Apple may be preparing to continue its move away from physical SIM cards with the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup. A recent report suggests that next year’s models could be released as eSIM-only in additional regions, marking one of the company’s most significant steps yet toward a fully digital SIM ecosystem.
According to MacRumors, regulatory filings indicate that Apple is testing eSIM-only configurations beyond the United States. This follows the precedent set by the iPhone 14 in 2022, which removed the SIM tray entirely for American customers. Since then, eSIM adoption has accelerated globally as carriers in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East have expanded support for the technology.
eSIM, short for “embedded SIM,” is built directly into the device and can be activated digitally. Users can switch carriers or add a second line without needing to physically replace a card. Apple has positioned this as a way to make iPhones more user-friendly, particularly for people who want dual-SIM support for both personal and work lines. It also adds a layer of security, since eSIMs cannot be physically removed if a device is stolen.
For frequent travelers, however, the shift raises concerns. Many still rely on buying local prepaid SIMs when visiting other countries, a practice that is simpler with a physical card. While some eSIM-compatible travel plans are now widely available, they are not yet as flexible or affordable as traditional SIMs in every region. Apple’s potential expansion of eSIM-only models suggests confidence that enough carriers and third-party providers now offer digital alternatives to make the transition viable.
The design benefits are also important. By removing the SIM tray, Apple can improve water resistance and free up internal space for other components such as larger batteries, advanced camera modules, or additional sensors. This approach aligns with Apple’s broader philosophy of streamlining hardware while relying on software and ecosystem support to ease the user transition.
Industry analysts believe that Apple could begin with the iPhone 17 Pro models as the first eSIM-only devices outside the U.S., before expanding the change across the entire lineup in subsequent years. Given Apple’s influence on global carrier policies, the company’s decision may push even more telecom providers to accelerate eSIM adoption, making physical SIM cards increasingly obsolete.
With most major networks already on board, the iPhone 17 could represent a tipping point in the industry. Just as the removal of the headphone jack and home button once reshaped user habits, Apple’s eSIM-only move could set a new standard for smartphones worldwide.
