Apple iPhone 17 Air may drop SIM slot in Europe

A new report suggests Apple Store employees and Apple Authorized Resellers in the EU are undergoing mandatory training on eSIM features. The training, which must be completed by September 5, comes just days before Apple’s official Apple iPhone 17 launch event on September 9. The timing has fuelled speculation about major changes in the upcoming Apple iPhone lineup.

Conflicting reports emerge in Europe

According to a source familiar with the matter, the training material was distributed via Apple’s SEED app, used worldwide. This initially raised concerns that Apple may remove the physical SIM slot across the entire Apple iPhone 17 range. However, a separate report from Greece claims that only the Apple iPhone 17 Air will ship without a physical SIM slot in Europe.

Why the Apple iPhone 17 Air might change

The Apple iPhone 17 Air is expected to be one of the thinnest models in the family. Reports suggest that Apple could not accommodate a SIM tray in such a slim design, leaving eSIM as the only option. If confirmed, this would be the first time Apple restricts SIM card use in just one model. It is also likely that this approach will be adopted globally.

Impact on the global secondary market

If the Apple iPhone 17 Air becomes eSIM-only, this could affect its appeal in the secondary smartphone market. The main concern is the uneven global adoption of eSIM technology. Countries with limited eSIM infrastructure may be less interested in such devices, reducing their long-term value.

eSIM adoption varies by region

In the United Kingdom, eSIM usage is growing quickly. By early 2024, there were 14.3 million active eSIM profiles, a 287% rise compared with the previous year. Across Europe, adoption doubled in 2023, with Germany leading the way in integrating eSIM into automotive and IoT applications. Meanwhile, in Asia, growth is accelerating, with China and Japan emerging as key markets. Research indicates 27% of Chinese smartphone users already adopt travel eSIMs, a higher rate than in the UK or US.

Waiting for Apple’s confirmation

Apple’s 9 September event will confirm whether these reports are accurate. If true, the Apple iPhone 17 Air could mark the beginning of a broader transition to eSIM-only models. Until then, the secondary mobile industry is watching closely to assess the potential impact on future resale dynamics.