Apple Removes SIM Card Tray on All iPhone 14 Models in U.S.

[prabhatkk]

Apple today announced that all iPhone 14 models sold in the U.S. do not have a built-in SIM card tray and instead rely entirely on eSIM technology.

Tech specs on Apple's website confirm the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max are not compatible with physical SIM cards and instead have dual eSIM support, allowing for multiple cellular plans to be activated on a single device.

An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows users to activate a cellular plan without having to use a physical nano-SIM card. eSIM availability is rapidly expanding, but the technology is still not available in all countries, which explains why iPhone 14 models will remain available with a SIM card tray outside of the U.S. for now.

Apple's website has a list of carriers that support eSIM technology around the world. In the U.S., this includes AT&T, T-Mobile, US Cellular, Verizon, Xfinity Mobile, Boost Mobile, H2O Wireless, Straight Talk, C Spire, and some others.

The new iPhone 14 lineup consists of the 6.1-inch iPhone 14, 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus, 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro, and 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max, with all four devices available to pre-order this Friday, September 9 ahead of a September 16 launch. For more details about the devices, be sure to check out our announcement coverage.

Article Link: Apple Removes SIM Card Tray on All iPhone 14 Models in U.S.

What happens when your iPhone is damaged, doesn’t even turn ON and you are traveling, having an extra backup phone is not going to help. If there was a physical SIM card the problem can be easily solved by swapping the SIM card. Now you got to contact your cellphone carrier back in US (May be through chat as you can’t call them or use a public phone to make an International call and pay premium price while you wait inline for your turn) and ask them to port your phone number to another eSIM IF your back up phone supports eSIM. If not you just no longer have your number until you get back in US and get a physical SIM. This could be extremely problematic as for most secure transactions the verification method is through OTP send via text message which you will never receive. I love Apple products but this a huge deal breaker for me & finally I will have to push myself to switch my ecosystem to Android. For most Americans who would never set foot outside the mainland this may be ok.
I wonder for how long will Apple keep the physical SIM card on its international versions may be for another 2 years? Time to get out.

 

[Krispykrme]

The point was, calls aren't $2.99 per minute on AT&T anymore, nor is data "crazy" expensive for typical users.

Again that is because you are B2C customers. I am not. Despite AT&T saying it’s unlimited- in reality it’s not.

Should have read fine print.

 

[Krispykrme]

I have a wide collection of SIM cards and passports with extra pages that beg to differ but go on and just keep complaining about the additional $10 you have to spend to use your $1000 iPhone in another country.

Or just don’t upgrade. Or keep the 12 or 13 for when you travel. My goodness.

Go prove it in Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and Singapore.

See how you get esim to work with local number.

It’s not even a $10 question.

 

[Krispykrme]

Sir - it sounds like you shouldn't upgrade to the iPhone 14 US model. It's a pretty significant 1st world problem for you, it seems the best course would be to not upgrade or to buy an international version next time you are overseas. Best of luck to you.

Phone is a tool not a brick

First world problem? May be it’s you drinking too much coolaid.

It’s a dumb move by apple. Period. Even with esim- unless it’s prepaid- you don’t get local phone number. Good luck using grab and Uber without that.

I go through passport every 3 years (even with extra pages). It’s pointless to discuss this. Even in pandemic years. I am down to last pages. This time took me just under 5.

Again- everyone have different use cases. If international version still have it, give us customer option to choose it.

At this time, US iPhone 14 is not usable in Taiwan. I am pretty sure in 2-3 weeks. Some poor us customer is going to be stuck at customs because of this very same problem. No prepaid esim- no entry into Taiwan- because you can’t get ministry of health phone call and text (it won’t work with US number).

 

[ian87w]

Is this an eco move or a control move? Or maybe a bit of both.
Perhaps it doesn't really matter with that parasite that eats plastic being developed. If you eat margarine, be careful!!! Haha.

I doubt it's either.
Technology wise, eSIM is supposed to make SIM card portability much easier and user friendly, especially in the digital era and smaller devices. I think Apple just wanted to fulfill that vision, but they see that the carriers are literally dragging their feet, so they decided to take a step forward themselves.

 

[ian87w]

Go prove it in Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and Singapore.

See how you get esim to work with local number.

It’s not even a $10 question.

Thailand: dtac offers eSIM for tourists
Singapore: M1 offers eSIM for tourists

Japan... yeah... they're unique. Getting a local number is not even easy for a foreigner PR, and arguably impossible for tourists. They are very restrictive. Not an eSIM problem, it's just Japan.

Hopefully with Apple's decision, more carriers will offer eSIM for visitors.

 

[PLin]

For those of you who are within driving distance of Canada, it looks like the Apple Canadian website does let you order for pickup at a store during the launch weekend and pay with a credit card with a US billing address. I debated whether I should pull the trigger, but I don’t have enough time to make the drive next weekend, so I will have to check to see if they are still in stock the next few weeks.

