Apple’s highly anticipated first foldable phone, the iPhone Fold, will reportedly eliminate the physical SIM card slot entirely, supporting only eSIM technology.
iPhone Fold Will Support Only eSIM
This statement, made on Weibo by a well-known Chinese leaker, confirms expectations previously expressed by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Multiple reports suggest Apple is expected to release the device late next year or early 2027.
The iPhone Fold is said to have a 5.5-inch outer display and an inner display reminiscent of the approximately 7.8-inch iPad mini when unfolded. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman described the device as “super-thin and a design achievement,” likening it to “two titanium iPhone Airs side by side.”
Such a thin design likely places significant restrictions on the device’s internal space, and the removal of the physical SIM card slot is a step toward saving space.
However, the same leaker highlights the current shortcomings of eSIM in mainland China. Chinese users strongly prefer physical SIM activation and dual SIM slots.
The rapid secondhand sales and device trial culture in China necessitate quick SIM card transfers. Therefore, a foldable phone with only eSIM support would reportedly be heavily dependent on seamless carrier support.
Apple is known to be aware of these hurdles. Similarly, global sales of the iPhone Air, which adopted an eSIM-only design, fell short of expectations due to space constraints. Consumers focused on compromises like shorter battery life and a single rear camera rather than a slimmer profile. In China, the eSIM limitation has been an additional factor contributing to uncertainty.
The foldable iPhone is said to introduce several new technologies, such as a 24-megapixel under-display camera and a crease-free interior. Apple hopes to overcome user concerns through these technological advancements, especially in markets where eSIM adoption has been slow. It’s estimated the device could have a price tag of between $2,000 and $2,500 in the US, which could make it the most expensive iPhone ever.
