Future iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models destined for European countries such as France are rumored to ditch the SIM tray and use full eSIM technology.
- What’s happening? The iPhone 15 models in the European Union will reportedly not have a SIM tray, which Apple dropped with the iPhone 14 in the US.
- Why care? Switching to eSIM only could create problems for tourists visiting Europe, who are used to changing SIM cards when changing countries.
- What to do? Ask your local operator if they offer electronic SIM cards instead of physical ones and buy one to familiarize yourself with the technology.
iPhone 15 models may lose SIM trays in Europe
According to a report by French publication iGeneration.fr, eSIM may be the only option for potential iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro buyers in Europe.
Encouraged by the smooth transition of the iPhone 14 to eSIM technology in the US, where these devices lack a SIM tray, Apple is said to have decided to offer phones without SIM trays in other countries.
It can also create obstacles in Europe, where millions of tourists from all over the world flock every summer to enjoy warm weather, beaches, fine food and wine, and some of the oldest sights in the history of our civilization.
Unless you’re traveling all summer in the European Union, you might be surprised if the carrier in the country outside the European Union you’re planning to visit only offers physical SIM cards.
Not all carriers are ready for eSIM
Many people like to store their mobile number as an eSIM and be able to simply insert a foreign physical SIM to avoid data roaming charges in the country they are visiting. And in some places, like Dubai, for example, tourists can only get physical SIM cards upon arrival at customs.
Apple is slightly ahead of the competition, and some wireless carriers will definitely need to upgrade. But you never know how in other places like Cambodia carriers are already eSIM compatible.
The benefits of an eSIM include saving space inside the device for other features such as larger batteries, the ability to use multiple mobile phone numbers and services, easy carrier switching, potential waterproofing benefits, less plastic waste, etc.