Apple is preparing to roll out at least one SIM-free iPhone 17 model to more countries, with retail staff in the EU now being trained on how eSIM works.

Following the introduction of eSIM support in the iPhone, and the eventual release of an eSIM-only iPhone 14 in the United States, Apple has been preparing to eliminate SIM card usage in other countries. For the iPhone 17 launch, it seems Apple will be doing just that.

According to a source of MacRumors on Sunday, Apple is requiring employees at Apple Authorized Resellers in the European Union to complete a training course by September 5. That training course, which appears in the SEED app, is accessible to both Apple Store employees and resellers.

The training specifically discusses iPhone eSIM support. While eSIM is an iPhone feature that has been around for a few years, the required training may indicate that it will be the only way to connect to cellular networks for the inbound models.

The report says that the training is required in the EU, which consists of 27 countries. However, since SEED is available more broadly, the training may be required in more countries.

That could mean a wider SIM-free iPhone expansion.

May only be for one model

While requiring training for a specific feature could be a sign of a broader SIM-free iPhone release, it doesn't necessarily mean physical SIM cards can't be used at all. Indeed, it doesn't necessarily mean that all iPhone 17 models will be affected.

The iPhone 17 Air, also referred to as the iPhone 17 Slim, was rumored to be too thin to physically fit a SIM tray into the body, without sacrificing other features. To counter that limitation, it was claimed that the iPhone 17 Air would be an eSIM-only device.

While the U.S. iPhones do not have a physical SIM card tray anymore, the iPhone 17 Air would represent the first time Apple sells eSIM-only iPhones in other countries.

Carriers in the U.S. have largely embraced eSIM, but not all countries have done the same.

China is a major market for Apple, but its regulators have not been keen to support eSIMs in iPhones so far. However, exceptions have been made for the Apple Watch and iPad.

There is a possibility that, if the Air is the only model that doesn't have a physical SIM card tray, it may be the only model not to make it to China.