Google’s upcoming Pixel 10 series is set to make waves when it officially launches on August 20, but a new leak has sparked a fresh round of debate among US buyers. According to reliable insider reports, most Pixel 10 models sold in the United States will ditch the physical SIM card slot entirely, switching to an eSIM-only setup. This change will apply to the standard Pixel 10, the Pixel 10 Pro, and the Pixel 10 Pro XL. 
The only exception will be the foldable Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which will retain support for both a physical SIM and eSIM.
Tipster Evan Blass claims that the P10, P10P, and P10PXL will support two active eSIM profiles, with no SIM tray in sight. In contrast, international versions may still feature physical SIM slots, following Apple’s model of offering eSIM-only in the US while keeping physical SIM compatibility abroad.
For some users, this might be a deal breaker. Others will see it as a step forward. eSIM technology allows for rapid carrier switching without fiddling with tiny plastic cards – a welcome convenience for those jumping from Verizon to T-Mobile or AT&T. Security also gets a boost, since there’s no removable SIM to tamper with, and the freed-up space inside could be used for better hardware or a larger battery.
And larger battery life is indeed on the horizon: the Pixel 10 Pro XL is rumored to pack a massive 5,200 mAh cell – the biggest ever in a Pixel phone. All models are expected to run on Google’s new Tensor G5 chip, while the Pro variants will come with 16 GB of RAM. Naturally, Google’s Gemini AI will be baked even deeper into the experience, with fresh AI-powered tools and enhancements.
Like it or not, the Pixel 10 marks another step toward an eSIM-only future, and for US buyers, the trusty physical SIM card may soon be nothing but a memory.