iPhone 17 Pro Leak Suggests SIM Card Tray Could Stay in Some Countries
The latest leak on the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro suggests that Apple may not be ready to fully eliminate the physical SIM card tray worldwide. While the company has steadily moved toward eSIM-only devices in certain markets, leaked images indicate that the iPhone 17 Pro could still feature a SIM card slot in select countries. This revelation has sparked curiosity among Apple enthusiasts and travelers who still rely on traditional SIM cards for connectivity. With the rise of eSIM technology, many have wondered if the physical SIM card tray’s days were numbered—but for some regions, it appears it might survive at least another year.
Apple’s Gradual Shift Toward eSIM Technology
Apple first signaled its commitment to a SIM-free future with the launch of the iPhone 14 series in 2022, where U.S. models dropped the physical SIM card tray entirely. Instead, users were required to activate their devices using eSIM—a digital SIM that allows multiple carrier profiles without needing a physical card. Since then, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series in the U.S. have continued this eSIM-only trend.
The move to eSIM has clear benefits. Digital SIMs cannot be physically removed from a lost or stolen iPhone, making them more secure. They also enable users to store multiple carrier plans—up to eight—on a single device, making international travel more convenient. However, the shift hasn’t been seamless for everyone. In countries where carrier support for eSIM is still developing, or where prepaid SIM cards remain popular, the absence of a physical slot can be a challenge. This is why Apple’s global rollout of eSIM-only models has been gradual rather than immediate.
What the iPhone 17 Pro Leak Reveals
The leaked images, reportedly sourced from the iPhone production chain, show a prototype iPhone 17 Pro with a visible SIM card tray. While Apple has not confirmed these details, the presence of the slot suggests that certain regions—possibly including China—will still have models with this traditional feature.
There are a few strategic reasons Apple might keep the SIM card tray in some markets. In China, for example, dual physical SIM card functionality is a popular feature that eSIM cannot fully replicate yet. Similarly, in regions with limited carrier support for eSIM, offering a physical slot ensures broader compatibility and avoids alienating customers who rely on easy, in-store SIM swaps.
Interestingly, leaks also suggest that the new iPhone 17 Air, a thinner and more streamlined model expected to debut alongside the Pro series, may not include a SIM card tray at all. This supports the idea that Apple is using certain models to accelerate the eSIM transition while keeping others compatible for markets not yet ready for the change.
The Future of Physical SIM Cards in iPhones
While the iPhone 17 Pro leak hints at the SIM card tray surviving for another generation in select markets, the overall trend is clear: Apple is steadily moving toward a fully eSIM future. Industry experts predict that within the next few iPhone cycles, physical SIM slots may disappear entirely from the lineup worldwide.
This change aligns with Apple’s design philosophy of removing moving parts and physical components to create sleeker, more durable devices. It also complements broader industry trends, as more carriers around the globe expand eSIM support. Still, for frequent travelers, tech minimalists, and users in countries with slower adoption rates, the SIM card tray remains a practical necessity.
If the leak proves accurate, the iPhone 17 Pro could serve as a transitional device—bridging the gap between Apple’s eSIM-only vision and the current global connectivity landscape. Customers in countries retaining the SIM tray will enjoy flexibility, while those in eSIM markets will continue benefiting from its digital convenience.
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