 

[Krispykrme]

M1 is the worst coverage in Singapore (I did mention it doesn’t count because it really sucks and it’s not even purchasable at changi)

I stand corrected on dtac.

I agree it’s not esim problem. It’s how carrier implement esim.

But Apple made it a problem for their customers. That is what I have problem with.

 

[mikhaelj]

What happens when your iPhone is damaged, doesn’t even turn ON and you are traveling, having an extra backup phone is not going to help. If there was a physical SIM card the problem can be easily solved by swapping the SIM card. Now you got to contact your cellphone carrier back in US (May be through chat as you can’t call them or use a public phone to make an International call and pay premium price while you wait inline for your turn) and ask them to port your phone number to another eSIM IF your back up phone supports eSIM. If not you just no longer have your number until you get back in US and get a physical SIM. This could be extremely problematic as for most secure transactions the verification method is through OTP send via text message which you will never receive. I love Apple products but this a huge deal breaker for me & finally I will have to push myself to switch my ecosystem to Android. For most Americans who would never set foot outside the mainland this may be ok.
I wonder for how long will Apple keep the physical SIM card on its international versions may be for another 2 years? Time to get out.

This is a very solid exampled.
I as well skipped the upgrade this time. Will either move to android too or see if I can get a Canadian/Europe version this year.

 

[M.Rizk]

M1 is the worst coverage in Singapore (I did mention it doesn’t count because it really sucks and it’s not even purchasable at changi)

I stand corrected on dtac.

I agree it’s not esim problem. It’s how carrier implement esim.

But Apple made it a problem for their customers. That is what I have problem with.

I am sure those carriers know how much tourism brings to them and will adapt asap. Singtel already supports Apple Watch so they already know how to do eSIM. They now will expand it to cover phones too.

 

[Krispykrme]

I am sure those carriers know how much tourism brings to them and will adapt asap. Singtel already supports Apple Watch so they already know how to do eSIM. They now will expand it to cover phones too.

I wouldn’t bet on that. Singapore taiwan and Japan are countries I need the most.

They are unique.

I upgrade every single year- because is cheapest since T-Mobile is always crazy on their trade in allowance. I am almost breaking even every year I upgrade.

Buy a cheap iPhone 11 Pro- get $1200 back on $350 cost. Sell the iPhone 13 pro max I have for $1000. That is $1850 toward iPhone 14 pro max

It made sense to upgrade every year. Except this year. I basically will have to get iPhone in taiwan- pay about $1500 out of pocket for 5 iPhone pro 14 max. Where I would have spent $0. It’s just pain in the ass.

Yes I am being cheap. But that is what maximize value. $1500 is acceptable to me. But it’s not able to use it abroad bothers me. It’s just not usable in countries I need to work.

I am toward end of my career. We usually take 2 vacation a year. I personally fly every other months for work. Just can’t have a brick.

 

[rui no onna]

US Mobile actually have decent international data plans. It's available in many countries. So unless you're traveling to a really small or rural country, there's a solution. https://www.usmobile.com/international-roaming-phone-plans

Still not a solution if you need a local number for friends and family to contact you.

Also, roaming kinda sucks if people need to be able to text/call you back. I have family who don’t have always on data on their phones because it’s too expensive (as compared to local wages) so a local number for texting is a must.

 

[Fat_Guy]

Singapore: M1 offers eSIM for tourists

Japan... yeah... they're unique. Getting a local number is not even easy for a foreigner PR, and arguably impossible for tourists. They are very restrictive. Not an eSIM problem, it's just Japan.

Hopefully with Apple's decision, more carriers will offer eSIM for visitors.

Apple should still quietly offer the tray as an option, but they are like this. I tried some stuff with Apple regarding their music policies for artists - like talking to the wind. You will just have to buy a Canadian phone. Drive up and buy one or order through Best Buy and pay the premium.


As for Japan: For like a decade I had my own number in Japan (Tokyo no less) which was sort of exclusive and cool. It got taken away last month. I added Sydney, Australia instead. I had an Indian number a few times but the government would find out and take it away. The only way for me to have a number in India was to set up a toll-free number - I don’t think so. Hong Kong is still there surprisingly. Two in the States in New York and Texas. One in the UK and one in Estonia where they all get bounced around back to Canada.


International numbers are a hassle and I have nothing but sympathy for those that have to live with this.

 

[PLin]

Singapore: M1 offers eSIM for tourists

The M1 plan is only good for 7 days, so it's not very useful for longer trips.

 

[ian87w]

The M1 plan is only good for 7 days, so it's not very useful for longer trips.

True, but it's there, it exists.

If Apple didn't do this, I bet these lazy carriers won't be bothered to offer eSIM option as their reasoning would simply be to use the physical SIM. Hopefully with Apple's decision, Singtel and Starhub would offer eSIM prepaid as well, and more options for longer validity will be available.

