iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Set to Launch as eSIM-Only Variants Following Apple iPhone Fold Release

How We Assess Rumors

0-20%: Unlikely – Lacks credible sources 21-40%: Questionable – Some concerns remain 41-60%: Plausible – Reasonable evidence 61-80%: Probable – Strong evidence 81-100%: Highly Likely – Multiple reliable sources

Rumor Evaluation

60%

Plausible

Source 2/5

Corroboration 4/5

Technical 3/5

Timeline 3/5

Apple iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Transitioning to eSIM-Only Models

Recent reliable reports point toward a significant shift in Apple’s design strategy for its flagship devices. The upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are anticipated to launch without a dedicated slot for a physical SIM card, opting exclusively for eSIM functionality. This move may reflect a larger trend within the company’s ecosystem as the iPhone Fold is also predicted to follow suit.

As highlighted by TechManiacs, Apple’s decision to eliminate the physical SIM card slot is likely driven by the need to optimize internal space. This could ultimately facilitate the installation of a larger battery, enhancing device performance and longevity.

Previously, speculation suggested that Apple would unveil two versions of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, including an eSIM-only variant alongside a traditional model. However, current insights indicate that Apple may entirely forgo the non-eSIM versions. The eSIM-only Pro Max is expected to feature a robust battery capacity ranging from 5, 100mAh to 5, 200mAh, while earlier projections for the standard version suggested a capacity exceeding 5, 000mAh.

Additionally, anticipated upgrades for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max include two advanced wireless chips: the N2 wireless network chip and the C2 modem, which is expected to support both mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G technology. Notably, the C2 modem will be crafted using TSMC’s cutting-edge 4nm process, aligning with the A20 Pro SoC’s 2nm fabrication to enhance overall energy efficiency.

In terms of pricing strategy, recent analysis from GF Securities indicates that Apple aims to keep the starting prices for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max comparable to their predecessors, suggesting a projected retail price of $1, 099 for the iPhone 18 Pro and $1, 199 for the iPhone 18 Pro Max upon launch this fall.

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