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In a groundbreaking move last year, Apple introduced the iPhone 14 as the world’s first eSIM-only device, revolutionizing the way we use SIM cards. However, this technological leap forward came with a catch – the eSIM-only feature was exclusively available to users within the United States. Despite initial speculations of a global rollout, the rest of the world continues to receive iPhone 15 models equipped with the traditional SIM tray.
Earlier this year, reports suggested that Apple would extend the SIM-free iPhone to countries in Europe, including France. Regrettably, this did not materialize with the release of the highly anticipated iPhone 15.
Examining Apple’s official website, we find four distinct iPhone 15 models tailored to different regions. The global model caters to the majority of countries, while China boasts a unique variant with a physical Dual-SIM setup instead of eSIM. Meanwhile, regions like Canada, Japan, and Mexico have their own tailored model, and the US remains exclusive in its eSIM-only offering.
A glance at Apple’s international websites reveals the SIM card tray snugly nestled on the left-hand side of the phone, reaffirming that eSIMs are yet to take precedence in these regions. Notably, the US iPhone 15 also stands as the solitary model supporting lightning-fast 5G mmWave networks.
Apple’s forward-looking perspective emphasizes the benefits of eSIM technology, particularly in terms of heightened security. With the eSIM integrated directly into the device, there’s no risk of it being physically removed, bolstering protection in the event of theft. However, the pace of eSIM adoption varies across countries, with some wireless carriers lagging in their support for this cutting-edge technology.
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Ideally, the removal of the SIM tray would open up new possibilities for utilizing the internal space. However, a teardown by iFixit unveiled a plastic block in the US iPhone models’ SIM tray slot, rendering the additional space currently redundant.
Given the current landscape, it seems that non-US users will have to exercise patience, awaiting the potential expansion of Apple’s ambitious eSIM plans in the coming year. As the tech giant continues to push boundaries, the prospect of a SIM card-free world looms on the horizon.