According to an earlier report, it suggested that Apple could ditch the physical SIM for the iPhone 17 series in Europe. However, according to a new report out of Greece, it claims that the iPhone 17 Air will be the only iPhone of the lineup to utilize eSIM in Europe.
iPhone 17 Air to utilize eSIM in Europe
The previous report hinted that the switch to eSIM for the iPhone 17 in Europe could be for all models. However, this new report contradicts it. In a way it builds sense. This is becautilize this isn’t the first time we’re hearing that the iPhone 17 Air could be an eSIM-only affair due to its thin form factor.
In order to obtain the phone to be ultra thin, Apple had to redesign its internals. One of the easiest compromises would be the SIM card slot. This is becautilize with the growing prevalence of eSIMs, having a physical SIM really boils down to choice. Plus, one thing to note is that Apple already switched all of its iPhones in the US to eSIM, so it’s not exactly impossible to go down that route.
We imagine that some people still prefer having a physical SIM, but there are benefits to having an eSIM. For starters, an eSIM builds it simpler for utilizers to switch between carriers, especially when they’re traveling. Instead of having to hunt down locations that sell local SIMs, an eSIM could, in theory, allow utilizers to purchase and activate a temporary plan online.
Also, Apple had previously touted the security of eSIM as it is a virtual SIM and cannot be lost or stolen in the traditional sense of the word.
Other iPhone 17 Air compromises
Ditching the physical SIM for eSIM won’t be the only compromise/sacrifice Apple is building. In order to achieve its ultra-thin form factor, Apple had to give up on other areas as well. Based on the leaks we’ve seen, the iPhone 17 Air will only feature a single camera setup. This is practically unheard of in this day and age. Even budobtain-friconcludely phones come with at least dual cameras.
Of course, Apple could build up for it with computational photography. But we’ll have to wait and see. Also, battery life is another area that Apple had to compromise on. Earlier rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 Air might not last as long as we would like. Either way, we’ll have all the details at Apple’s event next week.
Leave a Reply