The Apple iPhone's eSIM could be a big one but it does not risk a carrier relationship

But analysts say the eSIM option could open new business models for Apple.

"The eSIM system will be controlled by Apple and will be able to determine which operators to partner with, support them and display related mobile plans," said Neil Shah, research director of Counterpoint Research, by email Thursday at CNBC.

"So, Apple can now be the guardian since it will have control over eSIM, so it will require a reduction in revenue for activations through eSIM."

Shah said that Apple could also offer its own blank-denominated rates from other mobile service providers and charge a "premium for the convenience and ease of activating a new plan ".

Ian Fogg, vice president of analytics at OpenSignal, confirmed this view in a LinkedIn post on Thursday, saying Apple could introduce its own rates "to support a greater end-to-end network experience" .

However, this is unlikely because of the complexity of the task and the dependence on mobile networks.

"Apple's ability to offer a complete mobile network experience will remain limited even though it offers its own mobile rates via eSIM, because of Apple's continued dependence on wholesale services from mobile operators owning spectrum infrastructure and network ".

"Mobile operators will not leave soon, Apple knows and will continue to work with them."