iPhone 17 Air could lead Apple’s eSIM push

WEB DESK: Apple is gearing up for its annual ‘Awe Dropping’ event on September 9 and the leaks are already making waves.

While new iPhones, Apple Watches and AirPods are almost a certainty, fresh reports suggest the company may be preparing to take one of its boldest steps yet by eliminating the physical SIM card slot in more countries.

iPhone 17 rumours fuel hype

The highlight of the event will likely be the iPhone 17 series. Apple is reportedly introducing a brand-new model, the iPhone 17 Air, tipped to be its thinnest and lightest phone ever, replacing the Plus version. Leaked renders suggest all four iPhone 17 models will feature a redesigned visor-like glass panel across the top half.

The standard iPhone 17 may also get its long-awaited ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate, powered by Apple’s new A19 chip. The Pro versions, however, are drawing the most attention. Apple is said to be equipping them with a 48MP telephoto lens, supporting up to 8X optical zoom, along with 8K video recording and dual video capture. A new 24MP front camera is also expected across the lineup.

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Another major talking point is Apple’s global eSIM rollout. According to reports, Apple has instructed its European staff to undergo eSIM training by September 5, just days before the launch.

This fuels speculation that the iPhone 17 Air could become the first worldwide eSIM-only iPhone, with no physical SIM slot at all. Apple first removed the tray in the US with the iPhone 14, but the upcoming launch could extend the change to 27 EU countries, including Germany, France, Spain, and Italy.

Beyond the iPhone: Apple Watch and AirPods

The Apple Watch Series 11 is expected to arrive with modest upgrades, including a new S11 chipset, an LTPO screen for better battery life, and a rumoured blood pressure monitoring feature that tracks signs of hypertension. For adventure seekers, the Watch Ultra 3 could be the showstopper, tipped to come with satellite connectivity for emergency calls in remote areas.

Apple’s more affordable Watch SE 3 may also debut at the event, though with fewer health features compared to its premium siblings.

On the audio front, Apple is reportedly ready to launch the AirPods Pro 3. The earbuds may include heart rate monitoring, improved active noise cancellation, and better battery life, all powered by an upgraded H2 chip.

A calculated shift

If the leaks prove true, Apple’s September 9 event could mark a turning point in how its devices connect to networks. By phasing out the SIM tray, Apple is not only simplifying design but also making devices more secure, since eSIMs are harder to remove or swap in stolen phones.

With the iPhone 17 Air poised to lead the charge, Apple’s big bet on eSIM may soon reshape the smartphone experience for millions of users worldwide.

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