Apple continues to roll out eSIM-only iPhone models in more countries, phasing out physical SIM card slots. According to information released by Apple, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will only support eSIM in the following countries and regions:
Bahrain
Canada
Guam
Japan
Kuwait
Mexico
Oman
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
USA
us virgin islands
An eSIM is essentially a digital version of a SIM card. The latest iPhones sold in the above countries and regions will no longer support physical SIM cards, and users need to adapt to this important change. Apple said that these eSIM exclusive models have removed the SIM card slot and the internal design allows for a larger battery.
Apple has launched a model without a physical SIM card in the US market for the first time since the iPhone 14 series. In addition to the above countries and regions, in other markets including Europe, Australia, New Zealand, China, Singapore and South Korea, the iPhone 17 series still retains the nano-SIM card slot and also supports eSIM.
It is worth mentioning that the new ultra-thin iPhone Air will adopt an eSIM-only design worldwide, including in China, overturning previous rumors that the model will still provide a physical card slot in China.
An iPhone with eSIM function supports at least 8 eSIM configurations, allowing users to easily switch operators around the world. Apple has vigorously promoted the security advantages of eSIM since the iPhone 14 series - when lost or stolen, the eSIM cannot be removed like a physical SIM. At the same time, the iPhone supports up to eight eSIMs, which can be convenient for users who frequently travel or need to switch between multiple cards without having to carry and replace physical cards.