No SIM tray, more battery life: What to expect from iPhone 18
What the future iPhone 18 will look like (illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Apple is preparing a major overhaul for its upcoming iPhone 18 lineup. The tech giant plans to completely remove the physical SIM tray from the global market, freeing up space for more powerful batteries, according to Notebookcheck.
SIM slot becomes a thing of the past
According to insiders, Apple’s experiment with removing physical SIM cards in U.S. models was deemed successful. Now the company is ready to scale this approach worldwide. All iPhone 18 models will support dual eSIM only.
This move will allow engineers to reclaim precious internal space previously occupied by the SIM tray and reader. All available volume will be used to increase the battery size.
What this means for users
Preliminary estimates suggest that switching to eSIM-only could increase smartphone battery life by at least 5%.
The top-tier iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to feature a 5100–5200 mAh battery.
Although Apple is still not adopting advanced silicon-carbon batteries used by some Chinese flagships, this increase will be the most significant endurance upgrade in years.
However, experts note that in countries where eSIM technology is not yet widespread, including Ukraine, Apple may face challenges. It is currently unclear whether the company will retain a traditional slot for certain specific markets.
Other iPhone 18 changes
Apple is actively testing under-display Face ID technology. This uses a special micro-window glass that allows TrueDepth infrared sensors to function through the panel without distortion.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the characteristic pill at the top of the screen will remain, but will be much smaller. Infrared sensors will be hidden under the display, with only a small hole visible for the front-facing camera.
The use of nanostructured glass has already prompted Apple suppliers to accelerate production preparations.
What else is known about upcoming models
The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is expected to debut in September 2026 alongside the company’s first foldable smartphone – the iPhone Fold.
Standard iPhone 18 models may launch later, in March 2027.
In addition to larger batteries, the Pro series is expected to feature:
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New Dynamic Island: even smaller and more compact.
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Upgraded camera: main sensor with adjustable aperture.
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Powerful A20 Pro chip: built on advanced 2nm process technology.
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Larger body: the smartphone may be slightly thicker due to new components.
Read also: iOS 27 preview: New features that will stand out to all iPhone users
