Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro is making waves not only for its sleek design but also for what lies beneath the surface. A new teardown provides a closer look at the internal upgrades, showcasing some of the most significant changes Apple has introduced in recent years.
A YouTube channel has released a teardown of the iPhone 17 Pro, giving a detailed view of its internal components. Unlike recent U.S. models, this version still includes a SIM card tray, a feature many assumed Apple had already phased out.
The teardown highlights several notable changes. The rear camera lenses are visibly larger, signaling improvements in optics and low-light photography. Apple has also integrated a vapor chamber cooling system, built to better manage heat during heavy use. Another major addition is the Apple-designed N1 chip, which supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity.
Battery performance has been another area of focus. By analyzing multiple teardowns alongside Apple’s EU energy labels, most battery capacities across the iPhone 17 lineup are now confirmed. This includes both SIM and eSIM-only models of the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air.
In previous generations, from the iPhone 14 to the iPhone 16, Apple removed the SIM card tray in the U.S. and replaced it with a plastic filler. The iPhone 17 changes that approach. eSIM-only versions now use the extra space for larger batteries, offering improved endurance without altering the form factor.
Currently, Apple sells eSIM-only iPhone 17 models in markets including the U.S., Canada, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The strategy makes Apple’s global shift away from physical SIM cards clear.