Apple's iPhone 17 Air Goes eSIM-Only Worldwide

Apple has taken another bold step in its mission to redefine the smartphone experience. With the launch of the new iPhone 17 series, the company has confirmed that the iPhone 17 Air will be eSIM only worlwide (except for China). This will be the first time ever that an iPhone model will be eSIM only outside the United States. This follows Apple’s U.S.-only rollout of eSIM-exclusive iPhones starting with the iPhone 14 in 2022, but the expansion to international markets represents a seismic shift for travellers and mobile users worldwide.

For the first time in Apple’s history, the eSIM-only approach is moving beyond the United States. The iPhone 17 Air will ship without a SIM card tray not just in America, but also across Europe and most other international markets, making it the first truly worldwide eSIM-only iPhone. The only exception is China, where regulatory hurdles and limited eSIM infrastructure mean Apple is expected to either retain physical SIM support for the iPhone 17 Air or withhold the model in China entirely.

This worldwide rollout highlights how seriously Apple is betting on a future without physical SIM cards, and it cements the iPhone 17 Air as the device that takes eSIM mainstream.

According to reports, Apple’s decision signals a permanent move away from physical SIMs globally, starting with the iPhone 17. The change will encourage carriers across the world to accelerate eSIM adoption, even in markets where rollout has been patchy.

Meanwhile, early leaks suggest the iPhone 17 Pro Max might actually cost less than expected, meaning that the most advanced models could become more accessible just as Apple redefines how people connect.

Sarah McGarr, CEO of Sim Local, explains both the upside and the challenges of this new reality.

“Going eSIM-only makes it faster and easier to connect to a network almost anywhere. You can download a plan in minutes without fiddling with a tiny SIM card, which is a huge win for convenience. With the iPhone 17 Air going eSIM-only in Europe for the first time, this marks a major shift for Apple customers across the continent. It sets a new standard for how people expect to stay connected while travelling.

But the truth is not every mobile network is ready yet. The ability to use an eSIM is not just country-dependent, it’s also device and network-dependent. That means a traveller could land somewhere only to find their network does not support eSIM, or that their plan options are limited. And if their phone is locked to a network, they won’t be able to switch to a local network via eSIM at all.”

For travellers embracing eSIM-only iPhones, preparation is everything:

• Check device compatibility – Make sure your iPhone is unlocked and supports eSIM.
• Research local networks – Not all operators in every country have rolled out eSIM yet.
• Download before you fly – Buy and activate a local eSIM plan in advance so you are online the moment you land.

As McGarr highlights:

“Nobody wants to land in a new country and waste time hunting down a SIM card. You want to turn on your phone and be connected straight away. With a local eSIM plan you can do exactly that. Apple’s eSIM move outside the US will make more people expect this kind of convenience. It’s up to the industry to make sure travellers can always find easy and affordable ways to stay connected.”

Apple’s decision is also a sustainability play. Millions of plastic SIM cards are manufactured, shipped, and ultimately discarded each year. By removing the SIM tray altogether, the iPhone 17 reduces waste and helps make global travel greener.

It certainly feels that way. Apple’s global push toward eSIM-only iPhones is more than just a technical tweak. It is a redefinition of how mobile users stay connected abroad. For travellers, the convenience is unmatched, but planning ahead will matter more than ever.

At Sim Local, we see this as an opportunity to deliver on our mission: helping travellers connect easily, affordably, and sustainably, wherever their journey takes them.