iPhone 17 Air could be Apple’s first e-SIM only iPhone for global markets: Here’s what we know
Apple is all set to introduce its thinnest and lightest iPhone yet, the iPhone 17 Air, at the company’s “Awe Dropping” event on September 9. We have been hearing leaks and rumors about the newest member in the iPhone lineup for at least a year, and most of the details about the device are public knowledge by now.
For instance, the iPhone 17 Air is likely to be just 5.5mm in thickness, but that sleek design is likely to lead to certain trade-offs, such as the presence of a single camera and a smaller battery.
However, just days ahead of the event, we have a new leak that reveals there could be yet another change with the iPhone 17 Air, which could be a positive or a negative update depending on how you feel about the feature.
The Cupertino-based tech giant could reportedly remove the option of entering a physical SIM card with the iPhone 17 Air. A new report by MacRumors states that Apple has asked its retail employees at Apple Authorized Resellers in the EU to complete a training course related to eSIM support by September 5.
While the report only mentions completing the training course in the EU, the ultra-thin design of the iPhone 17 Air could mean that the phone could come with e-SIM only support worldwide. Reportedly, Apple employees have to complete the course using Apple’s SEED app, which is available for employees at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Resellers around the world.
Notably, Apple has only supported eSIM for users in the United States since the iPhone 14. At the time of introducing the change, Apple had portrayed eSIMs as being more secure than physical SIM cards since they cannot be removed from the phone even if it is stolen.
Prior to the current leak, The Information had also reported that Apple is planning to introduce eSIM-only iPhones in more countries. However, we have no certainty at this point if this change will apply only to the iPhone 17 Air or other iPhone 17 models as well.
iPhone 17 Air: What to expect?
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a 6.6-inch ProMotion 120Hz OLED display, which could mean it would fit somewhere between the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max in the upcoming iPhone lineup.
The new device is expected to feature a pill shaped horizontal camera module to the back that is likely to house a single 48MP primary shooter. Just like the other iPhone 17 series, the new device is expected to come with a 24MP front facing shooter.
The phone is expected to come with a thickness of around 5.5mm and a weight of under 150 grams.
