The tiny, easy-to-lose physical SIM card has had its days numbered for a while, and Apple is about to accelerate its demise. According to new, credible reports, the upcoming iPhone 17 eSIM only will be in a significant number of new countries, expanding the push that began in the United States two years ago.
This move signals Apple’s confidence in eSIM technology and marks a major step towards a portless, seamless future for the iPhone.
Evidence is mounting that the iPhone 17 lineup, set to be unveiled on September 9, will arrive without the familiar SIM card tray in most of Europe and potentially other regions.
While this transition offers benefits in security and convenience, it also raises questions about carrier readiness and consumer choice.
This article breaks down the latest evidence, explains Apple’s reasoning behind the eSIM push, and what this change will mean for you when it’s time to upgrade.
The Evidence: Reseller Training and Insider Reports
The strongest hint of this global expansion comes from a report by MacRumors, which revealed that Apple Authorized Reseller employees across all 27 EU countries are being required to complete training on eSIM support.
The deadline for this training is September 5, just four days before the expected iPhone 17 launch event. This mandatory training, delivered through Apple’s internal SEED app, is a clear sign that a major shift is imminent.
This aligns perfectly with earlier reports from publications like The Information and analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo, who have long predicted that Apple would expand its eSIM-only strategy internationally with the iPhone 17.
It is almost certain that the new, ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air will be eSIM-only in most countries, but this new training suggests the entire lineup including the standard, Pro, and Pro Max models will follow suit in many regions.
This mandatory training, delivered through Apple’s internal SEED app, is a clear sign that a major shift is imminent for the iPhone 17, which has a confirmed launch date of September 9. The one major exception to this eSIM push is expected to be China, where the technology is not yet widely approved for smartphones.
Apple’s Rationale: Why Go All-In on eSIM?
Apple first made this move in the U.S. with the iPhone 14 in 2022. At the time, the company outlined several key benefits of abandoning the physical SIM tray, a philosophy they are now preparing to take global.
- Enhanced Security: An eSIM cannot be physically removed from a lost or stolen iPhone. This makes it much harder for thieves to disable the phone’s tracking capabilities or to hijack the user’s phone number for malicious purposes, a key issue in modern Cyber Security.
- Greater Convenience: A single iPhone can store at least eight eSIMs, allowing users to switch between carriers or plans with a simple tap in the settings. This is a massive benefit for international travelers, who no longer need to buy and swap tiny plastic SIM cards.
- Improved Durability: Removing the SIM tray eliminates another potential entry point for water and dust, contributing to a more robust and durable device.
While the transition in the U.S. was met with some initial resistance, the growing number of carriers listed on Apple’s official eSIM support page shows that the industry is steadily adapting.
What This Means for Global Users
For users in Europe and other potential new eSIM-only regions, this change will mean a shift in how they activate and manage their mobile plans. Instead of getting a physical card from a carrier, activation will be done digitally, either by scanning a QR code or through the carrier’s app.
The big question is whether all global carriers are ready for this transition. While major providers in most countries offer eSIM support, smaller or regional carriers may still be catching up. This move by Apple will undoubtedly force the entire telecommunications industry to accelerate its adoption of the eSIM standard.
As one of the most significant changes coming with the new iPhone, this will be a major topic of discussion for all gadgets and reviews following the September 9th launch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without having to use a physical nano-SIM card. It is built directly into the phone’s hardware.
2. Which countries are expected to get eSIM-only iPhone 17 models?
Based on the latest reports, all 27 countries in the European Union are expected to be the next major region to go eSIM-only. Other regions may also be included, but China is expected to retain the physical SIM tray for now.
3. What are the advantages of an eSIM?
The main advantages are increased security (it can’t be stolen from your phone), convenience (you can have multiple plans on one phone and switch easily), and it’s better for international travel.
4. What are the disadvantages of an eSIM?
The primary disadvantage is that not all mobile carriers worldwide support eSIM yet, though the number is growing rapidly. It can also be slightly less convenient if you frequently switch your SIM card between multiple different phones.