Published on November 3, 2025•2 min read

iPhone 17 Goes Bigger on eSIM — and Even the Batteries Benefit

iPhone 17 Goes Bigger on eSIM — and Even the Batteries Benefit

Quick take: Early teardowns show Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup leans harder into eSIM-only models globally—and uses the freed-up SIM tray space for larger batteries on eSIM-only units. Great news for travelers who rely on digital plans like Figabytes eSIM. MacRumors

What changed this year

  • Wider eSIM-only rollout: All iPhone 17 models are eSIM-only in the U.S., Canada, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other markets—no physical SIM tray. MacRumors

  • Extra space = bigger batteries (on eSIM-only models): Apple is now filling the space once used by the SIM tray (or a plastic placeholder) with battery, delivering tangible capacity bumps vs. SIM-tray versions. MacRumors

  • Under-the-hood upgrades: A new vapor chamber for cooling, larger camera lenses, and Apple’s N1 wireless chip (Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread) appear in early teardowns. MacRumors

iphone 17 pro inside

Battery capacities at a glance (iPhone 17 family)

ModelWith SIM TrayeSIM-OnlyYoY increase (eSIM-only)iPhone 17TBD3,692 mAh+3.7%iPhone Air—3,149 mAh—iPhone 17 Pro3,988 mAh4,252 mAh+18.7%iPhone 17 Pro Max4,823 mAh5,088 mAh+8.6%

For context, iPhone 16 capacities were: 16 (3,561 mAh), 16 Plus (4,674 mAh), 16 Pro (3,582 mAh), 16 Pro Max (4,685 mAh). MacRumors

Why this matters for Figabytes eSIM users

  • Longer runtime on travel data: Bigger batteries on eSIM-only units = more hours navigating, tethering, and using maps on Figabytes without hunting for power. MacRumors

  • Seamless setup: With eSIM standard in more countries, you can land, scan your Figabytes QR (or enter the code), toggle Data Roaming, and go—no kiosk, no plastic.

  • Better radios, cooler phone: The N1 wireless chip and improved cooling should help sustained 5G and Wi-Fi use on long travel days. MacRumors

Traveler checklist (iPhone 17 + Figabytes)

  1. Install over Wi-Fi before you fly (QR or manual SM-DP+ code).

  2. Set Mobile Data to Figabytes; enable Data Roaming on arrival.

  3. If data doesn’t start, add the Figabytes APN from your order, then toggle Airplane Mode.

The bottom line

Apple is accelerating the eSIM-only future—and now it’s not just simpler; on many iPhone 17 units it’s also better for battery life. If you’re traveling, pairing an iPhone 17 with Figabytes eSIM gives you quick activation, flexible data packs, and more stamina for your day.

Install your eSIM with confidence

Follow this guided checklist from device prep to activation. Figabytes eSIMs stay ready in your account, so you can install today and switch them on the moment you land.

Most unlocked phones from 2018 onward support eSIM. Run these pre-checks now so activation is stress-free when you land.

  • Make sure your device is unlocked and supports eSIM (iPhone XR/XS or newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer, Google Pixel 4 or newer, and most recent flagships).
  • Stay connected to Wi-Fi during installation so the eSIM profile downloads instantly.

iPhone & iPad

Settings → General → About. Under "Digital SIM," confirm an EID is listed.

Android

Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs (or Connections). Look for "Add eSIM" or "Download a SIM instead."

Unsure about compatibility? Ask our team before you buy.