A familiar source has leaked that the iPhone Fold  -  Apple’s first foldable iPhone  -  will almost certainly lack one feature that is still preferred by users in many countries: the physical SIM card.

This comes as little surprise, as the iPhone Fold is believed to be based on the iPhone Air platform  -  a model that stirred controversy by supporting only eSIM.

Currently, the iPhone Air is available only in an eSIM version, which introduces certain limitations in international markets. The absence of a physical SIM slot even delayed the ultra-thin model’s launch in China until mid-October due to local telecom regulations.

iPhone Fold may face similar barriers

According to a post on Weibo by the account Instant Digital, the iPhone Fold "will likely not have a SIM slot." However, this information appears more speculative than based on concrete leaks, according to MacRumors.

The same source also expressed hope that China would “improve its eSIM experience as soon as possible.” Despite the country’s preference for physical SIMs, this did not stop the iPhone Air from becoming a runaway hit.

Although there were concerns that lacking a physical SIM would hurt sales in China, the reality proved otherwise: the ultra-thin iPhone sold out within minutes of pre-orders opening.

Even though Chinese users are accustomed to traditional SIM cards, the iPhone Air’s ultra-slim, ultra-light design seemed to win them over  -  a trend that may continue with the iPhone Fold.

Outside of China, users in several other countries also still prefer physical SIMs due to habit, the ease of switching between old and new phones, the “security” of holding a physical card, and the convenience of direct support from telecom providers.

Conflicting reports about market demand

According to PhoneArena, Apple does not release model-specific sales figures, making it difficult to accurately assess the iPhone Air’s success. Some reports claim sales were weak and that Apple cut production. But such reports are common with new Apple products and often lack full context.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has repeatedly emphasized that drawing conclusions about a product’s performance from isolated supply chain data is misleading. He compared it to describing an elephant while blindfolded  -  touching the trunk versus the leg would lead to very different conclusions.

Another report contradicted earlier claims, suggesting that Apple had not slowed iPhone Air production at all. Still, both sides rely on fragmentary evidence and lack a comprehensive view of Apple’s supply chain and internal targets.

Despite the conflicting information, one thing seems clear: the iPhone Air is not a failure. Its eSIM-only design doesn’t appear to have been a significant obstacle for consumers  -  even in traditionally conservative markets like China.

As for the iPhone Fold, the likelihood that it will support only eSIM does not seem to be a make-or-break factor. Its foldable technology, unique design, and hybrid iPhone-iPad experience are expected to take center stage in consumer evaluations.

iPhone Fold: A premium product with a high price tag

The iPhone Fold is expected to be an expensive product with low profit margins and limited production  -  a rare model within Apple’s portfolio. The Mac Pro is one of the few other products that share this approach.

Meanwhile, the iPhone Air is considered a “compromise” device  -  making trade-offs in design and features to achieve its record-breaking thinness, which has made it a subject of controversy.

The iPhone Fold may involve even more trade-offs: a weaker configuration than the iPhone Pro, a higher price tag, and when unfolded, a user experience more comparable to the iPad Mini than the iPad Pro.

While it’s still too early to predict the future of the iPhone Fold or the true market performance of the iPhone Air, one thing remains consistent: even Apple’s lowest-selling product lines continue to make other smartphone manufacturers envious.

The foldable iPhone is expected to debut in fall 2026. Whether or not it supports eSIM only, it will undoubtedly be one of Apple’s most closely watched releases of the coming decade.

Hai Phong