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iPhone 17s for travellers, photographers & an eSIM warning

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. or-travellers-photographers-an-esim-warning.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, September 20th 2025 at 3:55 GMT by The West Australian
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The New iPhone 17s and the eSIM Conundrum: What Travellers and Photographers Need to Know

When Apple launched the iPhone 17 series, the headline‑grabbing headline was the phone’s dazzling OLED display and the promise of 3‑GPP5 G speeds, but beneath the glossy veneer lies a less‑publicised wrinkle that could bite a significant portion of the globe‑roaming community: the eSIM. While the Apple‑only SIM is marketed as a modern, space‑saving alternative to the traditional plastic card, the reality for frequent travellers and professional photographers is that the technology can be as tricky as it is sleek.

1. The Apple‑only eSIM: What It Is and Why It Matters

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a chip that lives inside a phone, allowing you to download a carrier profile instead of swapping out a physical SIM card. Apple introduced the feature in the iPhone 14, but the iPhone 17s are the first to make it the default for most carriers, meaning the device will often ship with a single eSIM rather than a dual‑SIM configuration (physical + eSIM). In theory, this saves space and streamlines the user experience; in practice, it imposes a logistical burden on anyone who needs reliable mobile data in unfamiliar territories.

Photographers, in particular, depend on instant upload to cloud services, real‑time geotagging, and the ability to remote‑control cameras that are tethered to a network. A sudden eSIM incompatibility can stall a shoot, cause lost metadata, and cost days in the field. And while some major carriers in the United States and Europe have embraced eSIMs, the rest of the world still lags behind—especially in regions that rely heavily on satellite or low‑bandwidth networks.

2. The Global eSIM Coverage Map: A Quick Reference

The article cites Apple’s “Global eSIM Support” page, which outlines the carriers that currently support the iPhone 17’s eSIM. For travellers, the most relevant points are:

If you’re travelling to a destination outside North America or Western Europe, the article advises double‑checking with your carrier and local providers before you depart. Apple’s support page lists a handful of international carriers that already offer eSIM, but it is not exhaustive.

3. Practical Tips for iPhone 17 Travelers and Photographers

3.1 Bring a Physical SIM or Dual‑SIM Adapter

If your destination lacks eSIM support, you have two viable workarounds:

1. Buy a physical SIM from a local operator before you go, or purchase one at the airport. Many carriers offer “tourist” or “short‑term” plans that can be activated on a local eSIM or a physical SIM.
2. Use a dual‑SIM eSIM + physical‑SIM configuration. Although the iPhone 17 ships with a single eSIM by default, you can enable the “Dual SIM” setting in Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan. This allows you to keep a local SIM active alongside an Apple‑provided eSIM plan.

3.2 Pre‑download an eSIM Profile

Once you’ve verified local support, download the eSIM profile via Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan. You will need your Apple ID credentials and may need to enter a QR code provided by the carrier or a download link. This process can be completed from anywhere that has Wi‑Fi, so you can even set it up at home.

3.3 Consider Global eSIM Providers

If your primary carrier does not support eSIM in your destination, you can use a global eSIM provider. The article links to Airalo’s Travel eSIM product line, which offers coverage in over 190 countries. Airalo’s iPhone 17‑ready eSIMs can be purchased in the App Store or via the Airalo web app. Their pricing model—pay for the data you need and avoid roaming charges—makes them a popular choice for long‑haul travellers.

3.4 Backup with a Portable Wi‑Fi Hotspot

For photographers who need high‑speed uploads, a portable Wi‑Fi hotspot (often called a “MiFi” device) can provide a reliable backup network. Many hotspots support 4G/LTE, and some now include 5G. If you’re in a remote location, consider a satellite hotspot from companies such as Inmarsat or Iridium, especially if your photos rely on real‑time upload for client review.

3.5 Keep an Eye on Local Regulations

In a handful of countries—particularly in the Middle East and parts of Africa—eSIM usage is restricted by local regulations. Some governments require that carriers be registered with a national telecom authority. The article notes that failure to adhere to local regulations can result in your eSIM being disabled mid‑trip, which would put you in a difficult spot.

4. The Photographer’s Perspective

The article quotes veteran travel photographer Lena Hartmann: “When I was shooting in Madagascar, my iPhone’s eSIM got disabled because the local carrier didn’t support it. I had to switch to a physical SIM on a flight, which delayed the entire shoot. It’s a lesson I don’t want to repeat.” Hartmann advises, “Always carry a backup physical SIM and a dual‑SIM adapter if you’re traveling to a region with uncertain eSIM support.”

Moreover, the article references a study by the International Association of Photographers (IAP), which found that 34% of professional photographers experienced connectivity issues while on assignment—and 19% of those issues were tied to eSIM incompatibility. These statistics underscore the importance of pre‑flight network planning.

5. Bottom Line: Plan Ahead, Stay Informed

The iPhone 17s’ eSIM is an elegant piece of technology, but its real‑world utility is contingent on a global network that is still catching up. For the average traveller, a quick look at Apple’s eSIM support list and a local carrier check will suffice. For photographers, however, the stakes are higher: a single lost data connection can mean a missed client deadline, a failed shoot, or even a costly reshoot.

Before you book that flight, do the following:

1. Check your carrier’s eSIM support for your destination. Use Apple’s support page or the carrier’s website.
2. Purchase a local physical SIM or a dual‑SIM plan if your destination is uncertain.
3. Explore global eSIM providers such as Airalo if you prefer to keep everything inside your iPhone.
4. Set up your eSIM profile before you leave. Double‑check that the plan activates correctly.
5. Bring a portable hotspot as a safety net for high‑bandwidth uploads.

By taking these precautions, you’ll ensure that your iPhone 17 remains a reliable companion—whether you’re capturing a sunrise over Santorini or uploading a thousand RAW files from a safari in Kenya. The eSIM may still be a gray area in some corners of the world, but with careful planning, it can remain a hidden gem rather than a stumbling block.