Apple's first foldable iPhone to be eSIM-only

Apple’s foldable iPhone will skip a physical SIM card slot to save space for dual screens, battery, and hinge

Apple’s long-rumoured foldable iPhone is edging closer to release, and new reports suggest the company will abandon physical SIM cards entirely for the device.

Industry leaks from China, shared by MacRumors, indicate that the so-called iPhone Fold will follow Apple’s recent shift toward eSIM-only smartphones — a move the company argues is essential for achieving the ultra-thin design required for foldable hardware.

The device is expected to arrive in late 2026 or early 2027, marking Apple’s first major entry into the foldable market.

Early specifications point to a device that opens like a book, featuring a 5.5-inch outer display and a larger 7.8-inch inner panel, putting it in direct competition with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series and other premium Android foldables.

Engineering drives the esim decision

According to analysts, Apple’s decision to remove the SIM tray is driven primarily by engineering, not strategy. Foldable devices present extreme space constraints, with internal components competing for every millimetre of available room. Apple faced similar challenges when designing the ultra-thin iPhone Air, and engineers have reportedly concluded that a physical SIM tray simply takes up too much space in a foldable chassis.

A traditional SIM solution requires multiple components — a tray, a metal ejection mechanism, seals, and a dedicated reader — all of which increase thickness and reduce flexibility in how internal components are arranged. By contrast, an eSIM chip occupies only a fraction of that space while offering greater design freedom.

For a device that must accommodate two displays, a durable hinge, and reinforced internal structure to withstand thousands of folds, the spatial savings are significant. The move also allows Apple to allocate additional room for a larger battery — a persistent challenge for foldables, which typically consume more power.

China emerges as a major hurdle

While Apple’s eSIM-only approach aligns with its global strategy, it introduces complications in China, the world’s largest iPhone market. Chinese users strongly prefer physical SIMs and dual-SIM support, a trend rooted in the country’s competitive telecom landscape and vibrant second-hand device market.

Analysts warn that an eSIM-only foldable may struggle initially in China unless Apple works with regulators and carriers to expand digital SIM infrastructure. Apple has faced similar challenges before; when the iPhone 14 launched without a SIM tray in the US, the company continued offering tray-based models in many international markets. Whether Apple will do the same for the Fold remains unclear.

Premium device with flagship ambitions

The iPhone Fold is expected to become Apple’s most expensive handset to date, with early estimates placing the starting price between $2,000 and $2,500. The specifications reflect this premium positioning. According to industry leaks, Apple is developing an under-display 24MP camera for the inner screen, eliminating visible cutouts. The company is also said to be working on a crease-free folding display, a feature that would address one of the most persistent complaints about current foldable phones.

Battery life is another area of focus. Reports suggest Apple will include a 5,000–5,500 mAh battery, significantly larger than any existing iPhone battery. The camera system may be more conservative than the Pro series, featuring a 48MP main sensor and dual front-facing cameras, but analysts note this is likely a pragmatic choice to conserve space in the first-generation design.

Materials such as titanium, aluminium, and reinforced glass are expected to feature prominently, reinforcing durability for a device that will inevitably face mechanical stress.

A wider shift toward digital connectivity

Apple’s eSIM-only approach reflects a broader industry transition already underway. More than 1.3 billion people currently use eSIM-enabled smartphones, a figure projected to reach 3 billion by 2030. By 2025, almost all global mobile operators are expected to support eSIM activation, giving manufacturers confidence to move away from physical cards.

Security is also a major advantage. Because eSIMs cannot be removed, stolen devices remain trackable, reducing theft incentives — particularly relevant for a device likely to cost more than $2,000.

The shift aligns with Apple’s wider connectivity ambitions, including greater integration with satellite networks and more flexible 5G configurations. Digital SIM profiles make these transitions simpler, as network updates can be handled through software rather than hardware changes.

While regulatory and market challenges remain — especially in China — analysts expect the iPhone Fold to serve as a landmark device for Apple’s future direction. Its eSIM-only design signals a move toward slimmer, more secure, and more flexible smartphones that fit into a rapidly evolving connectivity landscape. If successful, the Fold could accelerate the global shift to digital SIM technology and reshape expectations for the next generation of foldable devices.