Apple continues its pattern of eliminating traditional hardware features from iPhones. The company plans to remove physical SIM card trays from the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models. Apple offers larger battery capacities to customers who select eSIM-only variants rather than models with SIM card trays. The iPhone 17 Pro delivers 4,252 mAh battery capacity without a SIM tray compared to 3,988 mAh with one. The iPhone 17 Pro Max provides 5,088 mAh for eSIM-only versions versus 4,823 mAh for SIM tray models.
This battery capacity difference translates to approximately one additional hour of usage time. Apple previously eliminated SIM card trays from iPhone 14 models sold in the United States. The battery incentive strategy encourages wireless carriers to accelerate the adoption of eSIM technology globally. Apple creates consumer demand for eSIM-compatible devices while rewarding early adopters with improved battery performance. The approach represents Apple's broader vision of completely wireless iPhone designs.
This battery capacity difference translates to approximately one additional hour of usage time. Apple previously eliminated SIM card trays from iPhone 14 models sold in the United States. The battery incentive strategy encourages wireless carriers to accelerate the adoption of eSIM technology globally. Apple creates consumer demand for eSIM-compatible devices while rewarding early adopters with improved battery performance. The approach represents Apple's broader vision of completely wireless iPhone designs.
