Photo: mashable
Apple is moving toward full digitalization of its devices, planning to remove physical SIM card slots from its flagship iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. This shift means users will rely entirely on eSIM technology.
By eliminating the mechanical tray, engineers free up internal space that will be used to increase battery capacity across all regional versions, not just in the U.S. market. The iPhone 18 Pro Max could feature a battery of around 5100–5200 mAh—a significant boost for Apple devices, even if slightly below some Chinese competitors.
The first Apple foldable, iPhone Fold, will also adopt eSIM-only support due to its ultra-thin design. Buttons for volume control may be shifted to the right side to further optimize internal space.
However, this change could present challenges in countries where carriers are not fully equipped for virtual SIMs. Apple may need to adjust its strategy depending on market readiness.
The official announcement of the iPhone 18 series and the foldable device is expected in the fall, with standard versions likely reaching stores in spring 2027.
