The rumor: Apple won’t be forcing users to switch to an eSIM only iPhone just yet, according to GlobalData analyst Emma Mohr-McClune (via MacRumors).
- “We don’t believe that Apple will take the ‘big bang’ approach—getting rid of existing systems and transferring all users to eSIMs—but rather launch an eSIM-only variant of its upcoming new model—retaining the dual eSIM-plus-physical SIM slot model for the mass market and its key carrier channel” Mohr-McClune says
- Apple is rumored in introduce at least one eSIM only iPhone in September of this year…bundled with a major redesign that is also shipping
Our take: I do think this is plausible, even though GlobalData has no track record or history of sharing Apple rumors. Apple switching the entire world to eSIM overnight will not be happening, as physical SIMs are too significant in many markets around the world. I could see Apple offering eSIM only as the default, though, with the option to order a physical SIM tray model if needed.
