UAE iPhone 18 Pro drops physical SIM slot: eSIM switch guide for e&, du, Virgin Mobile

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max sold in the UAE will not include a physical SIM tray, requiring users to switch to eSIM technology. Existing customers can convert their physical SIMs to eSIMs through their operators while keeping their current phone numbers. Both major UAE operators, e& and du, allow existing customers to convert physical SIMs to eSIMs via their mobile apps, with e& offering free replacements through facial recognition and du charging about Dh20. Virgin Mobile also supports the switch at no extra charge, and new connections can be activated digitally. The eSIM-only models are sold in the UAE, US, Saudi Arabia, and several other regions, following Apple's broader move away from physical SIM slots. The iPhone Air, launched in September 2025, was Apple's first device to eliminate the SIM tray globally across all markets.