News

Apple has ditched the SIM Card on iPhone 17 in these 12 countries — Find out if you need to go eSIM-only

If you thought eSIM was optional, think again — Apple just made the iPhone 17 eSIM-only in 12 countries! Discover what eSIM-only means, why Apple made the move, and how it impacts you.

If you thought eSIM was optional, think again — Apple just made it mandatory in 11 new countries.

After phasing out the SIM tray of the iPhone 16 in the U.S., Apple’s eSIM-only shift has now gone global.

The iPhone 17 is going eSIM-only in these 12 countries: Bahrain, Canada, Guam, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the U.S., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

That means millions of iPhone users will need to adapt to a future where connectivity is 100% digital.

For some, it’s an exciting step toward faster, more flexible mobile service. For others, it raises big questions: Will my carrier support it? What happens when I travel? And how do I even set up an eSIM?

So let’s investigate this radical change. Why did Apple make this bold move, and what does it mean for you?

In this article

From plastic to digital: What “eSIM-only” really means

Source: Apple

For years, setting up an iPhone looked like this: you’d pick up a plastic SIM card from your carrier, pop it into the phone, and instantly join their network. If you needed to switch carriers or travel abroad, you’d swap the tiny card for a new one.

With the iPhone 17, that’s no longer the case for many customers across the globe..

Instead of a removable SIM tray, the latest iPhones have embedded SIMs (known as eSIMs). This is where a small chip has been soldered inside the phone, ready to be digitally programmed with your carrier’s details.

You no longer need to insert anything to set up your iPhone eSIM. Instead, you activate cellular service by scanning a QR code, tapping a link, or downloading a carrier profile.

Apple first tested the waters in 2022 by removing the SIM tray in U.S. models of the iPhone 14. Then came iPhone 16, transitioning U.S. Apple users to eSIM-only technology with the backing of over 500 carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

Now, with the iPhone 17, Apple has expanded this shift to 11 more countries, signaling an industrial change on a global level.

But with Apple releasing multiple new models at once, knowing whether your phone will be eSIM-only or not is not as simple as it might look…

The iPhone 17 lineup isn’t one-size-fits-all. In the 12 countries, the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max are eSIM-only. The slimmer iPhone 17 Air is eSIM-only worldwide.

iPhone 17 lineup: Which models are eSIM-only?

Source: Apple

Apple’s 2025 additions are not one-size-fits-all. Here’s how they break down:

iPhone 17, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max → eSIM-only in the 12 listed countries. In other markets like Europe, South America, and parts of Asia, these models still include a SIM tray.
iPhone 17 Air → eSIM-only worldwide, Apple’s first globally SIM-free iPhone.

This means your connectivity experience depends on where you buy and which model you choose. Need it visualized in another way? Here’s an easy-to-understand table for each of Apple’s latest releases:

Device	eSIM-only?
iPhone 17	Yes, in 12 chosen countries
iPhone 17 Pro	Yes, in 12 chosen countries
iPhone 17 Pro Max	Yes, in 12 chosen countries
iPhone Air	Yes, worldwide

Why Apple expanded eSIM-only for the iPhone 17

Apple highlights four main reasons for the shift:

Better security: In Apple’s September 2025 press release, they state that eSIM-only phones offer greater security. An eSIM cannot be physically removed if the phone is lost or stolen, and it’s harder to clone.
Bigger batteries: Removing the tray frees internal space. Apple claims the iPhone 17 Pro now delivers up to 30 hours of video playback — eight more hours than the previous generation.
Travel flexibility: Users can add or switch carriers instantly, ideal for international travel. With eSIM providers like Holafly, you can purchase a global data plan easily.
Future-proofing: Google’s Pixel 10 has already gone eSIM-only in the U.S., confirming this as an industry-wide shift.

What this means for you

Source: Apple

If you’re an iPhone 17 customer in one of the 12 included destinations, or are planning to buy the iPhone Air, you’ll need to get to grips with eSIMs.

The best part? Setting up is quick. if you’re on iOS 17.4 or later, eSIM activation is easier than ever — just long-press the QR code, tap “Add eSIM” and you’re good to go.

For travelers, the benefits are especially clear. Instead of searching for local SIM kiosks, you can download a plan before departure. Providers like Holafly let you connect instantly on arrival, with unlimited data in 270+ destinations.

That said, not every smaller carrier fully supports eSIM yet, and first-time users may need a little guidance. If you’re in regions where SIM tray models are still sold, you’ll have the flexibility to choose.

iPhone 17 and beyond: The future is SIM-free

First Apple, now Google, physical SIM cards are quickly becoming history.

For frequent travelers, this isn’t just about convenience. As an early adopter of the eSIM-only iPhone 17, you’re stepping into a new era of instant, global mobile data.

Don’t risk being left behind (and offline). Holafly eSIMs keep you connected in 270+ destinations worldwide, with instant access the moment you land.

→ Shop Holafly eSIMs to add to your iPhone 17 today.