Apple (AAPL, Financial) is developing a foldable iPhone, but its ultra-thin make could cause some problems—especially in nations like China.
Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at TF International Securities, says the gadget is believed to rely just on eSIM technology, which could limit its appeal in areas that need real SIM cards, such as mainland China.Dual SIM capability—which employs two nano-SIM cards—forms the basis of China's market.
Kuo believes the foldable iPhone would find it difficult to build momentum without this capabilities until its design is changed. Though handy for handling several phone numbers and plans, eSIM technology is not yet ubiquitous in the Chinese market.Kuo also said that although the ultra-thin iPhone 17 would ship in more volumes than the iPhone Plus, downgraded components, a high price point, and similarities with current models mean he does not expect it to significantly increase overall sales.
Kuo projects that, even with the expected release of the iPhone SE4 in mid-2025, iPhone shipments would drop by 8%-10% against consensus for 2025.
