Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 17 series at its “Awe Dropping” event on September 9, 2025. Leaks suggest that all models in the series could become eSIM-only in several international markets. While iPhones have supported eSIMs for some time, only US models of the iPhone 14 and later completely removed the physical SIM tray. In other countries, iPhones still include a physical SIM slot alongside eSIM functionality.
According to MacRumors, Apple has asked its retail staff in the EU—including countries like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands—to complete special eSIM training ahead of the launch. Employees are expected to finish the training by September 5 using Apple’s SEED app. This move signals that Apple may expand its eSIM-only approach beyond the US to other global markets.
eSIMs are embedded SIM cards that allow users to activate a cellular plan without using a physical SIM card. They offer benefits such as easier activation, enhanced security, and instant deactivation if a device is lost or stolen. However, there are drawbacks. eSIM support is mostly limited to premium devices, and switching an eSIM between phones is not as simple as swapping a physical SIM.
Apple first removed the physical SIM slot with the iPhone 14 series in 2022. Since then, the US variants of subsequent iPhones have been SIM-less, while international versions retained the SIM tray. If the iPhone 17 goes fully eSIM in more markets, it would mark a significant global shift toward a SIM-free experience.
The SEED app, which is used globally by Apple for employee training, hints that Apple may eventually implement eSIM-only models outside the EU as well. Analysts say this step aligns with Apple’s long-term strategy of making devices more secure, compact, and easier to manage digitally.
Consumers will soon know for sure whether iPhone 17 models will completely eliminate the physical SIM slot in international markets. The September 9 event will confirm Apple’s plans and set the stage for the next wave of SIM-free smartphones worldwide.
This move could redefine how iPhone users manage mobile connectivity, pushing the industry further toward eSIM adoption while phasing out traditional SIM cards.
