Clues are mounting that Apple plans to expand iPhones without physical SIM trays beyond the United States, with internal training materials and industry analysts pointing to a broader eSIM-only push for the upcoming iPhone 17 family.
What Apple’s internal training suggests
Apple’s employee training system, used by both Apple Stores and authorized resellers worldwide, is surprisingly revealing: course modules being rolled out reference eSIM-first procedures and sales scripts tied to new hardware that lacks a physical SIM tray. When Apple updates training for frontline staff, it typically mirrors changes that will affect activation, returns and troubleshooting—so curriculum changes are a strong operational signal that eSIM-only hardware is coming to more markets.
Which iPhone 17 models may drop the SIM tray
Analysts tracking production and design constraints say the thinnest models are most likely to lose the tray. Noted supply-chain analysts have singled out the ultrathin “Air” tier as virtually certain to be eSIM-only because a physical tray would compromise the chassis. There’s also credible speculation that mainstream and Pro models could follow, leaving only a handful of market exceptions.
Why Apple is accelerating eSIM adoption
Apple has argued eSIMs improve security—an embedded profile cannot be stolen simply by removing a tray—and offer conveniences like multiple profiles for travel. In the U.S., iPhone models sold since the iPhone 14 series already omitted the tray, and carriers such as AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile have built eSIM activation processes to support the shift. Industry groups including the GSMA have documented steady growth in eSIM support among operators, which reduces one friction point for Apple’s decision.
Potential country exceptions and regulatory hurdles
Despite momentum, several countries could remain exceptions. China frequently appears on that list because local regulatory practices and carrier requirements—exemplified by major operators like China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom—can demand physical SIM workflows or extended certification. Other markets with limited eSIM carrier support or strict device registration rules may also retain trays for the short term.
Carrier readiness and consumer implications
From a consumer perspective, the move streamlines switching between carriers and managing multiple lines: modern iPhones can store several eSIM profiles and toggle between them without swapping plastic. But from a carrier standpoint, operational changes are nontrivial—retail procedures, in-store activation kiosks and fraud-detection workflows must be rewritten. Evidence of this work shows up in coordinated training updates across retailers and operators.
Market signals and what to watch
Beyond internal training, supply-chain reporting and analyst forecasts are consistent signals: design constraints, regulatory mapping and carrier readiness are converging now. Observers should watch carrier support lists—Apple maintains a public support document cataloging operators that offer eSIM—and statements from major regional carriers for timing and any country-specific carve-outs.
Practical advice for buyers
If you plan to upgrade, verify that your carrier supports eSIM provisioning and that your travel destinations accept eSIMs. For international travelers, eSIMs remove the need to buy and swap physical cards, but travelers to markets where eSIM provisioning is limited should confirm options before purchase. Retail staff training updates are a practical way Apple is preparing to answer those questions in store.
Bottom line
The pattern is clear: Apple is positioning for a broader transition to eSIM on the iPhone 17 lineup, driven by design choices and a growing operator ecosystem. How quickly that becomes universal will depend on country-specific rules and carriers’ operational readiness—but the operational signs, from employee training to analyst reporting, suggest eSIM-only iPhones are no longer limited to the U.S.
