Apple has officially announced the iPhone 17 series, and one of the biggest changes this year is how the phones handle network connectivity. For the past three generations, Apple has sold eSIM-only models in the United States. But now, with the launch of the iPhone 17 lineup, Apple has expanded this eSIM-only program. The new iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max are all eSIM-only in a select number of regions.

Other regions will get to keep the physical card slot for these three models, though it’s important to note that the new iPhone Air is eSIM only worldwide, even in China, where support for the digital SIM card method is in its infancy. This is most likely due to its slim form factor failing to provide enough room for a physical SIM card; it is Apple’s slimmest iPhone to date.

Where is the iPhone 17 eSIM only?

For customers in the regions below, the physical SIM card tray is gone for good. Instead, users will need to activate their carrier service using only eSIM. But where exactly is the iPhone 17 lineup eSIM-only? Here’s the full list of countries and regions confirmed so far:

• Bahrain
• Canada
• Guam
• Japan
• Kuwait
• Mexico
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• United States of America
• U.S. Virgin Islands

Source: Apple

Many of these are in the Middle East, where carriers and smartphone makers have been pushing hard for eSIM adoption. While this shift may frustrate people who travel often and like swapping SIM cards, Apple has something to soften the blow. For the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the removal of the SIM tray has allowed Apple to fit in a slightly larger battery.

According to Apple, the Pro models now last up to 39 hours when watching videos, which is about two hours longer than before. Apple hasn’t shared the exact battery size increase, but this is the first time the company has openly said that ditching the SIM tray has helped free up space inside the phone. Unfortunately, the standard iPhone 17 does not gain this extra battery boost, even though it’s also eSIM-only in some regions.

If you’ve been hesitant to move to eSIM, this added battery life may help convince you. For people who don’t travel internationally very often, eSIM has other advantages too, like making it easier to add multiple lines on the same device without needing two SIM trays.

For those of you in regions such as the UK, eSIM-only is not being forced (apart from the iPhone Air, of course). Instead, the iPhone 17 series will offer support for both eSIM and a physical SIM card.

About the Author

Abdul Haddi

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.