Apple’s first foldable iPhone is shaping up to be a major shift in the lineup, and one expected change stands out. A well-known Chinese leaker on Weibo says Apple plans to remove the physical SIM card slot and rely only on eSIM. This move follows the direction Apple took with the iPhone Air, and the foldable’s tight internal space makes the change even more likely.
Mark Gurman previously described the foldable as super thin and closer to two titanium iPhone Air units placed together. That comparison sets the tone for what Apple aims to build. Because the device uses a book-style design with a 5.5-inch cover screen and a roughly 7.8-inch inner display, engineers need every millimeter they can save inside.
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Instant Digital added that an eSIM-only design aligns with Apple’s hardware goals but raises clear challenges in mainland China. Users there still prefer traditional SIM activation. They also switch SIMs often because of the fast resale and trial culture. These daily habits make quick physical changes easier than digital provisioning.
China’s eSIM Struggle
Instant Digital noted that Apple already ran into similar issues with the iPhone Air. The thin model uses eSIM only, and it depends heavily on support from China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom. You can keep two active eSIMs, but you still need to visit a store to activate them. That extra step slowed adoption in China and added to concerns about battery life and the single rear camera.
Because of this, Apple will need smoother carrier support for the foldable. Without it, users in China may hesitate again, even if the new device introduces advanced features. Early reports point to a 24 megapixel under-display camera and a crease-free inner panel that aims to separate Apple’s design from current foldables.
Looking at pricing, reports suggest the foldable may land between $2000 and $2,500. If that holds, it will become the most expensive iPhone sold to date. Apple is expected to ship it late next year or early 2027, and interest will likely depend on how well the company balances thin design with everyday usability.
Apple is taking a bold step, and the eSIM-only move will define early reactions. Tell us your thoughts in the comments.
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