According to GlobalData analyst Emma Mohr-McClune, Apple may introduce a new eSIM-only “iPhone 14” this year, dropping the physical nano-SIM card tray and using digital SIM technology to activate a cellular plan without a traditional SIM card, although traditional physical SIM models are said to remain available in the lineup.
In a new report, which appears to be based on speculation rather than evidence, the GlobalData analyst says “an eSIM-only iPhone was always a question of ‘when’, not ‘if’—but, so far, there has been insufficient consideration as to ‘how.’”
The analyst suggests that Apple won’t take the “‘big bang’ approach—getting rid of existing systems and transferring all users to eSIMs”—but rather launch an eSIM-only variant of the next iPhone alongside a traditional physical SIM model for carriers around the world that do not support eSIM.
“To that end, we believe telecom companies will be given the choice of whether to stock and sell a new eSIM-only iPhone variation alongside more cellular business-friendly dual eSIM/physical SIM support models,” the report suggests.
Image: Apple
This is not the first time that an eSIM-only iPhone has been rumored. Last year, leaker @dylandkt claimed to have learnt from sources that “Apple will be working to remove the Sim Card Tray sooner than later.”