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14 Best Watches From the Red Carpet Emmy Awards 2025

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The 77th Emmy Awards were full of big wins and unforgettable moments. From Tramell Tillman’s historic achievement as the first Black man to win Best Supporting Actor in a Drama, to Adolescence star Owen Cooper making history as the youngest male Emmy winner ever at just 15, the evening was full of milestones. Meanwhile, The White Lotus, despite its buzz and 23 nominations, only took home a single award—setting the stage for what fans hope will be a stronger comeback in season 4.

But beyond the trophies, the red carpet once again became a showcase for horology. The stars displayed some of the finest timepieces in the world, proving that the right watch is just as important as the tuxedo. Vacheron Constantin stole the spotlight with three appearances, while Audemars Piguet found its moment on the wrists of Benny Blanco and Tillman. Elsewhere, Colman Domingo’s Omega and Noah Wyle’s Cartier Tank demonstrated why the classics never go out of style. In short, the Emmy red carpet wasn’t just about fashion — it was about watches that told stories as memorable as the wins themselves.

Here are the 14 best watches from the Emmy Awards 2025.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin

1. Walton Goggins’s Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin

  • Brand: Vacheron Constantin
  • Model: Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin
  • Reference: 4300V/220R-H144
  • Diameter: 41.5 mm
  • Thickness: 8.1 mm
  • Material: 18K pink gold
  • Dial Colour: Golden-lacquered dial, sunburst satin-finished base & velvet-finished minutes track.
  • Calibre: 1120 QP/1
  • Power Reserve: 40 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 5 Bar (50 metres, 165 feet)
  • Price: CHF ₣115,000 – USD $143,000

Walton Goggins may not have taken home a trophy on Emmys night, but he definitely looked like a champion with what was on his wrist. The actor wore the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin (Ref. 4300V/220R-H144), a stunning piece in 18K pink gold. At 41.5 mm, the watch strikes a perfect balance between elegance and presence, featuring a golden-lacquered dial that catches the light beautifully. It also includes advanced complications — such as a perpetual calendar and a moon phase set against a starry backdrop — all contained within a case just 8.1 mm thick. The price? About $143,000, making it one of the night’s most impressive (and costly) accessories.

IWC Schaffhausen Portofino Complete Calendar Ref. IW359001| Image: Supplied

2. James Marsden IWC Schaffhausen Portofino Complete Calendar

  • Brand: IWC Schaffhausen
  • Model: Portofino Complete Calendar
  • Reference: IW359001
  • Diameter: 41 mm
  • Thickness: 11.7 mm
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Dial Colour: Silver Plated Dial
  • Calibre: 32150
  • Power Reserve: 72 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 5 Bar (50 metres, 165 feet)
  • Price: USD $10,700

On the Emmys red carpet, amidst a mix of bold statement pieces and six-figure complications, one watch distinguished itself through its understated elegance: the IWC Schaffhausen Portofino Complete Calendar. Worn by James Marsden, this 41 mm stainless steel watch features a simple, silver-plated dial with well-proportioned subdials for the date, day, month, and moon phase. It exudes a subtle sophistication rather than an obvious flash, making it ideal for Marsden’s polished appearance. Priced at around $10,700 USD, it strikes a balance—proving that timeless style can be accessible without reaching into the six-figure range.

Audemars Piguet Code 11:59 Perpetual Calendar Ref. 26494BC.OO.D350KB.01 | Image: Supplied

3. Tramell Tillman’s Audemars Piguet Code 11:59 Perpetual Calendar

  • Brand: Audemars Piguet
  • Model: Code 11:59 Perpetual Calendar
  • Reference: 26494BC.OO.D350KB.01
  • Diameter: 41 mm
  • Thickness: 10.6 mm
  • Material: 18-Carat White Gold
  • Dial Colour: Smoked Blue Embossed Dial
  • Calibre: 7138
  • Power Reserve: 55 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 3 Bar (30 metres, 100 feet)
  • Price: USD $114,800

It was already a historic night for Tramell Tillman, who became the first Black actor to win Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his compelling performance as Mr. Milchik in Severance. But he didn’t stop there — his wrist-wear also drew attention. Tillman wore the Audemars Piguet Code 11:59 Perpetual Calendar (Ref. 26494BC.OO.D350KB.01), a stunning 41 mm timepiece in 18K white gold with an aventurine-blue dial that immediately echoes the sterile glow of Lumon’s office halls. Unveiled for the brand’s 150th anniversary, this model is a technical marvel, capable of being fully adjusted with a single crown while elegantly displaying day, date, month, leap year, and moon phases. Price? Around USD $114,800 — which means Tillman’s Emmy wasn’t the only thing shining bright that night.

