For months, rumors have suggested that the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max could completely ditch the physical SIM card slot in favor of eSIM-only connectivity worldwide. However, a fresh leak appears to challenge that idea, hinting that Apple might still retain the physical slot, at least in certain regions.
A well-known tipster on X (formerly Twitter) has shared images that reportedly show the iPhone 17 Pro’s SIM card slot. If genuine, this would mean that Apple is not fully abandoning the physical SIM option globally.
This aligns with Apple’s gradual approach to removing the SIM card slot, as seen with the iPhone 14 series in the U.S., where eSIM-only models were introduced but international versions still included the slot.
While the leak has sparked excitement among users who still prefer physical SIM cards, it’s important to note that the authenticity of the images has not been confirmed. There’s no official word from Apple, and the leaked component could potentially belong to a prototype or a different device altogether.
As with any unverified rumor, this information should be taken with a pinch of salt until Apple unveils the final product.
Beyond the SIM card slot debate, the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to bring several noteworthy changes. Reports suggest it could start with 256GB of base storage, doubling the current entry-level capacity.
Apple is also rumored to be repositioning the antennas to improve network reception and reliability. Additionally, the iPhone 17 Pro is said to feature a redesigned camera island, a claim recently reinforced by well-known case maker dbrand, which has already teased accessories based on the updated design.
The iPhone 17 series, which will include the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Plus, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, is expected to be announced in September 2025. Until then, we can expect more leaks and rumors to surface, giving us a clearer picture of what Apple has in store.
