Apple iPhone Fold to reportedly offer e-SIM only option like iPhone 17 Air

iPhone fold

Apple’s first foldable iPhone may adopt an eSIM-only design across all regions, according to new leaks from China. The device, expected to launch in 2026, could follow the path taken by the iPhone 17 Air, which also dropped the physical SIM tray in select markets. The shift indicates Apple’s ongoing move toward a uniform eSIM-based ecosystem.

Chinese tipster Instant Digital claimed on Weibo that the iPhone Fold is “most likely” to eliminate the SIM slot entirely, making it dependent on eSIM activation. While global operators support eSIM widely, adoption in China is still developing, raising questions about user convenience and carrier readiness. In India, however, major operators including Jio, Airtel and Vi already support digital activation.

Expected features

Leaks suggest the iPhone Fold could feature a 5.5-inch cover display and a 7.8-inch inner panel. Reports also indicate that Apple may reduce the display crease seen on current foldable phones. The device is expected to run on the A20 Pro chip built on TSMC’s 2-nanometre process and may use a silicon-carbon battery to improve efficiency.

Camera leaks point to a 24MP under-display front sensor. Early design rumours describe the phone as similar in thickness to two iPhone Air models stacked together.

The iPhone Fold is widely expected to debut as the iPhone 18 Fold in late 2026. Development activity and repeated leaks suggest Apple is preparing a major new category while extending its eSIM-only strategy across future models.