Apple recently unveiled the latest iPad Air and iPad Pro, and there’s an intriguing detail about both: their Cellular versions now exclusively use eSIM, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card tray. While eSIM-only iPhones are currently restricted to the US, Apple is now rolling out eSIM-only iPads globally, signaling a potential shift for iPhones.
Traditionally, iPhones in most countries still come with a physical SIM card tray, with the US being an exception due to the introduction of eSIM-only models with the iPhone 14 series in 2022. However, with the new iPads, the move to eSIM-only models is global, including regions like China where eSIM adoption is still limited.
This shift suggests that Apple is confident in the readiness of global markets for eSIM technology. With eSIM support becoming more widespread among carriers worldwide over the past couple of years, it’s plausible that Apple may extend eSIM-only iPhones beyond the US, potentially starting with the iPhone 16 later this year.
While rumors previously hinted at the removal of the SIM tray from European iPhone models last year, this change never materialized. However, given the increasing prevalence of eSIM support and Apple’s latest move with the iPads, the era of physical SIM cards in iPhones may be drawing to a close.
What are your thoughts on the potential end of physical SIM cards in iPhones? Share your views in the comments below.
