Apple officially unveiled the iPhone 17e today, and while the new A19 chip and doubled storage are making headlines, the most significant change for Canadian users is hidden on the side of the device: the physical SIM card tray is gone.
Following the transition that began in the United States with the iPhone 14, Apple has expanded its eSIM-only hardware design to Canada with the iPhone 17 lineup. This makes the iPhone 17e the first ‘affordable’ model in the family to ship without a physical slot in the Canadian market. All current iPhones now no longer have physical SIM card trays.
A digital-first connection
The removal of the SIM tray allows for a more seamless setup process and enhanced security. Users can now store 8 or more eSIMs on a single device and have two active at the same time. According to Apple, this shift also provides more internal space, which has been utilized to improve the device’s durability and thermal management.
The iPhone 16e that launched last year still retained a physical SIM slot. But with the iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air being eSIM only, many suspected the writing was on the wall for the physical SIM tray.
What this means for Canadian travellers
For Canadians who are used to popping in a local SIM while traveling, the iPhone 17e requires a shift in habits. Users will now need to rely on digital travel eSIM providers (such as Saily or Airalo) or roaming plans from their carrier.
Most major Canadian carriers, including Bell, Rogers, and Telus, now offer the full suite of Apple’s eSIM features, such as Carrier Activation for digital assignments at purchase and Quick Transfer for moving numbers between iPhones without a phone call.
While flanker brands like Fido, Koodo, and Virgin Plus also support these automated tools, prepaid providers like Fizz and Public Mobile typically rely on manual app-based activations or QR codes. For those seeking prepaid local lines or travel plans, almost every provider now supports some form of eSIM activation, ensuring users can stay connected without a physical SIM card.
Pre-orders for the iPhone 17e begin this Wednesday, March 4, at 6:15 a.m. PST (Apple is letting those on westcoast sleep in for 15 minutes), with official retail availability starting on Wednesday, March 11.
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