Which iPhones are eSIM-compatible? Full list for 2026

What is an eSIM on an iPhone?

Short for “embedded SIM,” an eSIM is a rewritable chip built directly into your iPhone. You activate it digitally in Settings, and your phone connects to the network just like it would with a physical card. SIM cards have always been on a shrinking spree. From credit-card-sized to nano chips, the trend has been clear: smaller, faster, simpler. The eSIM takes that to the next level by being fully digital and skipping the plastic entirely.

What makes the eSIM tech shine is how it turns your iPhone into a dual-SIM device without any extra slots. You can keep your main number from Germany and add a local plan in Japan for the weekend. Newer models even let you run two eSIMs at once. And if you’re switching carriers, you don’t need to wait on deliveries or visit stores — you can change plans from your couch.

If you’re curious how it all works behind the scenes or want to know how to set an eSIM up on your iPhone, take a look at our full guide to what an eSIM is. It covers the tech, the perks, and everything you need to get started.

Complete list of iPhones with eSIM support

Apple may not always be first to adopt new tech, but when it does, it goes all in. Since 2018, eSIM technology has slowly evolved from a curious extra feature to the default way iPhones connect to cell towers. And by now, they’ve officially crossed into eSIM-only territory, where some models no longer even bother with a physical SIM slot globally. 

Below, we’ve rounded up every eSIM-compatible iPhone, starting with the newest (and sometimes boldest — yes, we’re looking at you, iPhone 17 Pro in traffic-cone orange). This list is useful if you’re eyeing an upgrade or just curious what your current iPhone is capable of.

Latest iPhone models (17 series, Air, and 16 series, including 16e)

These are the newest iPhones on the market, and they don’t hold back on embracing the eSIM tech. Some have ditched the SIM tray entirely. Others now support two active eSIMs at once. And at least one was bold enough to come in a neon orange finish that sparked some online debate.

• iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max — All three support two active eSIMs, and in the US, they ship without a physical SIM tray. The extra internal space freed up by losing the slot even allowed Apple to squeeze in a slightly larger battery. That is a small win for travelers who spend time outdoors.

• iPhone Air — The thinnest iPhone yet and the first to go fully eSIM-only worldwide. No region-specific SIM versions. Just one global model, no tray, and a bold design that made headlines.

• iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max — These iPhones come with dual-eSIM support and don’t have the physical tray in the US, while models elsewhere still offer a nano-SIM slot alongside eSIM compatibility. You’ll find the full breakdown in our iPhone 16 eSIM compatibility guide.

• iPhone 16e — A slightly smaller, more affordable model with full eSIM support and the same SIM-less design in select markets. It’s a favorite among travelers who don’t need the Pro specs but still want full connectivity control.

The iPhone 17 series isn’t the first to drop the SIM tray in the US, but it is the first where that missing slot actually freed up space for something useful: a larger battery. While models sold elsewhere still include a physical SIM slot, this generation shows how an eSIM is no longer just a convenience. It is starting to shape the hardware itself.

iPhone 15 series (2023)

The iPhone 15 series — spanning the 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max — continued Apple’s move toward eSIM-only devices. Just like the iPhone 14 before it, the entire lineup shipped without a physical SIM tray in the US, making the eSIM the only option for cellular connectivity.

International versions still included a nano-SIM slot, but all models supported two active eSIMs as well. By this generation, eSIM had gone from a tech-forward feature to the default. You’ll find the full details in our iPhone 15 eSIM guide.

iPhone 14 series (2022)

The iPhone 14 lineup marked a turning point for Apple’s SIM strategy. For the first time, US models of all four devices — the iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max — shipped with no physical SIM tray at all. This made them the first eSIM-only iPhones sold in the United States, and a clear signal of where things were heading.

All models in the series support dual-eSIM functionality. Outside the US, Apple continued to offer versions with a nano-SIM slot, but by that point, the shift had already begun. The tray was on its way out.

iPhone 13 series (2021)

The iPhone 13 lineup — 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max — is where the eSIM on iPhone leveled up. This is the first generation that can keep two active eSIMs running at the same time, turning the phone into a true dual-line device for work and travel. It also keeps support for a physical nano-SIM, so you can go all digital or mix one eSIM with a card, depending on how you like to set up your connection.

In practical terms, the 13 series put iPhones squarely among the most capable eSIM-compatible phones. You could land in a new country, add a data plan digitally, and still keep your home number live. It’s the same direction you’ll see on Google Pixel devices and other recent phones that are phasing out reliance on physical SIM cards.

For model specifics and setup tips, see our full iPhone 13 eSIM guide.

iPhone 12 series (2020)

The iPhone 12 family — 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max — cemented Apple’s mainstream approach to the eSIM back in the day. Each model supports dual SIM with one physical nano-SIM and one eSIM, so you can keep your primary number on the card and add a travel data plan digitally. It is a simple setup that made the 12 series a popular eSIM-compatible phone choice for frequent flyers and remote workers.

On the 12 series, only one eSIM can be active at a time alongside the physical SIM, but you can store multiple eSIM profiles and switch them as needed. The compact 12 mini deserves a nod here. It delivers the same dual-SIM flexibility in a smaller body that slips into any pocket or passport wallet.

iPhone 11 series (2019)

The iPhone 11 series continued Apple’s eSIM rollout that began with the iPhone XR and XS. Each model supports dual SIM with one physical nano-SIM and one eSIM. Two active eSIMs are not supported on this generation, but you can store multiple eSIM profiles and switch as needed. Units sold in mainland China and many in Hong Kong or Macao support two physical SIMs and typically do not offer an eSIM. For specifics and setup steps, see our iPhone 11 eSIM compatibility guide.

iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max (2018)

This trio is where it all started. The XR, XS, and XS Max made iPhones eSIM capable for the first time, bringing eSIM technology into Apple’s mainstream lineup and finally adding true dual-line flexibility. Travelers could keep their main number and add a local plan without juggling extra plastic.

