Last month, a source told TheTechXP that Apple has warned major US carriers to prepare for the debut of eSIM-only handsets by September 2022, implying that at least one iPhone 14 model may lack a physical nano-SIM card slot.
GlobalData analyst Emma Mohr-McClune believes that Apple will not immediately switch to eSIM-only iPhones, but will instead offer an eSIM-only variant of the iPhone 14 through its own stores and allow carriers to sell the eSIM-only model alongside more traditional models with both eSIM and a nano-SIM card tray. also: Apple Launches Black Unity Braided Solo Loop With ‘Unity Lights’ Watch Face
Because many carriers still do not offer eSIM, Mohr-prognosis McClune’s regarding iPhone 14 models with nano-SIM card trays remaining accessible makes logical. However, eSIM acceptance is rapidly increasing, with over 100 carriers worldwide offering eSIM service and more set to launch support this year, including Three in the United Kingdom and Vodafone in New Zealand.
An eSIM is a digital SIM card that enables customers to activate a cellular plan without the need for a physical nano-SIM card. In 2018, Apple debuted eSIM technology with the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR.
iPhone 13 models already support multiple eSIM profiles, allowing customers to subscribe to and switch between various cellular plans digitally, and this functionality could pave the door for an eSIM-only iPhone 14 in at least some areas. As usual, Apple is anticipated to introduce the iPhone 14 lineup in September.