Apple iPhone 17 Launch: Global Dates, eSIM-Only Expansion, and the All-New iPhone Air

Apple has officially announced the launch of the iPhone 17 series, continuing its push toward a future without physical SIM cards. With expanded availability and a brand-new iPhone Air model, the company is setting the tone for how smartphones will connect in the years ahead. This move not only affects design and performance but also has real implications for travellers, carriers, and everyday users worldwide.

In this article, we’ll explore the key highlights of Apple’s latest iPhone release—including global launch dates, the expanded eSIM-only rollout, and the introduction of the ultra-thin iPhone Air. These shifts highlight Apple’s ongoing strategy to streamline devices, improve efficiency, and prepare the market for an eSIM-only future.

1. Global Pre-Order and Availability Dates

Customers in over 63 countries and regions—including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the UAE, the UK, the U.S., and Vietnam—can pre-order the iPhone 17 series starting Friday, September 12, at 5 a.m. PDT.

General availability begins a week later, on Friday, September 19. This global rollout highlights Apple’s continued commitment to simultaneous launches across major markets, ensuring that users worldwide can experience the latest features without long regional delays.

2. eSIM-Only Expansion for iPhone 17 Series

Building on the momentum of recent years, Apple has expanded the eSIM-only design to more countries with the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. These models ship without a physical SIM tray in select markets, meaning customers will rely exclusively on eSIM for mobile connectivity.

The list of eSIM-only countries and regions now includes:

• Bahrain
• Canada
• Guam
• Japan
• Kuwait
• Mexico
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• United States
• U.S. Virgin Islands

Models sold in other regions, such as Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea, will retain the nano-SIM tray alongside eSIM support. In China, however, the standard iPhone 17 models support nano-SIM cards only.

A major advantage of these eSIM-only models is the extra internal space gained from removing the SIM tray, allowing for a larger battery. Reports suggest this could deliver up to two additional hours of video playback—an appealing upgrade for power users.

3. iPhone Air: eSIM-Only Worldwide, Including China

Alongside the flagship iPhone 17 lineup, Apple introduced the all-new iPhone Air, its thinnest smartphone yet. Unlike the main models, the iPhone Air is eSIM-only in every country where it’s sold—including China.

For the Chinese market, the iPhone Air (model A3518) is priced at 7,999 RMB for 256GB and 9,999 RMB for 512GB. Customers can activate an eSIM through China Unicom.

Travelling outside China mainland with the iPhone Air (A3518) is straightforward: users can activate an eSIM from a local carrier, provided that location services are enabled. However, non-China mainland eSIMs cannot be installed while physically located in mainland China.

More details can be found on Apple’s support page: Learn more about eSIM support in China.

Final Thoughts

With the iPhone 17 series and the introduction of the iPhone Air, Apple has taken another bold step in shaping the future of mobile connectivity. By expanding its eSIM-only approach and eliminating the SIM tray in more regions, the company is not just refining design but also influencing global carrier adoption.

While some users may need time to adjust—especially travellers accustomed to swapping physical SIMs—the long-term benefits of bigger batteries, simplified setup, and eco-friendly design suggest that Apple’s strategy is here to stay. The iPhone 17 lineup makes it clear: the era of physical SIM cards is coming to an end.