Apple appears to be laying the groundwork to remove the physical SIM card slot from its upcoming iPhone 17 models in more countries, with a significant push anticipated across the European Union.
The move aligns with the company’s long-term strategy of transitioning to more secure and flexible eSIM technology, a change already implemented in the United States.
A source familiar with the matter has indicated that Apple is mandating that employees at Apple Authorized Resellers across the 27 countries of the European Union complete a training course on iPhones with eSIM support.
The deadline for this training is reportedly Friday, September 5, just four days before Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup at its “Awe Dropping” event on Tuesday, September 9.
The timing of this mandatory training strongly suggests that at least some iPhone 17 models sold in the EU, which includes major markets like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, will lack a physical SIM tray.
This would require customers in those countries to adopt eSIM technology, which is a digital SIM that allows users to activate a cellular plan from a carrier without needing a physical nano-SIM card.
Further evidence suggests the shift could extend beyond Europe. The training materials are being distributed through Apple’s SEED app, a platform used by Apple Store and authorized reseller staff globally.
This has fueled speculation that the company is preparing for a much broader international rollout of eSIM-only iPhones.
Apple first removed the physical SIM tray from its iPhones sold in the U.S. starting with the iPhone 14 series in 2022, citing improved security and convenience.
An eSIM cannot be physically removed if a device is lost or stolen, and it allows users to easily switch between carriers and manage multiple phone numbers on a single device.
Rumors suggest that the new, ultra-thin “iPhone 17 Air” model is a prime candidate to be eSIM-only in all regions due to its slim design, which necessitates saving internal space.
However, the change could potentially apply to the entire iPhone 17 lineup, including the Pro and Pro Max models, in many markets.
The transition is not expected to be universal. Markets like China, where regulatory resistance to eSIMs is high and dual physical SIMs are common, will likely retain the physical SIM slot.
Other regions, such as India, which currently offer both eSIM and physical SIM support, may see a mixed lineup where some models, like the rumored iPhone 17 Air, become eSIM-only. The full extent of Apple’s plan will become clear at its official announcement next week.
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