The 5.6mm iPhone Air ditches physical SIM support entirely.
Apple’s iPhone 17 series is here, and for the first time, it includes the iPhone Air – the thinnest iPhone ever at just 5.6mm. Its slim profile comes with a big change: the iPhone Air supports only eSIM, eliminating the physical SIM tray entirely.
iPhone Air goes eSIM-only for ultimate thinnessApple’s new iPhone Air achieves its record-breaking 5.6mm thickness by removing the physical SIM tray and relying entirely on eSIM technology. This design choice saves internal space, helping make the device incredibly light and thin while still packing the usual iPhone features.An eSIM provides better flexibility, security and connectivity compared to traditional SIM cards. It is now an industry standard, supported by over 500 carriers worldwide, including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and more. Travelers can also benefit from eSIM with affordable international roaming plans from their home carriers or local prepaid options available through more than 200 networks.From a security standpoint, eSIM cannot be physically removed, so if the phone is lost or stolen, it stays protected. Managing travel eSIMs is also easier with iOS 26’s streamlined setup process.
