- The iPhone 17 could go eSIM-only in more countries
- Changes are tipped for the Apple Clear Case accessory
- The launch is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9
Apple is almost certainly going to make the iPhone 17 official on Tuesday, September 9, but as we count down the days to the big launch event, the leaks are continuing – including fresh rumors around eSIMs and the official Apple Clear Case.
Current iPhone models are eSIM-only in the US, and according to a source speaking to MacRumors, retail employees at Apple Authorized Resellers in the EU are now being told to prepare to handle iPhones without physical SIM cards as well.
With eSIMs offering better security and more convenience, the move isn’t really much of a surprise. Google has now gone eSIM-only for the first time with the new Google Pixel 10 series, though for now this only applies to phones sold in the US.
New iPhones, new cases
You’ve probably already seen the new iPhone 17 clear case, but here’s another look at it. Would you prefer an all-clear version? pic.twitter.com/jsCPankDkxSeptember 1, 2025
The other iPhone 17 leak doing the rounds today concerns the iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case with MagSafe – one of the official cases Apple is expected to launch for the new handset (and which it already offers for the iPhone 16 Pro).
As per images posted by tipsters @MajinBuOfficial and @SonnyDickson, there will be some tweaks to the design. Less of the case will be transparent, with a panel covering most of the back of the phone and hiding the MagSafe connectors.
We can also see there’s a bigger cut-out for the cameras at the top, backing up the leaked renders we’ve seen of the redesign of this phone. The Apple logo also gets shifted down so it’s in the center of the space below the cameras.
It also looks as though the case will support the new Crossbody Strap accessory that’s been rumored, which lets you carry your iPhone with a magnetic lanyard. In a little over a week, we’ll know for sure what Apple has been working on.
