Apple’s iPhone 17 Air May Kill the SIM Card Forever: Here’s Why That’s Huge

Apple is gearing itself for its highly anticipated launch of the year, revealing the iPhone 17 lineup. It is one of the most talked-about launches of the year, suggesting a bigger surprise that could change the way iPhones are used globally. One of the most exciting news of this event is the expected introduction of the iPhone 17 Air, a new model rumored to replace the Plus variant in the lineup.

The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be ultra-thin, lightweight, and most importantly, the first iPhone to completely abandon the physical SIM slot worldwide.

iPhone 17 Air Expected to End Physical SIMs

Apple has been preparing its users for a shift to e-SIM technology. To recall, the company tested the iPhone 14 with water in the US, where models shipped without a SIM tray. It seems the company is now ready to take that bold step globally and launch its iPhone 17 Air without a SIM tray.

Reports suggest that Apple is already training retail partners in Europe to help users transition smoothly to e-SIMs before launch day. If this happens, then it could lead to faster setups and stronger security. In addition, there will be fewer issues with SIM theft or loss.

What’s Apple’s Vision Behind the e-SIM Push

Unlike physical SIMs, e-SIMs cannot be swapped or removed and are directly embedded into the phone. Apple believes that e-SIMs are the future of connectivity, making the device slimmer and also adding an extra layer of security, since stolen phones can’t have their SIMs removed to avoid tracking.

iPhone 17 Air Specifications

The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be slim, with just 5.5mm thick and under 150 grams in weight, making it the slimmest phone ever. For display, the phone is rumored to feature a 6.6-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a titanium and glass build, and a single powerful rear camera.

It is expected to be powered by the A19 chip and paired with 12GB RAM. The iPhone 17 Air will also carry a 48MP main lens, a 24MP selfie shooter, and a 2900mAh battery.