Apple may be preparing to remove physical SIM card slots from its next-generation iPhones in Europe, according to a report citing internal reseller training materials.
Retail employees at Apple Authorized Resellers across the EU have reportedly been instructed to complete eSIM training by September 5, just days before Apple’s expected September 9 iPhone 17 launch event. The timing strongly suggests that eSIM-only models could be rolled out to European customers this year.
Training Push Points to Global Expansion
The training materials are said to be hosted on Apple’s SEED app, a platform used by Apple Stores and partners worldwide. That detail has sparked speculation that Apple’s eSIM-only strategy—first introduced with the U.S. iPhone 14—may expand well beyond Europe, potentially going global.
China remains a likely exception. The country has been slow to adopt eSIM technology, making it one of the few regions where physical SIM trays might stick around.
Why Apple is Betting on eSIM
Apple’s switch to eSIM in the U.S. was about more than aesthetics. Removing the SIM tray helps streamline hardware design, improves water resistance, and allows users to activate cellular plans digitally without carrier visits.
With European carriers now offering broader eSIM support, the infrastructure seems ready for Apple to fully embrace a SIM-free future in more regions.
What to Expect from the iPhone 17 Lineup
Rumors of a super-slim iPhone 17 Air have already hinted at Apple’s plans to eliminate the SIM slot. If current trends hold, the move won’t be limited to a single model—the entire iPhone 17 lineup in Europe could ship without a SIM tray.
Apple is expected to formally unveil the iPhone 17 family at its September 9 event, where all eyes will be on whether the company officially signals the end of physical SIM cards for good.