Apple took a decisive step in transforming the mobile phone industry with the iPhone 17 series, pioneering eSIM technology and redesigning the user experience. The removal of the physical SIM tray in many models, increased battery capacity, flexible digital connections, and a global market strategy make the iPhone 17 a turning point in the mobile industry. This article delves into every aspect of this revolution, with data updated as of September 2025.
Why did Apple eliminate the physical SIM tray?
The choice to remove the traditional SIM tray is based on several technical, design and strategic reasons:
Optimized interior space and greater autonomy
Eliminating the SIM tray frees up valuable space inside the device. Apple uses this space to fit batteries that are up to 18 percent larger than previous generations, resulting in battery life increases of up to 2 hours, especially for continuous video playback (30 hours for eSIM-only iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max compared to 28 and 33 hours for models with a physical slot) [September 2025].
Greater resistance and cleaner design
The absence of a physical opening makes the phone thinner, more resistant to liquids and dust, and aesthetically more uniform, eliminating entry points for external molecules that could damage the device [September 2025].
Security and digital management
The eSIM, being physically non-removable, increases security against theft or unauthorized use. Furthermore, it allows you to host up to 8 operator profiles and have up to 2 active mobile lines simultaneously, offering unique flexibility for business users or frequent travelers [September 2025].
Reduced environmental impact
Reducing plastic in physical cards helps reduce electronic and plastic waste, helping meet Apple's environmental sustainability goals [September 2025].
Which models and in which countries are eSIM-only?
The prevalence of eSIM-only iPhone 17 devices varies from market to market, reflecting the maturity of networks and operators:
The United States, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the U.S. Virgin Islands sell iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max models exclusively as eSIM-only, with no physical SIM slot (September 2025).
In Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea, however, the base 17, 17 Pro, and Pro Max models retain support for both physical SIM and eSIM. The only exception is the iPhone 17 Air, which will be sold worldwide, including Europe, exclusively as an eSIM-only model (September 2025).
China is a separate issue: here Apple continues to sell models with dual physical nano-SIM slots without eSIM, which for now limits the full adoption of digital technology (September 2025).
How does battery life change when you remove the SIM card?
Removing the SIM slot allows for larger batteries, with increases of up to 18% compared to previous models with a physical slot. This leads to concrete improvements:
The eSIM-only iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max can deliver up to 2 more hours of video playback, providing a longer battery life for demanding users (September 2025).
Models with SIM slots, despite having slightly smaller batteries, still have longer battery life than previous generations, maintaining a good balance between flexibility and performance (September 2025).
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How to recognize a European eSIM-only model?
In Europe, the base iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and Pro Max models continue to offer a physical SIM tray alongside an eSIM. The only model sold without a physical tray is the iPhone 17 Air. To check if a device is eSIM-only:
Check the physical presence of the SIM tray: if it is missing, the model is eSIM only.
Go to Settings > Cellular and check the presence/absence of physical SIM management.
Check the model number in Settings > General > About and compare it to the official Apple lists.
Please verify information provided by dealers and purchase documents (September 2025).
Towards a fully digital future?
Apple's move with iPhone 17 signals an unstoppable transition to digital mobile telephony entirely without physical SIM cards. eSIM technology, more secure, versatile, and sustainable, will likely become a global standard in the coming years, with Apple leading the way with this innovation that improves battery life, design, and flexibility for all types of users (September 2025).
With iPhone 17, Apple isn't just changing the way we connect; it's revolutionizing the entire smartphone experience, offering more powerful, elegant devices that are ready for a new digital era. For users and carriers, eSIM represents an opportunity to revitalize technology and services, opening the door to the future of global mobility.
Sources: Updated September 2025 from Apple, MacRumors, 9to5Mac, and other leading tech news outlets.
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