A new clue suggests that Apple is gearing up to phase out the physical SIM card in certain markets, including Europe, as early as this year
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Scheduled Transition with the iPhone 17
According to MacRumors, employees at authorized resellers within the European Union are required to undergo training on eSIM-compatible iPhones by Friday, September 5. This training session is available through the SEED app, an internal application used by Apple employees and its authorized resellers globally. This suggests that the initiative could extend beyond the EU.
The timing of this training raises questions: it concludes just four days before the anticipated launch of the iPhone 17 lineup, scheduled for Tuesday, September 9. Apple may use this event to officially end the era of the SIM card tray in Europe, having already done so in the United States with the iPhone 14 in 2022.
It’s important to remember that since that generation, all models sold in the American market exclusively utilize eSIM technology. Up until now, other countries had maintained the option of a physical SIM tray, but that appears to be changing.
A Global Strategy, with Some Exceptions
But considering European standards and hesitations, is this really feasible this year? Last year, The Information reported that Apple was planning to gradually eliminate the physical SIM in more countries starting from 2025.
Not surprisingly, the iPhone 17 could represent a significant shift, especially the iPhone 17 Air, the thinnest model ever designed. Given its form factor, this model would likely only support eSIM, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max might also make the switch, with a few exceptions (notably China).
The Benefits Highlighted by Apple
During the launch of the iPhone 14, Apple highlighted several advantages of the eSIM, such as enhanced security since it cannot be removed from a lost or stolen iPhone, the ability to manage up to eight eSIMs simultaneously, which simplifies international travel and eliminates the need to juggle physical cards. And finally, a logistical simplification for both users and operators, at least in theory…