After reading through this whole thread, here’s my perspective:
I completely understand why some European customers still prefer having a SIM tray, even though I personally would go for eSIM. Europe is clearly in a transition phase, and within a couple of years, I’m confident that eSIM will become the standard. Here in Ireland, several providers already offer eSIM alongside traditional SIM cards, so it wouldn’t surprise me if Apple switches to eSIM-only models across Europe very soon.
That said, my only suggestion (rather than complaint) is that Apple should have given European customers the choice between the two variants: eSIM-only or SIM + eSIM. Technically, eSIM-only iPhones sold in the U.S. or other regions already meet all global mobile standards and can be used perfectly well in Europe.
When you’re spending over €1,000 on a device, it feels fair to expect the option to choose — especially when the eSIM-only models come with a noticeably larger battery. In Europe, we’re often paying higher prices (since EUR and GBP pricing is usually on par with USD) but receiving fewer options. The battery difference between models — around 5–10%, depending on whether it’s the iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max — is not negligible.
To put it simply: a U.S. iPhone 17 Pro Max (eSIM-only) with one year of use and 95% battery health would still deliver roughly the same endurance as a brand-new European model with a SIM tray. That’s a significant difference in day-to-day use.
At the moment, the only way for me in Ireland to get an eSIM-only version is to import one from an eSIM-only market and then pay an additional 23% VAT — which feels quite unfair during this transition phase. That’s why I believe Apple should have given European customers the choice.
As for me, I was lucky enough to have a friend in Saudi Arabia bring one over. In the end, I paid about €150 less (around 10% cheaper) and got a phone with a 5% larger battery. A win-win — but it really shouldn’t have to be this complicated.
