The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will launch in Saudi Arabia without a physical SIM card slot, requiring users to activate an eSIM upon first use. This change affects 12 markets, including Bahrain, Canada, and Japan. Apple’s decision marks a shift toward digital-only connectivity, aligning with global trends in mobile technology. Users in these regions will need to scan a QR code or enter a SIM number during setup. The absence of a SIM tray simplifies device design but may pose challenges for users unfamiliar with eSIM technology.
In unrelated news, the Trump administration has reportedly empowered Saudi Arabia and Yemen to manage the ongoing conflict in Yemen. Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for an attack on a U.S. Unmanned vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. The UK Maritime Trade Organisation reported that projectiles struck two ships off the coast of Oman, raising concerns about regional security. These developments highlight the complex geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.
