José Adorno/BGR
Typically, European iPhones differ from those in the U.S. because of local laws, as Apple must adhere to various Digital Markets Act (DMA) adjustments in the area. However, additional factors contribute to the distinctions between European and American iPhones. For instance, iPhones in the U.S. and some other areas are exclusively eSIM. Therefore, if you are considering purchasing the iPhone 17 series in the U.S., you will receive a device that does not support a physical SIM, which leads to approximately 5% increased battery life.
A further advantage for iPhones in the U.S. is the support for mmWave. Yet, this lightning-fast 5G connection is only available if you are using a compatible carrier in the nation. Notably, Apple has also introduced hardware variations across different regions. iPhones sold in China come with dual physical SIMs, while Japanese iPhones continuously emit a shutter sound whenever a photo is taken.
In Europe, an iPhone purchase will closely resemble most iPhones available internationally. This indicates that it will include a SIM tray compatible with one physical SIM and will offer standard 5G functionality, but excluding mmWave. Conversely, the iPhone Air will adopt a similar approach to the U.S. with an exclusive eSIM version. Nevertheless, as previously noted, software differences in European iPhones can be quite significant, but only if you possess a European Apple Account.