Apple Allegedly Preparing for iPhones Without SIM Card Slot by September 2022 [Updated]

[MacRumors]

Earlier this week, a rumor from Brazilian website Blog do iPhone claimed that iPhone 15 Pro models might not have a physical SIM card slot in at least some countries and regions, but the change might happen even sooner.

Image: iFixit​

An anonymous tipster informed MacRumors that Apple has advised major U.S. carriers to prepare for the launch of eSIM-only smartphones by September 2022. The tipster shared a seemingly legitimate document outlining the timeframe for this initiative, although the document does not specifically mention Apple or the iPhone.

As part of the transition, some U.S. carriers will allegedly start offering select iPhone 13 models without a nano-SIM card in the box in the second quarter of 2022. iPhone 13 models sold at Apple Stores or on Apple.com already lack a nano-SIM card in the box, with users typically able to activate a cellular plan via eSIM by turning on the iPhone, connecting to a Wi-Fi network, and following the on-screen instructions.

Given the alleged September 2022 deadline, it is possible that Apple might remove the physical SIM card slot starting with some iPhone 14 models, rather than some iPhone 15 models as originally rumored, but nothing is definitive at this point.

An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows users to activate a cellular plan without having to use a nano-SIM card. It's worth noting that eSIM service is not available in all countries, so iPhones with a SIM card slot may remain available in some markets. Adoption is expanding rapidly, though, with over 100 carriers offering eSIM service worldwide and more planning to roll out support in 2022, including Three in the UK and Vodafone in New Zealand.

iPhone 13 models already support multiple eSIM profiles, allowing users to subscribe to several cellular plans digitally and switch between them, and this functionality could pave the way for the SIM card slot's removal in select countries.

Apple's former design chief Jony Ive once envisioned the iPhone as becoming a "single slab of glass," and the SIM card slot's removal would be another step towards a seamless design and improve water resistance in the process. Taking out the slot would also free up some valuable internal space in the iPhone — every bit counts.

Update: Leaker @dylandkt, who has a respectable track record with Apple rumors, tweeted that they are "in agreement with recent rumors regarding the removal of the physical SIM card tray."

https://twitter.com/x/status/1475524776684892167

Article Link: Apple Allegedly Preparing for iPhones Without SIM Card Slot by September 2022 [Updated]

 

[japanime]

It does make me wonder, though, if this will require Apple to make two versions of each model available. Cellular providers in some countries are still going to insist on iPhones with physical SIM cards.

 

[MedRed]

RIP easy SIM swaps while traveling

 

[genoendicott]

RIP easy SIM swaps while traveling

Using eSIM when traveling is so much easier. I have used it for international data, and never have to remember where I put that tiny SIM card.

 

[contacos]

Using eSIM when traveling is so much easier. I have used it for international data, and never have to remember where I put that tiny SIM card.

Interesting. I have yet to find a country that offers eSims for prepaid

 

[JPack]

iPhone 13?

Seems like a cost savings exercise, reminiscent of deleting the power adapter and EarPods from iPhone 11 boxes. Delete SIM tray and the ejector tool.

Thankfully, this seems to be limited to U.S. only.

 

[BurgDog]

Interesting. I have yet to find a country that offers eSims for prepaid

And that includes the US. Without the physical SIM I won't be able to upgrade with my cheap T-Mobile $15/mo plan.

 

[genoendicott]

Interesting. I have yet to find a country that offers eSims for prepaid

I just used Bouygues in France.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

2022 might be the year. No more swapping your SIM card folks!

 

[BreakingKayfabe]

Man, this is going to be my “Apple removed the headphone jack” moment.

I know it’s coming. It’s going to suck.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

It does make me wonder, though, if this will require Apple to make two versions of each model available. Cellular providers in some countries are still going to insist on iPhones with physical SIM cards.

Hahaha! Pretty sure this will save Apple lots of money. They don't have to tell the carriers to make the SIM cards along with the Sim tool. Slowly it is all getting eliminated. Guess what, Apple will say it took “COURAGE” to make that happen. 🤦🏻‍♀️

All these tools are going to become useless over for an almighty iPhone

I know for a fact some genius will find a way to create a SIM card slot in the 2022 iPhones. Rest assured it will cost $100,000.00.

 

[kalafalas]

I’m surprised it didn’t happen with the 13 after all the talk about battery

 

[inkswamp]

RIP easy SIM swaps while traveling

Let me guess: you have stock in the paperclip industry.

 

[nicho]

It does make me wonder, though, if this will require Apple to make two versions of each model available. Cellular providers in some countries are still going to insist on iPhones with physical SIM cards.

They already make multiple versions of each and have ever since the iPhone 3G.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Apple, you mean to tell me I can’t do this anymore in 2022? 😂

 

[Sir_Macs_A_Lot]

And that includes the US. Without the physical SIM I won't be able to upgrade with my cheap T-Mobile $15/mo plan.

Interesting. I have yet to find a country that offers eSims for prepaid

I’m in the US and have been using my eSim for prepaid (AT&T) since the day my iPhone 13 released.

 

[Bandaman]

This would be stupid. It's nice to buy a new phone and just be able to swap SIMs to have the number on the new phone without having to call support. Or being able to swap SIMs between two phones.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

This would be stupid. It's nice to buy a new phone and just be able to swap SIMs to have the number on the new phone without having to call support. Or being able to swap SIMs between two phones.

It gets even better. Apple wants you to buy two iPhones for two different phone numbers or carriers. Problem solved

 

[Bandaman]

It gets even better. Apple wants you to buy iPhones for two different phone numbers or carriers. Problem solved

Then I truly do not believe this story at all. I currently have two numbers on one iPhone ... my personal and my business. And so far dual-SIM has only ever worked perfectly ... or at all ... on iPhones ... for years. Dual-SIM on Android phones has been hot garbage. So I've only stuck with iPhone for this very pertinent and crucial reason. If they get rid of dual SIM, that would be awful. I don't see them doing this. But then again, they have taken away ridiculous things before. I know there are other services for providing a second number on a phone, but I don't want to go through an extra step to do so. It's always been so simple on the iPhone.

 

[coolfactor]

It's time for Macs to have cellular connectivity as a standard feature. Long overdue.

 

[coolfactor]

And that includes the US. Without the physical SIM I won't be able to upgrade with my cheap T-Mobile $15/mo plan.

That's assuming that the mobile industry stays the same and doesn't change. Apple has a knack for transforming industries. The move away from physical SIM cards will force the industry to adapt so that existing conveniences don't go extinct.

 

[svish]

Looks like it is happening! At least in the US. Would have liked physical SIM card to remain for some more time. eSIM popularity should definitely increase with iPhones switching completely to eSIM.

 

[DesertNomad]

Using eSIM when traveling is so much easier. I have used it for international data, and never have to remember where I put that tiny SIM card.

Until you travel to places like Sudan, Iran, and Uzbekistan where eSIMs are unlikely to exist.

 

[trekkie604]

of course they will do this. Apple wants to dictate which carriers you can use your phone with. Only approved carriers will be able to register their esims. No thanks,.

 

[hydropsyche]

This is a MASSIVE privacy breach and big win for the NSA and big tech.