Breguet Classique Souscription Ref.2025BH/28/9W6 | Image: Supplied

4. Nate Bargatze’s Breguet Classique Souscription 2025BH/28/9W6

  • Brand: Breguet
  • Model: Classique Souscription
  • Reference: 2025BH/28/9W6
  • Diameter: 40 mm
  • Thickness: 10.8 mm
  • Material: Rose Gold
  • Dial Colour: White Dial
  • Calibre: VS00
  • Power Reserve: 96 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 3 Bar (30 metres, 100 feet)
  • Price: Price On Request

Nate Bargatze may have spent the night cracking jokes as host of the 77th Emmy Awards, but his wrist game was pure business. Pairing his Canali tux with the Breguet Classique Souscription (Ref. 2025BH/28/9W6), he went full old-school refinement. The rose gold case (40 mm x 10.8 mm) housed a crisp white guilloché dial with those unmistakable Breguet hands — timeless details that quietly flex heritage without trying too hard. Underneath, the Calibre VS00 movement packs a serious 96-hour power reserve, meaning it keeps going long after the punchlines stop. Price? Let’s just say it’s “on request,” which is Breguet’s way of saying, if you have to ask, you’re probably not hosting the Emmys.

Omega Speedmaster Ref. 310.20.42.50.02.001 | Image: Supplied

5. Colman Domingo’s OMEGA Speedmaster

  • Brand: OMEGA
  • Model: Speedmaster
  • Reference: Ref. 310.20.42.50.02.001
  • Diameter: 42 mm
  • Thickness: 13.18 mm
  • Material: Moonshine™ gold On Steel
  • Dial Colour: Silver Dial
  • Calibre: Omega 3861
  • Power Reserve: 50 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 5 Bar (50 metres, 165 feet)
  • Price: USD $20,400

Colman Domingo might have been one of the most talked-about men on the red carpet, but it wasn’t just his Valentino look that had fashion and watch fans going crazy over at — it was what he had on his wrist. And really, if there’s anyone out there who knows how to rock an OMEGA, it’s Colman Domingo. He sported the OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional, an updated take on the classic timepiece that famously accompanied astronauts to the moon. The 42 mm wrist candy looked out of this world on Domingo, too, featuring a bi-colour design in stainless steel and 18-karat Moonshine gold, complete with small seconds, 30-minute, and 12-hour subdials. Adding this cosmic piece to your own collection? That’ll set you back around USD $20,000.

6. Benny Blanco’s Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold

  • Brand: Audemars Piguet
  • Model: Royal Oak Frosted Gold
  • Reference: 77450BA.GG.1361BA.01
  • Diameter: 34 mm
  • Thickness: 8.8 mm
  • Material: 18-Carat Yellow Gold
  • Dial Colour: Yellow Gold-Plated Crystal Sand Finished Dial
  • Calibre: 5800
  • Power Reserve: 48 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 5 Bar (50 metres, 165 feet)
  • Price: USD $68,500

Benny Blanco didn’t just walk onto the Emmys red carpet — he sauntered in like a man whose year couldn’t possibly get any bigger. Fresh off making headlines for his marriage to Selena Gomez, the producer-turned-style icon kept his wrist game just as buzzworthy. On his wrist? The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold (Ref. 77450BA.GG.1361BA.01) — crafted in 18-carat yellow gold with a yellow gold–plated crystal sand finished dial. The glittering frosted finish catches the light like stardust, while the iconic octagonal bezel cements its legendary status. Priced at USD$68,500, this isn’t merely a watch; it’s a statement piece. With a trophy wife and a trophy watch, Benny Blanco has effortlessly made his mark on the red carpet.

