iPhone Upgrade Dilemma

By David Lai, 19 September, 2025

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Hi everyone,

I'm interested in upgrading from the 13 mini to the base model iPhone 17. However, with more countries being forced with ESim, I'm running into a big problem.

I got my US number in 2019, and since then have only changed from the first gen SE to the 13 mini, only needing me to plug the Sim card into the phone. I've never upgraded to ESIM. I also travel to China from time to time, and a physical Sim is more commonly used there.

I don't want a US phone with no Sim tray, but I don't want a Chinese phone either, because there's no FaceTime audio or Apple Intelligence support.

How can I upgrade? How long should I wait before looking at my upgrade options?

Thank you very much!

Options

Comments

By Manuel on Friday, September 19, 2025 - 11:44

Do I understand your dilemma correctly? You want to get a new phone but with the ability to hold a physical SIM?
Couldn't you get an iPhone from Europe then and pay with a credit card or any other payment method that allows to pay in foreign currencies?

By David Lai on Friday, September 19, 2025 - 11:47

That's my situation I'm facing. I want a phone with physical sim plus facetime audio and AI support, so neither a US nor Chinese phone. Your idea is great, who knows, maybe there might be a European phone out there for me to grab in dollars instead of paying for customs / exchange rates, ETC?

By Manuel on Friday, September 19, 2025 - 12:14

I think that this is not possible except you buy an used iPhone 17 model later this/next year from someone who bought it in Europe.

By Holger Fiallo on Friday, September 19, 2025 - 12:16

Believe you still can use the iPhone without what you need. Check on Nov with your phone company and let them know about your situation. I know Verizon always have deal for iPhone. Unless you going to live in China. PS heard the basic 17 is much better than the air. When you go to China, you can get a plan that will help you.

By David Lai on Friday, September 19, 2025 - 12:48

I'll call Mint Mobile and see what they say about it.

By Brian on Friday, September 19, 2025 - 13:30

Hi,

Isn't Apple Intelligence, and FaceTime audio, just software features? You say a Chinese phone won't have them, but isn't that just because of its region?
What I am asking here, is that if you got yourself a Chinese phone, but had your region set up for US, or wherever you live, won't you have access to all of the software features, compatible for that device, based on its selected region?

Genuinely asking here.

TIA.

By David Lai on Friday, September 19, 2025 - 13:33

Hi Brian

No, that won't work. My first iPhone, the original SE, was a Chinese phone. Regardless my region or physical location, FaceTime audio is disabled for a phone bought and sold in Mainland China. This is hardware level limitation. That's why I'm rather picky. I need physical sim, and all features usable.

Hope this helps.

By Brian on Friday, September 19, 2025 - 13:38

Thanks for clarifying that.

By David Lai on Friday, September 19, 2025 - 13:56

I just called Mint Mobile, my service provider. They told me that iPhone 14 and up are ESIM only. Due to my situation, this won't be for me. I guess I'll have to play the waiting game.

By Holger Fiallo on Friday, September 19, 2025 - 14:28

I am sure Apple will be having iPhones with what you need. Is there someone who you trust in China to look for the phone after the new is out?