Level 1

24 points

UK iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max – eSIM-Only Availability and Battery Differences

I’m planning to upgrade this year due to some of the features, although I do have some questions about the different configurations.

In the US, all iPhone 17 models are eSIM-only, which reportedly allows for a larger battery. Granted this is the first year they've audibly announced this.

I wanted to confirm whether the same is true in the UK, or if the other models besides the Air still include a physical SIM tray. If there are both SIM-tray and eSIM-only variants available, I would also like to understand whether this affects the quoted battery life for each model.

My main goal is to ensure I choose a model with the maximum battery capacity. If no eSIM-only option is available in the UK, it would feel a bit disappointing to pay the same price for a slightly smaller battery, even if the difference is small. Any clarification you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

iPhone 16 Pro Max

Posted on Sep 9, 2025 02:06 PM

Top-ranking reply

lobsterghost1

Community+ 2025

Level 10

175,961 points

Posted on Sep 10, 2025 05:31 AM

Wantesim wrote:

Well I was going to go for the I phone 17 pro max but as its sim only and you cannot buy e sim in the uk I’m not upgrading what’s the point of paying the same price for a smaller inferior battery it’s near enough the same as last gen very annoying Apple.

You are misinformed. A UK variant iPhone 17 won't be SIM only. It WILL have a SIM Slot, but it will also have the ability to use eSim as well. And the comment that you'd be getting an inferior battery seems a bit extreme. It will be slightly smaller as a physical SIM tray does take some space away, but the battery could hardly be considered inferior. And really, do people consider only the battery size as a reason to upgrade? What about ALL the other terrific features on the new iPhones?

All four major UK mobile network operators — EE, O2, Three, and Vodafone, fully support eSIM functionality for compatible devices. In addition to these, several other providers offer eSIMs, including Giffgaff, Honest Mobile, iD Mobile, Lyca Mobile, Sky Mobile, Spusu, Tesco Mobile, and VOXI.

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55 replies

Sep 10, 2025 06:26 AM in response to BobMcBurger

Tell Apple. You will get nowhere complaining to other users here on this user to user site.

Apple is not here. They won't see your post here. Tell Apple here:

Feedback - iPhone - Apple

Wantesim

Level 1

8 points

Sep 10, 2025 06:25 AM in response to lobsterghost1

Thankyou for your reply and the link much appreciated.

Deputy_D

Level 1

8 points

Sep 10, 2025 07:48 AM in response to lobsterghost1

Ok Thanks for your information on here I will use the feedback link.

Sep 10, 2025 08:00 AM in response to Deputy_D

Deputy_D wrote:

Ok Thanks for your information on here I will use the feedback link.

You're welcome.

Sep 11, 2025 05:32 PM in response to lobsterghost1

Ah, good catch. Brain malfunction.

Sep 11, 2025 05:45 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Bob Timmons wrote:

Ah, good catch. Brain malfunction.

No worries! 🤣

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

235,667 points

Sep 11, 2025 08:18 PM in response to BobMcBurger

That is the number of posts that Niel has made. He has been around for a while and has the most Level points of any person that has posted here.

Allan Jones

Level 9

76,538 points

Sep 12, 2025 07:20 AM in response to Wantesim

DId you read the other responses? Apple are not here.

Wantesim

Level 1

8 points

Sep 12, 2025 08:38 AM in response to Allan Jones

Yes I did thank you I was talking about specs have you read what I have said I know Apple isn’t here it’s a USER community.

tw_1

Level 1

64 points

Sep 14, 2025 02:11 AM in response to Wantesim

Two things wrong with your post. 1) the UK does have E-SIM, it’s widely available. Not sure where you heard the UK doesn’t. 2) in the UK, Apple only sells the 17 Pro/Max with a sim tray.

UK iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max – eSIM-Only Availability and Battery Differences