OMEGA De Ville Prestige Ref. 434.53.41.20.03.001 | Image: Supplied

7. Tayme Thapthimthong’s OMEGA De Ville Prestige

  • Brand: OMEGA
  • Model: De Ville Prestige
  • Reference: 434.53.41.20.03.001
  • Diameter: 41 mm
  • Thickness: 10.77 mm
  • Material:  Sedna™ gold
  • Dial Colour: Blue Dial
  • Calibre: OMEGA 8802
  • Power Reserve: 55 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 3 Bar (30 metres, 100 feet)
  • Price: USD $15,500

Tayme Thapthimthong, one of the rising stars from The White Lotus, added his own touch of elegance to the 2025 Emmys red carpet with an OMEGA De Ville Prestige (Ref. 77450BA.GG.1361BA.01)—a collection that has embodied timeless Swiss sophistication since the 1960s. His model, a 41 mm timepiece in Sedna™ gold with a deep blue dial, struck the perfect balance between heritage and modernity. Priced at USD $15,500, it’s a watch that doesn’t shout for attention but instead radiates quiet confidence, much like Tayme himself. That evening, it felt less like an accessory and more like a continuation of the De Ville’s enduring legacy of understated luxury.

Blancpain Villeret Quantième Complet Ref. 6654 3640 55B | Image: Supplied

8. Jesse Williams’s Blancpain Villeret Quantième Complet

  • Brand: Blancpain
  • Model: Villeret Quantième Complet
  • Reference: 6654 3640 55B
  • Diameter: 40 mm
  • Thickness: 10.90 mm
  • Material: Red Gold
  • Dial Colour: Sunburst Blue
  • Calibre: 6654.4 
  • Power Reserve: 72 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 3 Bar (30 metres, 100 feet)
  • Price: USD $35,200

Jesse Williams may have been on stage as a presenter, but his wrist did plenty of the talking at the 2025 Emmys. The Grey’s Anatomy star wore a Blancpain Villeret Quantième Complet (Ref. 6654 3640 55B), a piece that radiates refined elegance. Its 18-carat red-gold case frames a striking blue dial, complete with a moon phase complication and full calendar that blend classic horology with poetic detail. Powered by Blancpain’s 6654.4 self-winding calibre and finished with a sapphire crystal back for a glimpse at its inner workings, this watch is as much art as it is engineering. With a price tag of USD $35,200, it’s a reminder that Williams’ style sense extends far beyond the operating room.

IWC Schaffhausen Portofino Automatic Ref. IW356517 | Image: Supplied

9. Hiroyuki Sanada’s IWC Schaffhausen Portofino Automatic

  • Brand: IWC Schaffhausen
  • Model: Portofino Automatic
  • Reference: IW356517
  • Diameter: 40 mm
  • Thickness: 13.94 mm
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Dial Colour: Silver Dial
  • Calibre: 35111
  • Power Reserve: 50 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 3 Bar (30 metres, 100 feet)
  • Price: USD $4,950

Hiroyuki Sanada, no stranger to Emmy glory after winning in 2024 for Shōgun, returned to the red carpet this year with his trademark sophistication still intact. Clean, elegant, and undeniably luxurious, the IWC Portofino Automatic (Ref. IW356517) was worn on his wrist — one of our favourite watches of the night here at Many Men Magazine. With its 40 mm stainless-steel case and timeless silver dial, the watch exudes understated class that perfectly matches Sanada’s refined presence. Powered by the caliber 35111 movement with a 50-hour power reserve, this USD $4,950 timepiece shows that true sophistication isn’t about flash, but about quiet, confident excellence.

