The new iPhone Air has landed - and it’s great news for eSIM connectivity

The latest and greatest from Apple has arrived – the iPhone Air – and one feature signals a profound shift in the mobile industry: this is the first eSIM-only iPhone to launch globally*, not just in the US.

This move is more than just a change in hardware; it’s a definitive step away from physical SIM cards on a worldwide scale. For years, the physical SIM tray has been a universal but clunky standard, requiring users to purchase, insert, and swap-out tiny plastic cards. Now, Apple is leading the charge toward a more digital, flexible, and convenient future.

• Super thin, super light yet still durable, the iPhone Air includes a new ultra thin and light weight design that doesn’t compromise on performance.
• Improved cameras for capturing both incredible photos and pro-level videos.
• The new A19 Pro processor delivers remarkable battery life and a seamless experience using Apple Intelligence tools and gaming. According to Apple, the iPhone Air is the most power‑efficient iPhone ever made.
• iOS 26 comes included with all the new iPhones announced on September 9 2025 with its exciting updates to make eSIM use even more streamlined – read more about iOS 26 here.

Before the announcement of an eSIM-only iPhone, it was estimated that global travel eSIM users will grow by 440% in the next 5 years (Juniper Research) and that retail spend on travel eSIMs will increase from $3.3bn to $10bn in the next 3years (Kaleido Intelligence). The market has already shifted, user demand for seamless, digital connectivity has never been higher, and Apple's global adoption of eSIM-only technology for the iPhone Air will accelerate this trend.

Network operators and service providers worldwide need to adapt and innovate. If you haven’t already considered offering eSIMs to your customers, now is the time to embrace the future of mobile connectivity.

*Note: There are some variations to how eSIMs can be used in mainland China on the iPhone Air, this Apple support article goes into further detail - https://support.apple.com/en-us/123879