- Apple’s latest iPhone Air has removed the SIM tray all over the world
- Airlines need to support ESIM -onboarding and frequently asked questions or risk losing customers
- Currently only supports China Unicom Esim for iPhone Air in China
It’s been a busy week for Apple enthusiasts where Apple revealed the new iPhone 17 series. While the set -up offers plenty to unpack, the limelight on iPhone air is the thinnest iPhone ever and goes fully eSIM.
In August 2025, we saw Google Pixel 10 make a similar feature by ditching the physical SIM card slots. The move signalizes an eSIM-Kun future and pushes other OEMs to follow.
Disorder for carriers but possibility of eSIM providers
Analysts warn carriers risk Losing roaming revenue because users will discover cheaper eSIM alternatives such as Holafly, Ubigi or Saily.
“Mobile operators everywhere have to move their retail and online support channels to a wave of new ESIM-Onarding customer questions and publish Clear User Esim use guidelines and FAQ,” said Emma Mohr-McClune, Chief Telecoms analyst at Globaldata.
Another series of questions arise about phone numbers and consumer preparedness. Not all ESIM providers offer phone numbers as many just offer data plans. With iPhone 17 air, the demand for phone numbers can wave; Otherwise, consumers are forced to stick to traditional carriers to call/sms.
ESIM providers are now facing a growing option (and pressure) to expand to offer phone numbers. Alosim was one of the first eSIM providers to offer local phone numbers to users as they travel.
When I asked Alosim CEO Justin Shimoon about ESIMs offering phone numbers, he explained, “Our customers immediately the benefit of being able to fully turn off their primary SIM during the trip internationally – no risk of any fees on their next telephone bill – and using the combination of Alosim and rushed to remain very popular.”
But the change also exposes regional roadblocks. iPhone Air Models purchased outside the Chinese mainlands cannot be installed with mainland carrier eSims. Chinese telecommunications providers will have to quickly adapt to this increasing change as slow adoption can damage sales.
Despite these obstacles, Trendforce projects project the iPhone 17 shippings to rise 3.5% compared to the iPhone 16. Consumers are likely to engage in this shift as carrier change will be easier and users will be able to download mobile plans in app stores.
“With eSIMS, connectivity is becoming a digital product. Users will download SIM profiles from the comfort of their home, just as installing an app. This will challenge the entire detail system in Telcos and force them to consider how they sell and provide mobile services,” said Vykintas Maknickas, CEO for Saily.