Hublot Classic Fusion Titanium Ref. 565.NX.1470.RX | Image: Supplied

10. Brett Goldstein’s Hublot Classic Fusion Titanium 

  • Brand: Hublot
  • Model: Classic Fusion Titanium
  • Reference: 565.NX.1470.RX
  • Diameter: 38 mm
  • Thickness: 9 mm
  • Material: Titanium
  • Dial Colour: Satin-Finished Black Sunray
  • Calibre: HUB1110 Self-winding Movement
  • Power Reserve: 48 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 5 Bar (50 metres, 165 feet)
  • Price: USD $7,900

Fresh off the success of Shrinking on Apple TV+, which earned seven Emmy nominations, Brett Goldstein still managed to steal the spotlight — this time with a watch on his wrist. Wearing the Hublot Classic Fusion Titanium (Ref. 565.NX.1470.RX0), the English actor demonstrated that sleek minimalism can make as bold a statement as a flashy timepiece. With a 38 mm satin-finished and polished titanium case and a black sunray dial, this watch is elegant, modern, and effortlessly cool. Inside, the brand’s HUB1110 self-winding movement ensures the piece is as sharp in function as it is in appearance. Priced at USD $7,900, it’s a watch that combines elegance with edge — much like Goldstein himself.

Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 Ref. 82035/000R-9359 | Image: Supplied

11. Sam Rockwell’s Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921

  • Brand: Vacheron Constantin
  • Model: Historiques American 1921
  • Reference: 82035/000R-9359
  • Diameter: 40 mm
  • Thickness: 8.06 mm
  • Material: 18K Pink Gold
  • Dial Colour: Grained Silver-Toned Dial
  • Calibre: Valjoux 7750 (Automatic Chronograph)
  • Power Reserve: 48 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 3 Bar (30 metres, 100 feet)
  • Price: CHF ₣39,200 – USD $48,750

Sam Rockwell may not have left the Emmys with a trophy in hand — The White Lotus only managed one win on the night — but his wrist was definitely a winner. The actor arrived in style wearing the Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 (Ref. 82035/000R-9359), a 40 mm pink gold masterpiece inspired by the brand’s 1921 model. With a diagonal dial, bold numerals, and a crown nestled between 1 and 2 o’clock, it’s the kind of watch that stands out while remaining effortlessly sophisticated. Interestingly, White Lotus co-star Walton Goggins also chose a Vacheron on the same night — the Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin — showcasing two actors with impeccable taste in the same brand but a very different approach to style. This watch costs USD $48,750.

Cartier Tank Américaine Large Model – Silver Dial | Image: Supplied

12. Noah Wyle’s Cartier Tank Américaine

  • Brand: Baume & Mercier
  • Model: Tank Américaine
  • Diameter: 44.4 mm x 24.4 mm
  • Thickness: 8.6 mm
  • Material: Steel Case
  • Dial Colour: Silvered Satin-Brushed Dial
  • Calibre: 1899
  • Power Reserve: 48 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 3 Bar (30 metres, 100 feet)
  • Price: USD $6,850

Noah Wyle secured the Emmy for Lead Actor in a Drama for his role in The Pitt last night, and he wore a sophisticated watch fitting for the occasion: the Cartier Tank Américaine. With its 44 mm case, faceted synthetic blue spinel, silvered dial, and classic blue sword-shaped hands, the watch exemplifies timeless elegance: the navy-blue alligator strap adds depth and refinement to the already iconic design. A piece long linked with quiet luxury and heritage, it couldn’t have been a more appropriate choice for a night when Wyle proudly celebrated both his craft and the moment, with a price tag of USD $6,850.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph REF. Q389256J | Image: Supplied

13. Brian Tyree Henry’s Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph

  • Brand: Jaeger-LeCoultre
  • Model: Reverso Tribute Chronograph
  • Reference: Q389256J
  • Diameter: 49.4 x 29.9 mm 
  • Thickness: 11.14 mm
  • Material: Pink Gold 
  • Dial Colour: Recto Dial Golden 5n/Verso Dial Rhodium grey
  • Calibre: Calibre 860
  • Power Reserve: 52 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 3 Bar (30 metres, 100 feet)
  • Price: Price On Request

