Some iPhone 14 models might not have a SIM card slot

iPhone 13 Pro Max
An iPhone 13 Pro Max (Image credit: TechRadar)

We’re expecting big changes for the iPhone 14 range, and one of those changes might affect the humble SIM card, as the iPhone 14 might not have a removable one – or at least some versions of it might not.

This is according to Emma Mohr-McClune, a Technology Service Director at GlobalData, who claims that Apple will probably launch an eSIM-only variant of one or more iPhone 14 models.

Current iPhones already have an eSIM (that being a digital SIM card, rather than a physical one that you can swap out), but they also have a slot for a physical SIM card. So if Mohr-McClune is right, that slot might be removed on a version of the iPhone 14.

Apparently it’s likely that this model would mostly be sold direct from Apple, albeit partnered with mobile networks, while a dual-SIM version with both physical and eSIMs would remain the mainstream option.

From the sounds of things this is more a prediction than any sort of inside information, so we’d certainly take it with a pinch of salt, but it’s been rumored for a while that Apple will eventually move to eSIM-only.

So this approach would make sense, providing a smoother, more gradual transition to an eSIM-only future.


Analysis: eSIMs are the future, and that’s a good thing

It’s likely only a matter of time until Apple ditches physical SIM cards. Beyond rumors that this will happen, the fact that eSIMs have been present in its phones for years suggests that it sees these as the future.

That’s a good thing too, as eSIMs have lots of advantages over physical ones. They take up less space than a traditional SIM card, so that space can be used for other components, or they can allow for a smaller device. eSIMs can also theoretically support multiple networks at the same time, and allow you to switch network without switching a physical SIM card.

So they’re a slicker, more modern solution than the SIM cards most of us are still using currently. But they need both networks and consumers to fully embrace them, and a big company like Apple pushing for that is likely to speed the process up.

Via BGR

TOPICS

James is a freelance phones, tablets and wearables writer and sub-editor at TechRadar. He has a love for everything ‘smart’, from watches to lights, and can often be found arguing with AI assistants or drowning in the latest apps. James also contributes to 3G.co.uk, 4G.co.uk and 5G.co.uk and has written for T3, Digital Camera World, Clarity Media and others, with work on the web, in print and on TV.

Read more
A person using a smartphone and laptop.
How to check if your phone supports eSIM
iPhone 16 in ultra marine
The latest iPhone 17 leak hints at one iPhone 16 feature that might not change
Apple iPhone 16 Review
The iPhone 17 might miss out on Apple’s latest new feature – but it’s not one you’d expect
An iPhone 15 Pro Max held in the hand
iPhone 17 Air – 5 key rumored features, from an ultra-thin frame to so-so battery life
a render image of the Apple C1 modem chip
Apple’s C1 chip could be a big deal for iPhones – here’s why
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max REVIEW
I want the iPhone 17 to get rid of the Dynamic Island – but not for the reason you think
Latest in iPhone
Apple iPhone 16 Pro HANDS ON
Leaked iPhone 17 dummy units may have given us our best look yet at all four models
Three iPhone 16 handsets on show
Apple could launch an iPhone 17 Ultra this year – but we've heard these rumors before
Apple iPhone 16 Pro on sky blue background with don't miss text overlay
Verizon has just quietly debuted its best iPhone 16 Pro deal yet - get it for free alongside a plan that costs just $25/mo
Apple iPhone 16e on blue background with big savings text overlay
Total Wireless' latest iPhone 16e deal gets you $300 off plus a cheap plan for a year
The Apple iPhone 16e held at a slant at a window
From iPhone to Android and (almost) back again – the iPhone 16e failed to lure me back to iOS
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max REVIEW
The latest iPhone 17 Pro Max leak may have given us another look at its upcoming redesign
Latest in News
Google Pixel 8a in aloe green showing
Google Pixel 9a benchmark link teases the performance of the upcoming mid-ranger
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #1148)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #379)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #645)
Apple iPhone 16 Pro HANDS ON
Leaked iPhone 17 dummy units may have given us our best look yet at all four models
A super close up image of the Google Gemini app in the Play Store
It's official: Google Assistant will be retired for phones this year, with Gemini taking over