Tech giant Apple's announcement that the newly launched ‘iPhone 17 Air’ will only be available worldwide without physical SIM cards marks another leap in the domain of eSIM technology.Interestingly, for certain markets the other recently launched models, including iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, have also in-built e-SIM technology.
Apple started the eSIM option in smartphones from 2018, and as the popularity increased, US iPhones started dropping the physical SIM system.The move taken by Apple is adopted by other industrial players and also the Android flagships of Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi came with in-built eSIMs.Now, the Cupertino-based tech giant has broadened the eSIM horizon in smartphones as iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max will be available to users in two configurations:- eSIM only and a hybrid setup with nano SIM eSIM Support.
‘Nano SIM eSIM Support’ means that your phone can connect to a cellular network using either a traditional physical nano-SIM or a digital eSIM. It also allows users to use two phone numbers or network plans simultaneously (Dual SIM ) for different purposes including work, personal life or to add a local data plan for travel.
But the ambitious ‘iPhone 17 Air’, the world’s thinnest smartphone, will be an eSIM-only device globally.Apple announced that for the iPhone 17 series, e-SIM only variants are available in 12 regions, including Bahrain, Canada, Guam, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE),US, and the US Virgin Islands.
So, if you purchase iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, or iPhone 17 Pro Max in these regions, then you will not get the version supporting physical SIM cards.Apple has maintained a special case for China as in this region the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max support nano SIM cards only.
But for other regions, Apple is providing iPhone 17 models with a nano SIM slot and eSIM capability, providing a flexible approach to smartphone users.eSIM stands for Embedded Subscriber Identity Module refers to a digital SIM card that is directly built into a device. It allows smooth network connectivity without needing a physical SIM card.
Apple said eSIM offers greater flexibility, better security, and seamless connectivity compared to a traditional physical SIM card. An industry standard, eSIM is supported by over 500 carriers worldwide, including (insert local carrier info). eSIM also makes staying connected while traveling even more convenient, allowing continued connectivity through affordable international roaming plans.”
A Nano SIM is the smallest physical removable Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card standardized as 4th Form Factor (4FF).The decision of Apple to offer compatibility with physical SIM cards in India shows its adoptive strategy to adjust to regional tech regulations, varied user preferences, and the robust digital infrastructure need to adopt eSIM.The price of iPhone 17 Air 256 GB begins at Rs 1,19,900 in India. (UNI)