 

[ian87w]

I am sure those carriers know how much tourism brings to them and will adapt asap. Singtel already supports Apple Watch so they already know how to do eSIM. They now will expand it to cover phones too.

They better. I am really surprised how these Singapore telcos are so backwards in regards to eSIM, considering that island country have like 3 Apple stores. Apple should be able to tell them to move off their butts.

Malaysian carriers seem to be doing a better job.

 

[ian87w]

I wouldn’t bet on that. Singapore taiwan and Japan are countries I need the most.

They are unique.

I think Singapore and Taiwan carriers would adapt. And hopefully MVNOs can fill the gaps.

Japan, well, that's a different story... I think even their iTunes music purchases are still 128kbps DRMed... 😂 CMIIW

 

[thomasec]

As it happens, I'm visiting Canada right now. Obviously there is some bias in this thread, but is it really worth it to pick up a phone with the sim slot while I'm here? Would this have any impact on my AppleCare+, and would they swap my "Canadian" phone with a US one if something were to happen to it?

 

[ian87w]

As it happens, I'm visiting Canada right now. Obviously there is some bias in this thread, but is it really worth it to pick up a phone with the sim slot while I'm here? Would this have any impact on my AppleCare+, and would they swap my "Canadian" phone with a US one if something were to happen to it?

Do you really must have a physical SIM slot? If your carrier offer eSIM, just get a US iphone 14. No need to panic.

But I would still buy those Canadians iphones to resell back in the US to those looking for iphone 14 with physical SIM skot and don't have the resources to go to Canada themselves.

 

[Krispykrme]

I think Singapore and Taiwan carriers would adapt. And hopefully MVNOs can fill the gaps.

Japan, well, that's a different story... I think even their iTunes music purchases are still 128kbps DRMed... 😂 CMIIW

I really don’t have faith in Singapore and Taiwan.

Taiwan went backward 2 years ago and not allowing use of foreign credit card for paying local phone plan from website. You have to physically pay in taiwan or use domestic card.

Singapore- other than Singtel. StarHub credit card verification is thru Australia. Hence none of the US credit card will authorize through their prepaid app. Singtel works half of the time.

Pre-paid is really pain in the rear.

 

[PLin]

As it happens, I'm visiting Canada right now. Obviously there is some bias in this thread, but is it really worth it to pick up a phone with the sim slot while I'm here? Would this have any impact on my AppleCare+, and would they swap my "Canadian" phone with a US one if something were to happen to it?

You could buy the 2-year AppleCare+ at the time of purchase of the phone, but I'm not sure if you could get on the monthly plan. Perhaps you could get on the US monthly plan if you buy it first and then try to get on the plan when you're back in the US. Even if you manage to get AppleCare+, you do get global coverage, so simple repairs like the screen and battery would probably be fine. But if the entire device had to be replaced, I'm not sure if a US Apple Store could replace it with a model from a different country. Same applies with AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss... not sure how Apple would be able to replace the device.

 

[Konrad]

As it happens, I'm visiting Canada right now. Obviously there is some bias in this thread, but is it really worth it to pick up a phone with the sim slot while I'm here? Would this have any impact on my AppleCare+, and would they swap my "Canadian" phone with a US one if something were to happen to it?

If you would be so kind, can you please pick one for me while you are there?

 

[Z1000]

Well ... First time I didn't pre-order mine.
I will wait to see where and if I can have a 14 Pro Max with a SIM tray.
No SIM tray is not an option for me. I have 2 lines on my phone a Verizon and a Simple Mobile (Work).
Simple Mobile does not support eSIM at this point, so I had two options, keep my 13 or hold 2 different phones.
I chose to keep my 13 and maybe I can have a non-US 14 that has a SIM tray.

Wrong move from Apple, they should have given the option to the users, at some premium (I would have paid).

 

[Konrad]

Well ... First time I didn't pre-order mine.
I will wait to see where and if I can have a 14 Pro Max with a SIM tray.
No SIM tray is not an option for me. I have 2 lines on my phone a Verizon and a Simple Mobile (Work).
Simple Mobile does not support eSIM at this point, so I had two options, keep my 13 or hold 2 different phones.
I chose to keep my 13 and maybe I can have a non-US 14 that has a SIM tray.

Wrong move from Apple, they should have given the option to the users, at some premium (I would have paid).

I disagree with any further premiums. Yes, Apple should offer both versions. And that would also provide them with a clear answer as what people really want.

 

[dk001]

I doubt it's either.
Technology wise, eSIM is supposed to make SIM card portability much easier and user friendly, especially in the digital era and smaller devices. I think Apple just wanted to fulfill that vision, but they see that the carriers are literally dragging their feet, so they decided to take a step forward themselves.

Sadly this is not looking like a user friendly “step forward”.