ApplePoor

I expect the images will be getting bigger and that leads to the thought that memory might go to 2TB which would also be the starting price……////

Apple has had a cast of thousands and many years of work to create a secure store system. These cheap ass folks want the free ride without the expense s of keeping a secret environment and many frankly will be providing free virus infections with their products.

I do not want want a virus infested device that corrupts my complete system in addition to the iPhone.

Because an eSIM needs an input of information. Such equipment is not in place. A physical SIM card is take the old one out and insert the new one. Only tool needed is a pin to cause the sim tray to open. 

It has been a BFD to swap cell service with Verizon every year since this eSim started. I have had to go up the food chain to very senior techs at Verizon just to get the latest top model of iPhone operational.

What happens if my iPhone dies out of country? There is no way to get the Verizon eSim re-enabled if I am in the UK where my wife's family resides.With a SIM card, it was instantaneous to bring a new replacement phone on line. Just swap the SIM card - a no-brainer.

My iPhone backs up to iCloud so it is simple to restore the "data" to a new phone, but the eSim is not a possible remote restore.

If one never leaves their home country, then this eSim issue is a moot issue. But as an international traveler it is a real issue.

Never saw a source for an eSIM at any border cross points of the seven southern African countries we visited driving overland. This sure screws international travel communications when going to the third would countries. Thus the need for my iPhone 13 mini with SIM card slot. At age 78 in les than two weeks, I expect the Mini will last long enough for any more international traveling I might hope to do.

The Apple prices are certainly getting out of sight and  perhaps out of touch with the financial reality as interest rates continue upwards. 

Out of interest, I entered details to order the current M2 iPad 11 2TB and said wanted to trade in my M1 iPad 11 2TB.  They were offering only $345 for a nearly  two year old device that listed for over $1,869.     Had similar treatment on trading in the 2020 M1 13" MBA 16GB & !TB SSD.