iPhone 17 will come with eSIM in many countries around the world — media

Apple is preparing to expand the use of eSIM in new iPhones. The iPhone 17 series may be released without a physical SIM card slot in even more countries, MacRumors reported, citing sources among Apple's partners in the EU.

According to sources, Apple authorized resellers in the European Union will have to complete a mandatory eSIM support course by September 5, 2025. This applies to all 27 EU countries. Information about the training is available in the Apple SEED app, which is used by Apple Store and partner store employees around the world, so the program may also cover other regions.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on September 9. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, at least the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air model will not have a SIM tray in almost all countries. It is highly likely that eSIM versions will also be available on the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, although exceptions are possible, for example in China.

Starting in 2022, iPhone 14s in the US will be sold only with eSIM. Apple explains this transition by increased security: eSIM cannot be removed if the smartphone is lost or stolen, and up to eight digital SIM cards can be added at the same time, which is convenient for traveling.