Apple May Drop Physical SIM Card in iPhone 17

Apple appears poised to remove the physical SIM card slot from its upcoming iPhone 17 models in more countries, with a significant rollout anticipated across the European Union.

This change would mark the latest step in Apple’s long-term strategy of transitioning to the more secure and flexible eSIM technology, a move already implemented in the United States.

Apple is reported mandating that employees at Apple Authorized Resellers across all 27 EU member states complete a new training course on iPhones equipped exclusively with eSIM support.

According to a source familiar with the matter, the deadline for this training is Friday, September 5—just four days before Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event on Tuesday, September 9, when the iPhone 17 lineup is expected to be unveiled.

The timing and scope of the training strongly suggest that at least some iPhone 17 models sold in major EU markets ...