Apple appears to be laying the groundwork for a significant shift in its international iPhone strategy, with a major push to remove the physical SIM card slot from its upcoming iPhone 17 models. This transition, which has already been implemented in the United States, is now expected to expand to more countries, most notably across the European Union. A source familiar with the matter has revealed that Apple is requiring employees at Apple Authorized Resellers throughout all 27 EU member states to complete a training course on iPhones with eSIM support. This mandatory training must be completed by Friday, September 5, a deadline that falls just four days before Apple’s highly anticipated “Awe Dropping” event on Tuesday, September 9, where the new iPhone lineup is set to be unveiled.
The timing of this training strongly suggests that the eSIM-only transition is imminent for EU consumers. The change would require customers in major markets like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain to use an eSIM, a digital SIM card that allows for the activation of a cellular plan without a physical nano-SIM. This move is part of Apple’s long-term vision to streamline device design and enhance security. An eSIM cannot be physically removed from a device if it is lost or stolen, and it offers greater flexibility for users to switch between carriers or manage multiple phone numbers. The training materials are being distributed via Apple’s SEED app, a global platform used for training Apple Store staff and authorized reseller employees, which has fueled speculation that the change could be far-reaching.
While the European Union is a prime target for this change, the groundwork is also being laid for a broader international rollout. The use of a global training platform like the SEED app suggests that Apple is not limiting this shift to Europe. The company first made the switch in the US with the iPhone 14 series in 2022, and its success there seems to be a key factor in the decision to expand. Rumors have also pointed to the new, ultra-thin “iPhone 17 Air” model as a likely candidate to be eSIM-only in all regions due to its slim design, which necessitates saving internal space by removing the SIM tray. This could potentially apply to the entire iPhone 17 lineup in many markets, including the Pro and Pro Max models.
However, the transition is not expected to be universal. Certain markets are likely to retain the physical SIM slot due to regulatory or cultural factors. China, for instance, has historically shown high resistance to eSIMs, and dual physical SIMs are a common feature there. This makes it a market where the physical SIM tray is almost certain to remain. Other regions, such as India, which currently offers a mix of both physical and eSIM support, may see a hybrid approach. It is possible that in these countries, some models, like the rumored iPhone 17 Air, will be eSIM-only, while others will continue to offer a physical SIM slot to cater to a diverse range of customer needs and preferences.
The full scope of Apple’s plan and the specific markets affected by this change will only become clear at its official “Awe Dropping” announcement next week. This strategic move aligns with Apple’s continuous effort to innovate and control the user experience from hardware to software. By moving to eSIMs, Apple can create a more secure and seamless experience, but it also places new requirements on both consumers and cellular carriers to adapt to the digital-only technology. The rollout will be a key test of Apple’s ability to drive a major change in a global marketplace with varying regulations and consumer habits.
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