iPhone 17 Pro Leak Reveals SIM Card Tray Might Live Another Year in Some Countries

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iPhone 17 Pro models may still have a SIM card tray in at least some countries, based on images shared today by a hit-or-miss leaker known as Majin Bu and on Naver.

iPhone 17 Pro on Desk Centered 1
The Information previously reported that Apple was planning to remove the physical SIM card tray from iPhones in more countries this year. The report did not mention any specific countries where it would be removed, but China might not be one of them.

In the U.S., all iPhone 14 through iPhone 16 models do not have a SIM card tray, and instead rely entirely on digital eSIM technology. Apple has yet to release any iPhone models without a SIM card tray in any other countries.

At a minimum, the all-new iPhone 17 Air is expected to lack a SIM card tray in most if not all countries, due to its ultra-thin design.

When the iPhone 14 series launched in 2022, Apple promoted eSIMs as being more secure than a physical SIM, as they cannot be removed from an iPhone that is lost or stolen. In addition, at least eight eSIMs can be managed on an iPhone at once, eliminating the need to obtain, carry, and swap physical SIM cards while traveling.

Apple has a support document with a list of carriers around that world that support eSIMs.

Related Roundup: iPhone 17 Pro
Tag: Majin Bu
Buyer's Guide: iPhone 17 Pro (Neutral)
Related Forum: iPhone

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Top Rated Comments

ksec Avatar
ksec
22 weeks ago
The whole ecosystem behind eSIM still hasn't improved. From eSIM transfer, reactivation with Carriers etc. And Apple isn't pushing it enough either.

As of today eSIM is only good on paper. And unless they someone improve the situation I much rather have a nano sim slot ready.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WarmWinterHat Avatar
WarmWinterHat
22 weeks ago

Please get rid of it, it’s time. Smooth iPhone please ?
Not having a SIM sucks...

I used to take out my sim, until October when I bought my 16, and put in a flip-phone when I went backpacking or off-grid for several days, which I do several times per year. Can't do that anymore.

Now I leave it at home and take a pre-paid and my inReach.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
turbineseaplane Avatar
turbineseaplane
22 weeks ago
I’m fine with eSIMs, I just wish they would retain a nano Sim slot also in case you need it.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WarmWinterHat Avatar
WarmWinterHat
22 weeks ago

Why do they still have a SIM? Seems very technologically backwards and out of date, it’s not the 1990’s anymore
Why? Because eSim still isn't fleshed out, and it's another way for carriers to keep people keepp control over phones and service.

I know they are working on it (supposedly), but you can't transfer from iOS to Android, or vice versa. Plenty of carriers haven't figured out how to transfer at all.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
joeblow7777 Avatar
joeblow7777
22 weeks ago

The SIM slot is like the headphone jack. It’s outdated and needs to go.

The best way to do this is like ripping off a Band-Aid. Yank that sucker off. Some people might scream or cry but after that brief moment things will get better.
Unlike the headphone jack, not having a SIM tray makes your phone literally unusable if your carrier doesn't have proper eSIM support, or you travel to a place that doesn't.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ThailandToo Avatar
ThailandToo
22 weeks ago

Please get rid of it, it’s time. Smooth iPhone please ?
To remove it was AAPL catering to carrier interests not customer interests. The carriers want the customers paying as much as $30 per day for a little bit of data and calling and texts when traveling internationally. With a SIM card, have to focus on all customers who travel as many countries do NOT have eSIM at all. Or some have it but it’s 20x more difficult than a physical SIM. Could eSIM be better, sure. But when China doesn’t allow it, how does Apple abandon it completely? First time I was eSIM only realized I couldn’t get an eSIM in Malaysia, so have to travel with a Nothing Phone that has a SIM card when traveling to countries where I may not be able to use an eSIM. Better to include both until the whole world is ready. ESIM is great in most of the developed world but in other countries it can be a nightmare. For example, traveling to countries in Africa or Asia can buy a SIM card that’s unlimited local calls, texts and unlimited data for 30 or 60 days for just $10. Try paying AT&T $10 for just one day. You won’t get local calls and far less data.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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