Uchikura & Co., LLC

Docomo Suspends Sales of iPhone 17 Due to eSIM Issues

 

On September 19, NTT Docomo, one of Japan’s largest mobile carriers, announced the suspension of eSIM applications and the sales of eSIM-only smartphones, including the newly released iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air. The decision came after a major technical issue occurred around 4:30 p.m. that made eSIM activation difficult.

 

According to Docomo, customers are experiencing problems not only with new eSIM activations but also with transferring eSIM profiles from one smartphone to another using iOS features like “Quick Transfer.” Docomo stated that recovery efforts are underway but that it may take time before full service is restored.

 

Because the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air are eSIM-only devices in Japan, both models became subject to the suspension on their very first day of release. While physical SIM card options are no longer available for these models, Docomo said device sales can still continue if customers do not require eSIM activation at the time of purchase.

 

Industry observers speculate that the surge in demand for eSIM activation due to the iPhone 17 launch may have caused the system overload, though Docomo has only confirmed that the cause is still under investigation.

 

This incident highlights both the challenges and the risks of moving toward an eSIM-only future, especially during high-demand launch periods. For many in the U.S. watching Japan’s mobile industry, this may serve as a reminder of how fragile digital-only infrastructure can be without proper preparation.