Nominated for his role in Dope Thief, Brian Tyree Henry brought some serious horological heat to the Emmys red carpet, pairing his neutral-hued jacket with the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph (Ref. Q389256J) in 18-karat pink gold. The actor chose one of the most versatile watches out there, a timepiece with two faces and two personalities. On one side, you have the golden dial with its refined railroad minute track—a nod to the timeless Reverso design. Flip it over, and you’re greeted with an open-worked view of the Calibre 860 and retrograde chronograph, complete with a 52-hour power reserve that makes it both practical and stunning. Sitting on a sleek black alligator strap, it was the perfect mix of elegance and edge, showing that Henry knows how to make a statement without saying a word. Prices for the model are available upon request.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Ref.4300V/220R-B642 | Image: Supplied

14. Justin Hartley’s Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton

  • Brand: Vacheron Constantin
  • Model: Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin
  • Reference: 4300V/220R-B642
  • Diameter: 41.5 mm
  • Thickness: 8.1 mm
  • Material: Pink Gold
  • Dial Colour: Sapphire dial with a blue velvet-finished minutes track—18K gold moons with a starry sky.
  • Calibre: 1120 QP/1
  • Power Reserve: 40 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 5 Bar (50 metres, 165 feet)
  • Price: Price On Request

Justin Hartley finished the night in refined style, hopping on the Vacheron Constantin train with an Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton (Ref. 4300V/220R-B642). Crafted in 18-karat pink gold with striking blue accents, this fully skeletonized masterpiece offers a clear view of its inner workings, powered by the Calibre 1120/3 QPSQ/1. The watch features a moon phase complication decorated with stars and twin moons, set within a 41.5 mm case that balances elegance with technical brilliance. Add in the beautifully finished bracelet, and you have a timepiece that’s as much a work of art as it is a watch. Price? Available upon request—because, truly, if you have to ask, it might not be in your cart just yet.

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How Apple Created The Thinnest ‘iPhone Air’ In Its Lineup

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Our team of editors and experts thoughtfully chooses each product. If you decide to buy through one of our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more. Want to know how we test products? Click here for more details.

Apple has been flirting with ultra-thin iPhones for years, but the iPhone Air is the first time the company has truly delivered on that promise in a meaningful way. At just 5.6mm thick, powered by the new A19 Pro chip, and positioned between the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro, the Air feels less like a mere variant and more like Apple creating a whole new segment in the lineup. It’s light, sleek, and very deliberate in how it sets itself apart from the rest of the family.

Of course, comparisons didn’t take long to surface. Some people immediately wondered if the Air was now the thinnest phone in the world — and the answer is still no. That record still belongs to Huawei’s tri-fold Mate XT Ultimate, which achieves an almost unbelievable 3.6mm thickness when fully unfolded. However, that device benefits from spreading components across multiple panels. Apple had to design within the constraints of a single, rigid slab of glass and metal.

That challenge is what makes the iPhone Air intriguing. To hit this thinness without sacrificing performance, Apple had to rethink parts of the internal layout that haven’t changed in years. Components were reshaped, shifted, or merged; material choices became more strategic; and some long-standing design beliefs were completely reevaluated.

Naturally, the world reacted as it always does — half calling it a bold glimpse at where smartphones are headed, the other half insisting they made the right choice by sticking with Samsung this time. No surprise there.

What’s worth exploring is how Apple actually engineered this. Building a 5.6mm flagship isn’t just a matter of ‘shrinking it and shipping it.’ There’s real engineering behind this silhouette — and a few clever sacrifices that made it possible.

Here’s what went into creating the thinnest iPhone Apple has ever released.

iPhone Air | Image: Apple

The All-New Redesigned iPhone

The first thing you might notice on the iPhone Air is the camera bump — or “camera plateau,” as Apple likes to call it. Typically, I’m not a fan of these protruding islands. They’ve always felt like engineering compromises disguised as design choices. On a Pro device, that’s okay. On a phone designed for daily use? The bumps often get in the way more than they help. But the iPhone Air is a rare exception where the bump truly justifies itself, because it’s not merely housing a lens — it’s housing the phone’s essential hardware.

Instead of spreading components evenly across the entire chassis like most smartphones, Apple concentrated much of the iPhone Air’s internal components into the camera bump. The goal was to free up as much space as possible inside the main body so the Air could remain ultra-thin while still leaving room for a functional battery.

