four days away, scheduled for Tuesday, September 9. At this event, the company is expected to unveil the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and a rumored ultra-thin model possibly named the iPhone 17 Air.

The rollout isn’t necessarily confined to Europe. The training materials are being delivered through Apple’s SEED app—an internal platform used by employees at both official Apple Stores and Authorized Resellers globally. Its worldwide availability hints at a broader transition in the works.

This shift aligns with ongoing speculation from the past year. As early as October 2024, reports indicated that the slim iPhone 17 Air might ditch the SIM tray entirely to accommodate its thin design. More recent rumors suggest that the move to eSIM-only could extend across the entire iPhone 17 series and multiple regions.

Would you get an eSIM-only iPhone 17?

Yes, I already use eSIM 25%

Maybe, if my carrier supports it 25%

No, I need a physical SIM 50%

Votes 4 Back to Voting

That said, Apple may retain physical SIM support in select markets, particularly in China, where dual physical SIM configurations are still standard on iPhones. In other regions, the current setup includes one physical SIM and one eSIM, but China remains an exception due to local carrier requirements and consumer preferences.

Apple isn’t alone in moving toward eSIM. Google recently launched the Pixel 10 in the U.S. as an eSIM-only device, following Apple’s earlier lead. Samsung, meanwhile, continues to offer hybrid models—supporting both eSIM and a physical SIM in the U.S.—but maintains dual physical SIM slots in certain international markets. The Pixel 10 outside the U.S. actually includes both eSIM and physical SIM support, showing that regional differences still play a major role.

For frequent travelers like myself, the removal of the physical SIM slot could be inconvenient. Swapping in a local SIM card abroad is often the most cost-effective and straightforward way to stay connected. That said, international eSIM providers have improved significantly—offering competitive rates and seamless activation—making them a viable alternative. Ideally, I’d like to see Apple maintain both options in my region, preserving flexibility without sacrificing innovation.

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