Apple has officially removed its SIM card tray with the launch of the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, confirming that all new devices will now rely solely on eSIM technology.
The move, which makes Apple’s flagship range eSIM-only worldwide, marks the end of the plastic SIM card era.
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone, allowing users to activate a mobile plan without needing to insert a physical card.
The company first took the step in the US with the iPhone 14 back in 2022, but this is the first time the policy has been extended globally.
For millions of users, it means switching to digital SIM cards for the first time – a move changing how people connect to mobile networks around the world.
Vykintas Maknickas, telco expert and CEO of travel eSIM app Saily, said the move was ‘historic’ but not entirely unexpected.
“This isn’t entirely new,” he explained. “Apple introduced eSIM support back in 2018, and US iPhones have been eSIM-only since 2022.
“What’s different now is that the company has rolled it out globally. Other manufacturers and mobile operators are very likely to follow.”
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He said eSIMs will give consumers more flexibility, allowing them to switch carriers instantly without visiting stores.
He continued: “Carriers, on the other hand, will have to up their game to retain customers. When you’re crossing borders, eSIMs can easily connect to local networks, essentially increasing competition.
“Travelers no longer need to hunt for local SIM cards at airports – they can download a plan instantly through an app. It’s flexible, affordable, and convenient all in one.
“eSIMs are also more secure – there’s no physical card that can be lost, stolen, or cloned.”
Setting up an eSIM can be done via QR codes, carrier apps or by transferring from a previous device.
Experts recommend downloading travel eSIMs before landing abroad, as activation typically requires an internet connection.
Maknickas has predicted that Apple’s shift could reshape the mobile industry itself, pointing out two key shifts to watch.
He added: “Beyond consumers, this change will disrupt how telcos operate. It challenges the entire retail model of SIM card distribution and will push the industry to evolve.
“As a first step, SIM cards will move from counters to websites and apps.”
“First, eSIMs will reshape how we consume connectivity. Up until now, people bought mobile access like groceries – from a corner shop or airport kiosk.
“With eSIMs, connectivity is becoming a digital product. Users will download SIM profiles from the comfort of their homes, just like installing an app. This will challenge the entire retail system of telcos, forcing them to rethink how they sell and deliver mobile services.
“Second, some services in certain countries are still tied to physical SIM cards – such as mobile-based electronic signatures or legacy authentication systems. Users should check how these will function without a SIM tray.”