Sources say Apple has considered removing SIM card slots from some iPhone 14 / Pro series models

Thanks to CTOnews.com netizens Wu Yanzu in South China for the delivery of clues! CTOnews.com, Sept. 5 (Xinhua)-- according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple has discussed the idea of introducing an iPhone without some SIM card slots by next year. Gurman said in his latest Power On newsletter that the move will be part of Apple's push to popularize eSIM.

Gurman said SIM card slots on some iPhone 14 models may be removed, and Apple is expected to make the announcement in three days, although he says the change is not likely to happen until next year's iPhone 15.

"Apple will give eSIM a bigger boost this time, and operators are ready to guide users to use digital embedded SIM cards instead of physical cards. In fact, Apple has considered completely eliminating physical SIM card slots for some models from this year or next year."

CTOnews.com learned that eSIM is a digital SIM card that allows users to activate cellular numbers provided by operators without having to use physical nano-SIM cards. The availability of eSIM is expanding rapidly, but the technology is not available in all countries, so some iPhone models with SIM card slots will remain available during the transition period.

Chinese mainland's iPhone does not support eSIM at this time. In Hong Kong and Macau, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone SE (Generation 2 and Generation 3), and iPhone XS support eSIM.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 14 / Pro series at a special event in the early hours of Sept. 8, Beijing time. Other products that may be released include Apple Watch Series 8, the new Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Pro and the new AirPods Pro.