iPhone 17 Pro eSIM on UK iPhones 17

[JoeSilver]

Does anyone know whether the iPhone 17 are sold eSIM-only in UK?

Of course we know that the Air it's strictly eSIM, everywhere, however on the preorder website I can't find any indication whether the standard and Pro models are sold with our without physical SIM tray. I would expect to find a choice at order time. If it's true that models without a SIM tray have a slightly larger battery, I would rather choose an eSIM-only model.

Is there any place where we can find this information?

 

[JPack]

UK models have physical SIM trays. You do not have a choice.

The spec sheet tells you the info.

 

[JoeSilver]

UK models have physical SIM trays. You do not have a choice.

The spec sheet tells you the info.

Thanks... RFTM 😄

I'll examine the spec sheet again.

 

[adrianlondon]

Be careful with the tech specs on Apple's websites - sometimes they're only 99% correct.

The Swiss models (apart from the Air) list mmWave for example, which isn't true.

However, back on topic, everywhere in Europe gets the phones with the physical SIM tray - there's no option to buy one without.

This site is quite useful (but again might not be 100% accurate!):

iPhone 17 Pro Model Number A3256, A3522, A3523, A3524 Differences - TechWalls

The iPhone 17 Pro features 4 separate model numbers - A3256, A3522, A3523, and A3524. Let's check out their differences and all the part numbers.

www.techwalls.com

 

[JoeSilver]

However, back on topic, everywhere in Europe gets the phones with the physical SIM tray - there's no option to buy one without.

I have the impression that MacRumors articles often conflate Europe with EU, especially when discussing regulations and local specifications, which (unfortunately... personal opinion) leaves UK in a sort of a limbo.

 

[Jackbequickly]

I read that batteries are smaller on phone who have physical SIM cards. Soon, eSIM will be universal. Easier for the gov to keep track of you.

 

[JoeSilver]

I read that batteries are smaller on phone who have physical SIM cards. Soon, eSIM will be universal. Easier for the gov to keep track of you.

If you are using a SIM, you have given your credentials to a telecom provider. If that provider has an obligation to give your details (or even more detailed information about your communications) to a government, under request, it doesn't make a difference whether you have a physical SIM or an eSIM. Plus, using a phone makes you trackable in many other ways.

 

[JPack]

If you are using a SIM, you have given your credentials to a telecom provider. If that provider has an obligation to give your details (or even more detailed information about your communications) to a government, under request, it doesn't make a difference whether you have a physical SIM or an eSIM. Plus, using a phone makes you trackable in many other ways.

You can typically buy a prepaid SIM without providing ID and using cash. eSIM requires electronic payment which can be traced.

 

[Jackbequickly]

If you are using a SIM, you have given your credentials to a telecom provider. If that provider has an obligation to give your details (or even more detailed information about your communications) to a government, under request, it doesn't make a difference whether you have a physical SIM or an eSIM. Plus, using a phone makes you trackable in many other ways.

Does not matter. ESims are going to be the standard soon