Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Shenzhen Mod Adds Physical SIM Slot to eSIM-Only iPhone Air

The proof-of-concept swaps the Taptic Engine for a smaller motor to make room for a tray, underscoring the compromises required to bring back a card slot.

Overview

  • Images shared by Ice Universe show an iPhone Air with a SIM tray beside the USB‑C port, credited to a Huaqiangbei shop in Shenzhen.
  • The mod removes Apple’s Taptic Engine and installs a smaller vibration motor, creating space for the tray at the cost of weaker haptics.
  • Reports say the altered phone placed calls, used 5G data, and appeared to retain IP68 protection, though independent verification is limited.
  • The change would void the warranty and could affect factors like battery life, with no long-term reliability testing available.
  • Coverage presents the work as a Shenzhen-style one-off rather than a consumer offering, with 9to5Mac noting typical online skepticism over authenticity without confirming a hoax.