iPhone 17 Air may drop SIM slots for its ultra-slim design: What we know so far

Apple has officially announced that its next major launch event will take place on September 9, 2025, where the much-anticipated iPhone 17 series is expected to make its debut. This year’s lineup is likely to include four models – the iPhone 17, a slimmer and lighter iPhone 17 Air, the premium iPhone 17 Pro, and the top-of-the-line iPhone 17 Pro Max. While the official details remain scarce, rumours and leaks have been giving a sneak peek into the upcoming devices.

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Ahead of the launch, a report from MacRumors has hinted at a major design shift by Apple, which may eliminate the physical SIM tray from the iPhone 17 lineup in several international markets. While the Pro models might still retain a SIM tray in select countries, leaks shared by tipster Majin Bu suggest that at least one of the models will drop it entirely- the iPhone 17 Air, primarily due to its ultra-thin and lightweight design.

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An earlier report from The Information also claimed that Apple has been planning to phase out SIM card trays in most, if not all, countries. However, China is unlikely to be part of this transition, as physical SIMs continue to dominate the market there.

Notably, in the United States, Apple has already made the switch to eSIMs, starting with the iPhone 14 series in 2022. All iPhone 14, 15, and 16 models sold in the US are eSIM-only, whereas international variants still feature a Physical SIM card slot.

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Apple has been promoting eSIMs as more secure since they cannot be physically removed if a device is lost or stolen. Additionally, users can manage up to eight eSIMs on a single iPhone, making international travel easier without the need to juggle multiple SIM cards.

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Himani Jha

Himani Jha is a tech news writer at Digit. Passionate about smartphones and consumer technology, she has contributed to leading publications such as Times Network, Gadgets 360, and Hindustan Times Tech for the past five years. When not immersed in gadgets, she enjoys exploring the vibrant culinary scene, discovering new cafes and restaurants, and indulging in her love for fine literature and timeless music. View Full Profile