Apple’s brand-new iPhone Air ditches the physical SIM card slot entirely. That’s right, this thin new iPhone is shipping worldwide as eSIM-only, with no tray option in sight.
Why Apple Dropped the SIM Tray
The move isn’t exactly shocking. The iPhone Air is the slimmest iPhone Apple has ever made, and every bit of internal space counts. By removing the SIM slot, Apple was able to make room for a slightly larger battery, which explains why the iPhone Air still promises solid battery life despite its thin profile.
eSIM Is the Future (Whether You Like It or Not)
Apple isn’t just chasing thinness here. eSIM has become widely adopted across carriers, and it’s a lot more convenient than the old plastic card shuffle. Setting up an eSIM usually takes just a few taps, and switching carriers can be done without ever hunting down a paperclip.
And there’s another benefit: Find My security. Because eSIM keeps your iPhone Air connected to networks even if someone tries to tamper with it, you can still track it if it’s stolen. In fact, even if the phone is powered off, Apple says it remains traceable — something you can’t pull off with a physical SIM card that can be popped out in seconds.
Suggested: Apple’s iPhone Air MagSafe Battery: Why It Only Fits the Air
No Going Back
For now, Apple’s website makes no mention of a physical SIM card version of the iPhone Air. That means if you’re planning to buy one, you’ll want to confirm your carrier supports eSIM (spoiler: in 2025, almost all of them do).
This could very well be Apple signaling the start of the SIM-free future across its entire lineup. If the iPhone Air can go all-in on eSIM, don’t be surprised if the rest of the iPhone family follows suit in the coming years.
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