It’s the same thought when Apple used when shrinking down the MacBook’s internals to create the original MacBook Air back in 2008 — take the essential components, miniaturise them, and arrange them efficiently. This redesign also explains why the Air currently comes with just a single camera for now. Fitting a second lens would require shrinking the internals even further, something Apple might try in a future model.

The iPhone Air’s plate is sculpted to fit the custom cameras, speaker, and Apple silicon, dedicating more space to the battery.| Image: Apple

Inside, you’ll find the compact structure that lives on the new silicon. The A19 Pro powers the iPhone Air — a slightly simplified version of the chip in the 17 Pro models — along with Apple’s updated C1X modem and the all-new N1 networking chip. The C1X is an evolution of Apple’s first in-house modem, which debuted in the iPhone 16e, with Apple claiming significant improvements in efficiency and speed. The bigger upgrade is the N1, which introduces Bluetooth 6, Wi-Fi 7, and Thread support, making the Air more future-proof and more power-efficient for everyday use.

But as an iPhone user myself, I can’t help but think about its thermal performance, considering it will be packed into this hardware with such a thin frame, and it makes me wonder how it will hold up with heat during heavy workloads. But until I get a hold of one and see it in real-world conditions, I’ll let the iPhone do the talking.

Iphone Air’s Battery | Image: Apple

iPhone Air’s Battery

Now, this is where things become interesting, and everyone is curious about the iPhone Air’s battery. The iPhone Air features a 3,149mAh battery, which is notably small compared to the rest of Apple’s lineup. For perspective, the 6.1-inch iPhone 16e has a 4,005mAh cell, and the standard iPhone 17 comes with a 3,692mAh battery. On paper, the Air appears underpowered — a battery of this size in such a slim phone doesn’t initially inspire confidence.

But the Air’s secret isn’t battery size; it’s efficiency. Thanks to the combined work of the A19 Pro chip, the new C1X modem, and the N1 networking chip, the phone manages to stretch its smaller battery surprisingly far. Apple claims the Air can reach 27 hours of video playback, which actually exceeds the 16e despite the Air having a significantly smaller battery. That’s a pretty bold statement for a device built around extreme thinness.

Here’s the good news: if you want even more battery life, Apple has its usual solution—the iPhone Air MagSafe Battery that snaps onto the back of the phone. With that added, the Air jumps to 40 hours of video playback, surpassing even the 17 Pro Max and its massive 5,088mAh battery. You’ll need to pay extra for the accessory, but the option is available for users seeking multi-day stamina at USD $99.

Most people look for battery improvements when upgrading their phone, and in a roundabout way, Apple has delivered them here. The raw capacity might not impress, but the gains from the C1X and N1 chips suggest a bigger trend — the kind of smart power management that could benefit every model in the iPhone 18 lineup. If Apple can bring these efficiencies to its larger, more capable devices, we could see serious battery advancements next year.

iPhone Air is locked to eSim | Image: Apple

No SIM Card Tray?

When aiming for extreme thickness, obviously, there’s going to be something missing for sure, and one of them is the complete removal of the physical SIM card tray. The iPhone Air is the first in the lineup to operate exclusively on eSIM, with no fallback option. Apple states that removing the tray was necessary to free up space inside the 5.6mm frame — and on a device this thin, every tiny component matters.

The change sounds simple on paper, but it’s a real challenge for anyone using an older device that still relies on a physical SIM. Not all carriers worldwide support eSIM, and even in areas where it’s offered, the traditional method of removing your SIM and inserting it into a new phone remains the fastest way to get started. Anyone who frequently switches devices knows how easy that used to be, especially for those who travel quite often.

With eSIM, the process becomes a bit more complex. Transferring to a new phone requires an internet connection, carrier approval, and a few extra setup steps. It works, and it’s improving with each generation, but it’s not as instant or widespread as the physical card we’ve used for years.

I believe that, in the long run, this will be the future for all smartphones, with Apple potentially leading the industry towards a time when physical SIMs no longer exist — the iPhone Air could very well be the turning point — but for now, it feels a bit like when Apple removed the headphone jack. The move makes sense from an engineering perspective, yet it still hurts for users who appreciated the simplicity of swapping cards in seconds.

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