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.聽
The move, which makes Apple鈥檚 flagship range eSIM-only worldwide, marks the end of the plastic SIM card era.聽
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.聽
Vykintas Maknickas, telco expert and CEO of travel eSIM app Saily, said the move was 鈥榟istoric鈥� but not entirely unexpected.聽
鈥淭his isn鈥檛 entirely new,鈥� he explained. 鈥淎pple introduced eSIM support back in 2018, and US iPhones have been eSIM-only since 2022.聽
鈥淲hat鈥檚 different now is that the company has rolled it out globally. Other manufacturers and mobile operators are very likely to follow.鈥�
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He said eSIMs will give consumers more flexibility, allowing them to switch carriers instantly without visiting stores.聽
He continued: 鈥淐arriers, on the other hand, will have to up their game to retain customers. When you鈥檙e crossing borders, eSIMs can easily connect to local networks, essentially increasing competition.聽
鈥淭ravelers no longer need to hunt for local SIM cards at airports – they can download a plan instantly through an app. It鈥檚 flexible, affordable, and convenient all in one.聽
鈥渆SIMs are also more secure – there鈥檚 no physical card that can be lost, stolen, or cloned.鈥�
Setting up an eSIM can be done via QR codes, carrier apps or by transferring from a previous device.聽
Experts recommend downloading travel eSIMs before landing abroad, as activation typically requires an internet connection.
Maknickas has predicted that Apple鈥檚 shift could reshape the mobile industry itself, pointing out two key shifts to watch.聽
He added: 鈥淏eyond 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.
鈥淎s a first step, SIM cards will move from counters to websites and apps.鈥澛�
鈥淔irst, eSIMs will reshape how we consume connectivity. Up until now, people bought mobile access like groceries – from a corner shop or airport kiosk.聽
鈥淲ith 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.聽
鈥淪econd, 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.鈥