iPhone 16 models sold outside the U.S. still includes SIM card tray

Yesterday, Apple unveiled the iPhone 16 series at its “Glowtime” event showcasing key features and upgrades to the latest iPhone lineup. However, some details about one of its hardware aspects have caught everyone’s attention. As per Apple’s official website, all four iPhone 16 models sold outside the U.S. will support nano-SIM. That means all the iPhone 16 models that Apple sells outside the U.S. will feature a physical SIM card tray.

All iPhone 16 models sold outside the U.S. feature a physical SIM card tray

Remember when Apple removed the physical SIM card tray from all iPhone 14 models in 2022 forcing users in the U.S. to use eSIM? This stands true to date, especially in the context of the recently launched iPhone 16 series. All iPhone 16 series users in the U.S. will have no choice but to use eSIM. That’s because the latest iPhone lineup sold in the U.S. won’t feature a physical SIM card tray. However, Apple is still exempting other countries from this restriction.

Notably, the tech specs page on Apple’s website reveals that all four iPhone 16 models still support nano-SIM cards in countries other than the U.S. This includes Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the U.K., and many other countries where Apple will sell these iPhones. That also means units sold outside the U.S. will still feature the physical SIM tray to equip the nano-SIM cards.

Apple has been vouching for eSIM for a long time now

As you may know, Apple has been quite vocal about the security benefits of eSIM. Since eSIM can’t be removed in the event of theft, it is much safer than using a physical SIM card. It is why the company considers it as the best substitute for physical SIM cards. Previously, Apple even detailed cellular plans from different carriers that support eSIM technology globally.

So, it is no surprise that Apple talks in favor of eSIM. However, the inclusion of SIM card trays in all iPhone 16 models sold outside the U.S. hints that the company wants some more time before it can fully transition towards eSIM technology.