The iPhone 16 models sold outside U.S. continue to feature SIM card tray

Recently, Apple announced it iPhone 16 lineups (iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max) at its Glowtime event which its pre-sale will begins in U.S., U.K., Europe, Canada, India, Japan, and Australia on Sept.13 2024 and enters market on Sept.20 2025.

However, according to Apple on it officially website, all the four iPhone 16 models that’ll be available for sell outside the U.S. will support nano-SIM tray.

This is not the first time Apple’s removing SIM tray from iPhones. Recall in 2022, Apple started with iPhone 14 models where it removed SIM card slot for all iPhone 14 models and focused mainly on eSIM for users in the United States. Meanwhile, users outside the U.S. can have both eSIM and SIM tray featured in their iPhone.

Since then, Apple has been true and stand on its words. It’s also been announced on apple website that all iPhone 16 series users in the U.S. will have no choice but to use eSIM.

That’s because the latest iPhone lineup sold in the U.S. won’t feature a physical SIM card tray. However, Apple is still exempting other countries from this restriction. This initiative is part of Apple’s long time effort vouching for eSIM for all iPhone users.

As you may know, Apple has long talked about the security features and benefits of eSIM technology. One of the key benefits is that, unlike a physical/traditional SIM card, an eSIM cannot be removed in the case of theft.

This feature makes it much more secure and harder for thieves to compromise. Apple has viewed eSIM as the future of mobile connectivity, seeing it as a superior alternative to traditional/physical SIM cards.

In the past years, Apple outlined cellular plans from various carriers around the world that support eSIM. Given this, it’s not surprising that Apple continues to advocate for eSIM technology.

The benefits are clear, and it aligns with the company’s focus on creating secure, cutting-edge devices. Apple’s public stance strongly favors the shift toward a future without physical SIM cards.

However, the fact that all iPhone 16 models sold outside the U.S. still come with a SIM card tray suggests Apple isn’t ready to make the full transition yet.

The company might need more time before it can confidently eliminate physical SIM cards in international markets. This inclusion shows that while eSIM may be the goal, Apple is balancing innovation with the practical needs of global consumers.