'iPhone 17 Air' may expand this US-only feature to more countries after 3 years

It's almost time for Apple's 'Awe Dropping' event. Later today, Apple is expected to unveil the new iPhone 17 lineup, and with it, a major change that has been years in the making: The global expansion of its eSIM-only policy. Since the iPhone 14, Apple has sold iPhones in the United States without a physical SIM card tray, but has kept the trays in models sold in other countries. Now, three years later, analysts and industry insiders suggest this is about to change.

What is e-SIM

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital version of a physical SIM card. Instead of a small plastic card that you insert into a device, an eSIM is a small chip that's permanently built into a smartphone, smartwatch, or other device. It performs the same function as a physical SIM, securely storing your mobile network information to allow for calls, texts, and data usage.The key advantage of an eSIM is its convenience and flexibility. You can activate a mobile plan by simply scanning a QR code or through your carrier's app, eliminating the need to visit a store or wait for a physical card to be mailed. This also makes it easy to switch between carriers or plans, as well as use multiple phone numbers on a single device.

What reports say on e-SIM in iPhone 17 Air

According to reports, the move is driven by the ultra-thin design of the new

iPhone 17 Air

, which is especially primed to drop the physical SIM tray to save on internal space. This shift may also extend to the entire iPhone 17 family in many international markets, though some countries like China may remain exceptions.This impending change is supported by reports from prominent analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo and news outlet The Information, who have both pointed to an eSIM-only design for international models, specifically the iPhone 17 Air. Adding further weight to these rumors, MacRumors has reported that Apple is already training retail employees at Authorized Resellers in the European Union to support the transition, with training courses required to be completed just days before today's event.Today's event is also expected to feature new Apple Watch models and the next-generation AirPods Pro.