14 DAY TRIAL // We’ve known for a while that an eSIM-only iPhone was coming, but now it looks like we’re closer to this moment than we think.
According to a recent report, Apple does plan to launch an eSIM iPhone as soon as this year, as this configuration will be part of the upcoming iPhone 14 lineup.
Let’s dig into the details.
First and foremost, Apple will launch four different iPhone models this year, obviously in September as per the company’s typical release calendar.
All of them will come with the standard physical SIM + eSIM setup that is already available on the market. However, in some specific regions, including the United States, Apple will offer an eSIM-only device, as the company has reportedly reached out to carriers to tell them about the new approach.
Only certain models would be offered with eSIM exclusively, but on the other hand, it’s not clear if Apple wants to bring this device elsewhere as well.
At this point, however, the purpose seems to be rather clear. The company just wants to see the market reaction to an eSIM-only iPhone, so the rollout will probably take place gradually. Only certain models at certain carriers will use this approach, but it goes without saying that Apple is still planning to go exclusively for eSIM in the long term.
In case you’re wondering why Apple plans to give up on the physical SIM, the answer is pretty simple.
First of all, by removing this component, the company gains additional room inside an iPhone for other upgrades. Then, the demise of the physical SIM means improved waterproofing, which is something that Apple is aiming for on the new iPhones anyway.
Needless to say, the company has so far remained completely tight-lipped on this approach to use eSIM-only on the iPhone 14, but we’ll find out more when the devices launch in September.