iPhone 17 + eSIM: The Ultimate Travel Upgrade with Simbye
iPhone 17 goes big on eSIM — what it means for travelers (and how to set up Simbye in minutes)
Apple’s 2025 lineup — iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max and the all-new iPhone Air — doubles down on digital connectivity. The headline for travelers: more eSIM-only markets, streamlined dual-eSIM use, and a China-specific path via iPhone Air. Below, we map out where each model supports eSIM vs. physical SIM, how many eSIMs you can run, and the fastest way to get online with Simbye.
- Pre-orders start Fri, Sep 12; availability Fri, Sep 19.
- iPhone 17 / 17 Pro / Pro Max: eSIM-only in selected countries (e.g., US, UAE, KSA, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands); elsewhere they still include a nano-SIM tray.
- iPhone Air: eSIM-only worldwide — including mainland China (activation there via China Unicom; travel eSIMs must be installed outside mainland China).
- Dual lines: two active eSIMs at once; store 8+ eSIM profiles on supported models.
Where is eSIM-only — and where do you still get a tray?
Apple’s regional SKUs differ. Here’s the practical view for travelers deciding which model to import or buy locally:
| Model | Regions | SIM configuration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 / 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max | US, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands | eSIM-only | No physical tray; run two active eSIMs, store multiple profiles. More room internally for battery/thermals. |
| iPhone 17 / 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max | Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and others | eSIM + nano-SIM | Dual-SIM via eSIM + tray or dual eSIM. Handy if your local carrier is still SIM-card first. |
| iPhone 17 / 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max | Mainland China | Nano-SIM only | These models don’t support eSIM in mainland China. See iPhone Air below for China’s eSIM route. |
| iPhone Air | Worldwide (including mainland China) | eSIM-only | In mainland China, activation is through China Unicom with in-store ID check. Travel eSIMs must be installed outside mainland China (enable Location Services). |
Tip: Buying abroad? Match the region to where you’ll spend the most time. For frequent flyers, eSIM-only is usually simplest.
How many eSIMs can I use?
- Two active lines simultaneously (dual eSIM on tray-less models; eSIM + physical SIM where a tray exists).
- Store 8 or more eSIM profiles and switch in Settings as you travel.
Switching to eSIM on your new iPhone 17: 5-minute checklist
- Before unboxing: Make sure your home line supports eSIM (most major carriers do). If needed, request an eSIM conversion.
- Move your primary number: Settings → Cellular → Set Up Cellular / Add eSIM → Convert to eSIM (if your carrier supports on-device conversion).
- Add your Simbye travel eSIM: Scan the QR code from your order email (or enter SM-DP+ and activation code manually).
- Label lines clearly: e.g., “Home (DE)” and “Simbye USA”. Set Default Voice and Cellular Data per trip.
- Landing routine: Turn on Data Roaming for your Simbye plan on arrival; keep iMessage/FaceTime tied to your home number if you like.
Swap the URLs to your exact product handles.
China travel, simplified — with iPhone Air (model A3518)
- In mainland China: Activate mobile service via China Unicom in store (ID verification required).
- Outside mainland China: You can install and use international travel eSIMs (e.g., Simbye Europe/USA) on your China-purchased iPhone Air, but installation must occur outside mainland China. Keep Location Services enabled.
- Back in China: Previously installed travel eSIMs remain usable; only new non-China eSIM installations are restricted while you’re physically in mainland China.
Why the eSIM push matters for travelers
- No more airport SIM hunts: land, toggle your Simbye eSIM, you’re online.
- Clean line separation: Keep your home number active for iMessage/2FA; route data over Simbye.
- Less plastic, fewer swaps: Profiles live in Settings; add/remove in seconds.
- Better resilience: No card to lose; great if you misplace your phone — your line can’t be “pulled out”.
FAQ: iPhone 17 + eSIM with Simbye
Can my iPhone 17 run two eSIMs at the same time?
Yes. Models without a SIM tray support two active eSIMs. Models with a tray support either two eSIMs or one eSIM + one physical SIM, depending on the region SKU.
How many eSIM profiles can I store?
Eight or more. You can keep multiple travel eSIMs saved and switch which ones are active in Settings.
Is iPhone Air really eSIM-only in China?
Yes. iPhone Air is eSIM-only worldwide. In mainland China, activation is via China Unicom with an in-store ID check. International travel eSIMs can be installed when you are outside mainland China (Location Services must be on).
Do iPhone 17 models still ship with a SIM tray in Europe?
Yes. In Europe and several other regions, iPhone 17 / 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max retain the nano-SIM tray alongside eSIM, while certain markets are eSIM-only.
What’s the fastest way to get Simbye working on day one?
Buy your Simbye plan before you fly, keep the QR handy, then add it in Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM. Label it (e.g., “Simbye USA”), set it as the Data line on arrival, and toggle Data Roaming on.
Sources & further reading
- Apple Newsroom: iPhone 17; iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max; iPhone Air.
- Apple Support: Using eSIM with iPhone in mainland China (iPhone Air A3518; China Unicom; travel eSIM install rules).
- Apple Support: Using Dual SIM with an eSIM; Set up eSIM; eSIM when traveling.
- Tech Specs: iPhone 17 / 17 Pro regional SIM notes.
- Country list where iPhone 17/Pro are eSIM-only (industry coverage).
Pick your Simbye eSIM, add it in minutes, and skip the airport kiosk — every time.