A new report claims Apple plans to remove the physical SIM tray from the entire iPhone 18 lineup, extending its eSIM-only approach globally and reshaping how customers activate mobile service outside the United States.
US versions of recent iPhone models already ship without a SIM slot, and that internal redesign freed space that Apple used to increase battery capacity compared with international variants that retained physical SIM hardware.
Techmaniacs reports that Apple intends to adopt dual eSIM support worldwide for the iPhone 18 family, a move that would standardise hardware design across regions rather than maintaining separate configurations.
Eliminating the SIM tray would create additional internal volume, and the report links that reclaimed space directly to larger batteries across all iPhone 18 models instead of limiting capacity gains to specific markets.
The outlet states that the iPhone 18 Pro Max could include a battery rated between 5,100mAh and 5,200mAh, a figure that would place it closer to high-capacity Android flagships in raw size terms.
Larger batteries would align with growing power demands from brighter displays, on-device AI processing, and more advanced camera systems that continue to increase energy consumption across premium smartphones.
Regional impact and launch timing
Global eSIM adoption remains uneven, and some carriers still depend heavily on physical SIM distribution, which could complicate a universal transition in regions where digital provisioning infrastructure remains limited.
Apple has previously tailored hardware decisions by region, so a fully worldwide eSIM shift would signal greater confidence in carrier readiness and long-term regulatory alignment across major markets.
The iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to launch in September 2026, while standard iPhone 18 models may follow in March 2027, reflecting Apple’s recent staggered release structure.
Recent leaks also point to subtle design refinements on the iPhone 18 Pro, including a repositioned front-facing camera, a possible shift in Dynamic Island placement, and new colour options such as burgundy, brown, and purple.
Apple has not confirmed the removal of physical SIM trays, and final specifications for the iPhone 18 lineup are expected to become clearer closer to its anticipated 2026 debut window.
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