Google’s upcoming Pixel 10 series may ditch physical SIM cards entirely in the U.S., according to a new leak. The leak points to device packaging that strongly hints at a dual eSIM setup, confirming that users won’t need a traditional nano SIM card for activation.
Leaked Packaging Suggests No SIM Tray
The leak, shared by well-known tipster Evan Blass on X (formerly Twitter), shows Pixel 10 retail packaging with a clear message: “You no longer need a physical SIM card.” Instead, users will be able to activate their service directly via eSIM during setup.
https://t.co/gRsFk9FFL7 pic.twitter.com/lb27NDWcEg
— Evan Blass (@evleaks) August 19, 2025
This appears to validate earlier rumors that Google would eliminate the physical SIM slot from its Pixel 10 lineup in the U.S. market, reinforcing the industry’s steady shift toward an eSIM-only future.
Which Models Are Affected?
The Pixel 10 family includes four models this year:
- Pixel 10
- Pixel 10 Pro
- Pixel 10 Pro XL
- Pixel 10 Pro Fold
While earlier reports suggested that the Pixel 10 Pro Fold might retain a traditional nano SIM slot, the latest leak suggests that the rest of the lineup will rely exclusively on eSIM.
Why Dual eSIM Matters
The addition of dual eSIM slots means users can keep two active carrier profiles on a single device, similar to the convenience of dual SIM phones in the past. This will be particularly useful for international travelers who need a second local line or for those who want to separate personal and work numbers on the same device.
However, the change also carries some limitations. Without a physical SIM card, users can’t simply swap chips between devices. This could complicate switching to older phones or those that don’t support eSIM yet.
Industry Trend Toward eSIM
Google isn’t the first to make this move. Apple eliminated the SIM tray from iPhone 14 models in the U.S., standardizing eSIM-only setups for American consumers. By following this path, Google is signaling that physical SIM cards may soon become obsolete, at least in premium devices.
Pixel 10 Launch Timeline
The Pixel 10 series is expected to be officially announced later this week, with market availability scheduled for the end of August 2025. Beyond the SIM setup, the lineup is also rumored to include the latest Tensor G5 chipset, improved AI features, and brighter LTPO OLED displays.
If true, Google’s decision to go dual eSIM-only represents a significant step in the Pixel lineup’s evolution. While the move streamlines connectivity and points toward the future, it could spark debate among users who still rely on the flexibility of physical SIM cards.
Nonetheless, the Pixel 10 series launch later this month will provide the final confirmation — and potentially mark the beginning of the end for physical SIM cards in mainstream smartphones.