iPhone 18 Pro is eSIM-Only in These Countries

Apple has been phasing out the SIM card tray on iPhones, with the latest models relying solely on eSIM technology in select countries. According to Apple, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max support eSIMs only in these countries and regions: Bahrain Canada Guam Japan Kuwait Mexico Oman Qatar Saudi Arabia United Arab Emirates United States U.S. Virgin Islands iPhone 17 Pro models are eSIM-only in the same countries, so there is no change this year. iPhone 18 Pro models continue to have a tray for a physical SIM card in all other countries around the world, including in the U.K. and the rest of Europe. If you are unaware, an eSIM is essentially a digital version of a SIM card. Apple says eSIM-only iPhone models are equipped with a larger battery that fills the space formerly occupied by the physical SIM card tray. Earlier today, we reported on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max battery capacities listed on EU regulatory labels, but note that these figures are for models that still have a SIM card tray. Apple started phasing out SIM cards starting with the iPhone 14 series, in the U.S. only at first. iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models sold in European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and elsewhere still have nano-SIM card trays alongside eSIM support. In China, the devices support one of the following combinations: two nano-SIM cards, one nano-SIM card and one eSIM, or two eSIMs. iPhone Duo features an eSIM-only design worldwide. When the iPhone 14 series launched in 2022, Apple promoted eSIMs as being more secure than physical SIM cards, as they cannot be removed from an iPhone that is lost or stolen. In addition, at least eight eSIMs can be managed on an iPhone at once, eliminating the need to obtain, carry, and swap SIM cards while traveling. Popular StoriesiPhone 18 Pro Prices Estimated Ahead of September 9 Apple EventThursday September 3, 2026 3:41 am PDT by Tim HardwickLess than a week before Apple debuts new iPhone 18 Pro models, research firm TrendForce estimated the prices of the devices based on the latest hardware cost environment. TrendForce's price estimates compared to last year's models look like this: Model Starting Price Model Starting Price Change iPhone 17 Pro $1,099 iPhone 18 Pro $1,24...iPhone 18 Pro: Nine Reasons Not to Upgrade This YearMonday September 7, 2026 5:01 am PDT by Tim HardwickApple is set to unveil new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models on Wednesday, September 9, and the devices are expected to feature a design that's largely similar to the iPhone 17 Pro models, with a peppering of enhancements inside. Major changes are not expected until next year, when Apple is expected to introduce a radically redesigned 20th-anniversary iPhone. If you're thinking of...Apple Event: Six New Products to Expect on September 9Thursday August 27, 2026 8:00 am PDT by Joe RossignolApple has announced that it will be holding an event on Wednesday, September 9 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, with the company widely expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, its first-ever foldable iPhone, and more. Other products expected to be announced at the event include an Apple Watch Series 12 with a ceramic case option, an Apple Watch Ultra 4, AirPods 5 with and without...