iPhone 17: No more SIM card slot in the EU?

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The introduction of the eSIM on the iPhone is no longer an experiment, but a strategic move by Apple. With the iPhone 17, it's clear that the physical SIM card slot will disappear in even more countries. What began in the US with the iPhone 14 is now apparently being expanded to Europe and other regions. Evidence of a comprehensive transition is mounting.

Since the iPhone 14, Apple has relied exclusively on eSIM technology in the US. The traditional SIM card slot has been completely removed. Now, a global rollout of this concept is apparently imminent—with the iPhone 17 as the catalyst for this change. A planned training session for Apple dealers in the EU, as well as assessments from the supply chain, indicate a widespread switchover. The next iPhone generation could therefore be released worldwide without a physical SIM slot.

eSIM training as concrete advice

A source familiar with the matter confirmed to MacRumors that authorized Apple retailers in the EU must complete training on iPhones with eSIM support by September 5. This requirement applies to all 27 EU countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. The training is conducted via Apple's SEED app, which is used by store employees worldwide. It is therefore conceivable that the training program is not only intended for Europe, but also extends to other markets. The proximity to the expected presentation of the iPhone 17 series on September 9 suggests that Apple intends to eliminate the SIM card slot in additional regions with the new generation. This step has already been taken in the US, where all iPhones from the iPhone 14 onwards exclusively support eSIM.

iPhone 17: Switch to eSIM also outside the USA

A report by The Information last year already provided initial indications that Apple intends to eliminate the physical SIM card in additional countries. While no specific models or markets were mentioned at the time, new information now provides more clarity. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects that at least the new iPhone 17 Air will no longer have a SIM card slot in most, possibly even all, countries. The iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max models could also be released internationally exclusively with eSIM. Only in exceptional cases—such as in China—could Apple retain the SIM slot for the time being, as eSIM adoption is still limited there.

Advantages of the eSIM from Apple's perspective

Apple promotes the eSIM as a more secure alternative to the physical SIM card. An eSIM cannot simply be removed from a lost or stolen device, improving data protection. Additionally, up to eight eSIMs can be managed simultaneously on one iPhone—particularly convenient for people who switch between multiple numbers or travel frequently. This completely eliminates the need to insert and swap physical SIM cards.

Another advantage: eSIM technology makes the iPhone more compact. Components such as the SIM card slot, the additional opening in the casing, and the mechanical brackets can be eliminated—which is especially important for particularly slim models like the iPhone 17 Air.

eSIM ready for use worldwide

For the switch to work at all, appropriate network operators are needed. Apple has already published a support page with a list of international eSIM providers. This lays the technical foundation for using eSIMs without restrictions in many countries. This suggests that the move was deliberately planned and not a short-term decision.

Watch the iPhone 17 Apple Event live on September 9

iPhone 17 accelerates the switch to eSIM technology

With the iPhone 17, Apple is likely to complete the abolition of the physical SIM card in large parts of the world. The SIM card slot is expected to disappear in many countries, including the entire EU. eSIM technology, however, offers concrete advantages in security, flexibility, and design. Whether all models will be affected or whether individual markets like China will remain exempt will be definitively revealed at the launch in September. One thing is clear: Apple is consistently pursuing its eSIM course – and the iPhone 17 will play a central role in this. (Image: zellzoi / X)