iPhone 17 Price and Design Leaks: Is the Physical SIM Finally Ending?
September 9 marks the Apple event for iPhone 17. Expect new Pro, Pro Max, and Air models, eSIM adoption, and advanced iOS 26 features.
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Apple has scheduled its next major launch event for September 9, 2025, where the company is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series. The lineup is likely to include four variants: the standard iPhone 17, a lighter iPhone 17 Air, and the premium iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models.
According to a report from MacRumors, Apple may introduce eSIM-only versions of the iPhone 17 in select international markets. The move would mark a further step away from physical SIM cards, a transition the company first began with the iPhone 14 series in the US. Globally, Apple still supports both eSIM and physical SIM cards in markets such as India, but the shift suggests wider adoption of SIM-less models.
The report adds that Apple has instructed retail staff to complete a specialized training course on eSIM functionality. This program is reportedly mandatory for employees at Apple Authorized Resellers in the European Union, covering countries like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. Staff are expected to finish the training by September 5, four days prior to Apple’s event. Training materials are said to be available through Apple’s SEED app.
The upcoming iPhone series is rumored to offer an upgraded Dynamic Island experience across both standard and Pro models, promising smoother interactions and enhanced visuals through iOS 26. Other expected upgrades include a redesigned rear camera layout. Sources suggest Apple may replace the traditional vertical triple-camera module with a wide rectangular housing, similar to Google Pixel devices.
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are expected to start at $1,049 and $1,249, respectively, reflecting rising production costs and international tariffs. The base iPhone 17 is likely to remain at $799. Apple CEO Tim Cook has confirmed the launch event, titled “Awe Dropping,” will take place at Apple Park in Cupertino on September 9 at 10:30 pm IST.
Embedded SIM, or eSIM, offers a digital alternative to physical SIM cards, allowing users to activate mobile service without swapping cards. While eSIM is considered more secure and convenient, it remains primarily available on premium devices and can complicate switching phones compared to traditional SIM cards.
The upcoming launch is generating considerable anticipation among industry experts, who are eager to see how Apple’s hardware and software improvements will reshape the smartphone experience.
