This is a new thing for them as well. Electronic sims have been around and ultimately eliminate used space and make the phones more sealed against water. The iPhone 14 I believe was the first one launched without a sim card slot.

E-sim cards are supported by Apple, Samsung, Google (pixel), Huawei, Oppo, Motorola, Sony, and likely many others. The idea of getting rid of the physical port is what these users are upset about.