Do iPhones have SIM cards? Everything you need to know

What is a SIM card?

A SIM card (Subscriber Identity Module) is a small, removable chip that lets your iPhone connect to your carrier's cellular network. Without it, your phone can’t make calls, send texts, or use mobile data.

Every SIM card contains two key codes — the IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) and the ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier). The IMSI connects your calls, texts, and data to your mobile carrier account — it’s how your provider knows it’s you and can shut off service if you cancel your plan. The ICCID, on the other hand, tells your phone which network to connect to, helping it find the right signal.

Beyond helping your phone connect to the network, your SIM card stores some key information. It holds your phone number, essential network settings, and in some cases, even a few contacts. Small as it is, the SIM card plays a big role in keeping your phone running smoothly and staying connected. 

Do all iPhones have physical SIM card slots?

Over the years, iPhones have definitely changed a lot when it comes to SIM cards. Here’s a quick rundown of which iPhone models use which kind of SIM card:

If you’ve been using iPhones since the early days, you might remember the original SIM formats. The first iPhone and the iPhone 3G used standard-sized SIM cards. Apple switched to the smaller micro-SIM with the iPhone 4 and 4S and then to the even smaller nano-SIM starting with the iPhone 5 — a size it kept through the iPhone 13. These changes made room for more advanced hardware without sacrificing functionality.

Having a physical SIM card slot had its advantages, like the ability for users to easily swap carriers or pop in a local SIM while traveling. However, with the iPhone 14, Apple made a big change. In the US, it ditched the SIM slot altogether and fully embraced eSIM technology.

Right now, Apple has only made this change in the US, but it’s pretty clear it’s heading toward a future without physical SIM trays. And while that shift might not happen everywhere overnight, let’s be honest — eSIMs are super convenient, and ditching plastic cards isn’t a bad move for the planet either.

Can you still buy an iPhone with a SIM card tray?

While in the US iPhones have already gone fully eSIM, the rest of the world hasn’t completely ditched physical SIM trays just yet. In places like mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, iPhones come with dual nano-SIM slots so users can run two physical SIM cards at once.

In regions like Europe, Canada, and Australia, iPhones typically include one physical nano‑SIM slot plus eSIM support. This kind of flexibility can be especially useful if you want to keep a physical SIM for your main line and use an eSIM for travel or work.

So yes, you can still get an iPhone with a SIM card tray — just not if you're buying one in the US.

How to tell if your iPhone has a SIM slot or supports eSIM technology

If you're thinking about upgrading your iPhone, it's a good idea to check whether the model you're eyeing uses a physical SIM, an eSIM, or a mix of both. Knowing ahead of time can save you from unexpected setup headaches — especially if you travel often or plan to switch carriers. Luckily, it's easy to find out.

Most iPhones from the iPhone 6 and up have a SIM tray on the right side. If your phone has a visible tray, just grab a SIM tool (or even a paperclip), pop it out, and there you go — that’s your physical SIM slot. It’s the easiest way to check if your phone has one. Of course, you can always double-check the specs on Apple’s website too.

To see if your phone supports eSIMs, you can either look at a list of eSIM-compatible models or check your settings:

1. Make sure you’re connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Next, go to “Settings.”

2. Tap “Mobile service” or “Cellular” (depending on your region and iPhone’s language settings).  

3. Under your list of SIMs, find “Add eSIM.” If you see this option, your iPhone supports eSIMs!

How to insert and remove a SIM card

If your iPhone has a SIM tray, inserting or removing the SIM card is simple. Just grab the SIM ejector tool that came with your phone (or a paperclip if you’ve misplaced it), and gently press it into the small hole next to the tray — it’ll pop right out.

To insert the SIM card, make sure the angled corner lines up with the notch in the tray, then slide it back in until it clicks into place. Simple as that!

If your iPhone isn’t recognizing your SIM card, don’t panic! Start by making sure the SIM card is properly aligned in the tray. Sometimes, simply removing and reinserting it can do the trick. Be sure to power off your iPhone before swapping the SIM to avoid any connection issues. Also, if you're seeing an "invalid SIM" error, try restarting your phone — that can often resolve the issue too.

TL;DR

iPhone SIM tech has come a long way — from physical SIM cards to the eSIM-only models in the latest iPhones in the US. And with eSIMs now becoming more common than ever, it’s good to know which SIM type your phone supports. It affects how you manage your service, switch carriers, and stay connected while traveling. Staying in the loop means you can take full advantage of what your iPhone can do — and avoid a lot of trouble down the road.

If you haven’t tried an eSIM yet, now’s a great time to give it a shot. The Saily eSIM app makes it super simple, with quick activation, security features, and even a refer-a-friend program. With an intuitive platform, activating an eSIM is fast and simple, taking only a few taps. And if you’re traveling internationally, Saily ensures you stay seamlessly connected no matter where you are — grab a local data plan without searching for a store to buy a physical SIM.