Apple’s SIM tray might be disappearing from more pockets soon.
After first introducing an eSIM-only iPhone model in the United States with the iPhone 14 lineup, Apple is now reportedly preparing to expand that strategy to Europe with the upcoming iPhone 18 series.
And the move could come with a practical benefit: a bigger battery.
Europe Could Be Next
According to a report by Greek publication Techmaniacs, Apple is planning to remove the physical SIM tray from iPhone 18 models sold in Europe.
The removal would free up internal space inside the device — space that could potentially be used for a larger battery or improved internal components.
Rumours suggest that the global variant of the iPhone 18 Pro Max may feature a battery between 5,100mAh and 5,200mAh — roughly a 5% increase over the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
While that might not sound massive on paper, even small battery gains can translate to noticeable improvements in daily usage.
A Shift That Won’t Suit Everyone
Switching fully to eSIM means users would need to activate their mobile plans digitally through their carriers instead of inserting a physical SIM card.
For many users, that’s seamless. For others — especially frequent travellers or those who regularly swap SIM cards between devices — it could be inconvenient.
In certain regions, issuing a new eSIM can also involve additional carrier fees, which may add friction to the process.
Apple’s Gradual Rollout Strategy
Apple first eliminated the physical SIM tray in the US with the launch of the iPhone 14 series in 2022.
Outside the US, the company continued offering dual options — physical SIM plus eSIM — to ease the transition. However, with the iPhone 17 lineup, Apple reportedly expanded eSIM-only models to additional markets such as Japan, Canada, and the UAE.
Europe now appears to be the next logical step in Apple’s phased strategy toward a fully port-optimized device ecosystem.
Launch Timeline & Pricing Expectations
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to debut in September, potentially alongside a long-rumoured foldable iPhone. The standard iPhone 18 may arrive later, possibly alongside a lighter “iPhone Air” variant next year.
Early speculation suggests Apple may maintain similar starting price points to the iPhone 17 series.
Final Words
Apple has never been shy about removing legacy hardware — from headphone jacks to charging bricks. The SIM tray could simply be the next casualty in that evolution.
If the reports are accurate, the iPhone 18 lineup may not just be about performance upgrades — it could mark another major design shift.
For some users, it’ll feel like progress. For others, it may take some adjusting.
