Apple(US:AAPL) 3 6 Ke·2025-04-02 01:08Core Viewpoint - The iPhone 17 Air is set to eliminate the physical SIM card slot, transitioning to eSIM technology, which is currently being tested by a domestic operator in China [1][3][13]. Group 1: eSIM Implementation and Market Impact - China Unicom has been actively collaborating with Apple on eSIM services since 2018, indicating a strong likelihood of eSIM support for the iPhone [3][12]. - The iPhone 17 Air will be the first model to completely remove the physical SIM card slot globally, potentially pushing the mobile industry towards a full eSIM adoption [13][15]. - The global eSIM connections reached 460 million in 2022, with projections to grow to 1.9 billion by 2027, driven primarily by smartwatches and IoT devices [17]. Group 2: Advantages and Challenges of eSIM - eSIM technology allows for more efficient use of internal space in devices, which is crucial for the slim design of the iPhone 17 Air, measuring only 5.5mm thick [9][20]. - eSIM enhances security by making it harder for thieves to misuse stolen devices, as the eSIM cannot be easily removed [9][12]. - However, the migration process for eSIM can be complicated, especially between different brands, which may deter some users from adopting the technology [11][18]. Group 3: Consumer Reception and Future Outlook - The transition to eSIM may increase user retention for Apple, as the complexity of switching between platforms could discourage users from moving to Android devices [14][20]. - Consumer acceptance of the iPhone 17 Air's eSIM-only design will be a test for future models, as not all users may find the eSIM migration process convenient [18][20]. - The current market still shows a preference for devices that support both eSIM and physical SIM cards, suggesting that Apple may need to balance user needs in future releases [20].