Here’s how it worked in practice: These models support eSIM alongside physical SIM cards, so you can run one eSIM and one physical nano-SIM at the same time. They don’t support two eSIMs simultaneously, and mainland China variants shipped with dual physical SIM functionality only. Apple set the pace here, and Samsung phones followed soon after with broad eSIM support on the Galaxy S20 series in 2020.

iPhone SE models

Apple’s compact iPhone still gets the full eSIM treatment. The SE line gives you modern connectivity in a smaller, lower-cost body, which is why travelers and minimalists keep coming back to it.

• iPhone SE (3rd generation, 2022). Supports an eSIM and a physical nano-SIM, and it can run two active eSIMs at once if you’re not using a physical card. That means true dual-line flexibility in a pocket-sized iPhone.

• iPhone SE (2nd generation, 2020). Supports one eSIM alongside one physical nano-SIM. You can store multiple eSIM profiles and switch as needed, but only one eSIM can be active at a time.

If you want a small iPhone that still behaves like the latest eSIM-compatible models, the SE 3 is the sweet spot.

Which iPhones do NOT have an eSIM?

The eSIM arrived on the iPhone in 2018 with the XR, XS, and XS Max. Anything older was built before the embedded SIM era and works only with physical SIM cards.

Models without eSIM support:

• iPhone X

• iPhone 8 and 8 Plus

• iPhone 7 and 7 Plus

• iPhone 6s and 6s Plus

• iPhone 6 and 6 Plus

• iPhone SE (1st generation)

• iPhone 5s, 5c, 5, and earlier

If you are using one of these older models, nothing is “broken” about your setup. You still get reliable service with a physical nano-SIM, and swapping carriers is as simple as moving that tiny card from one device to another. If you want a clear refresher on how SIM trays, card sizes, and activation have evolved on the iPhone, start with our explainer on iPhones and SIM cards. It walks you through why Apple kept shrinking the plastic and what that means for today’s phones.

Thinking about an upgrade because you want two lines or easier travel data? That’s where the eSIM shines. From iPhone XR onward, you can add plans digitally, and on newer models, you can run two eSIMs at once or mix a card with an eSIM. Our guide to the iPhone's dual SIM explains how dual-line setups work, which combinations each generation supports, and why travelers and digital nomads swear by them.

Regional differences: Where certain iPhones lack eSIM support

Apple sells region-specific variants of the same iPhone. In most of the world, XR and newer models support eSIM technology. In a few markets, eSIM compatibility is limited or disabled, and dual physical SIM takes its place. If you bought your phone abroad, or you’re eyeing a gray market import, it’s worth checking which version you have before you plan on digital-only connectivity.

Mainland China iPhones

For mainland China, eSIM is the exception. Most iPhones on the Chinese market ship with dual nano-SIM support and no eSIM at all. The notable outlier is the iPhone Air (model A3518), which supports eSIM and uses it for activation also in China. If your device is a China variant of any other iPhone model, the lack of eSIM support will follow you when you travel. You can still use two nano-SIMs, but you cannot add a digital plan from an app or eSIM QR code.

If eSIM compatibility matters to you, pick a global model or the iPhone Air (A3518). If you are fine with cards, a China-market iPhone still gives you reliable service with two physical lines.

Hong Kong and Macao iPhones

Hong Kong and Macao get a special mix. Most iPhones sold there ship with dual nano-SIM and no eSIM at all. And yet, a handful of models are the exception, so eSIM users need to check carefully before buying or importing.

Models that support eSIM in Hong Kong/Macao:

• iPhone Air 

• iPhone 13 mini 

• iPhone 12 mini 

• iPhone SE (2020) 

• iPhone XS 

Every other recent HK/Macao variant relies on two physical nano-SIM cards. If your Part Number ends with ZP/A, you have a Hong Kong or Macao model. To double-check eSIM capability, you can follow the instructions in one of the sections below.

How many eSIMs can an iPhone store?

Think of eSIMs like profiles you keep on your phone. Most iPhones can store up to eight or more. You can keep a home line, a travel plan, and a work line saved, then switch in “Settings” → “Cellular” or “Mobile service” when you need them. Storage is one thing. How many you can use at the same time is another.

On iPhone 13 and newer, you can run two active eSIMs at once. That means two digital lines with no card in the tray. On earlier eSIM models like XR, XS, 11, 12, and SE (2nd gen), you can use one active eSIM alongside one physical nano-SIM. You can still save multiple eSIM profiles on those phones by switching which one is active when you travel or change carriers.

If you want a model-by-model breakdown and a few setup tips, you’ll find them in our guide on how many eSIMs an iPhone can have.

eSIM vs. physical SIM: Which is better for an iPhone?

eSIM technology removes the plastic and moves your mobile plan fully into the digital realm. Apple started adopting eSIM technology with iPhone XS, then rolled it out across newer models until US flagships dropped the tray entirely. The experience feels ultramodern because it is. You can add a plan in minutes, switch carriers without visiting a store, and keep two lines active on newer devices. Travelers love it for the same reason. You land, you add data, you move on. For a fuller look at the upsides, see our guide to the benefits of an eSIM. But make no mistake — eSIM-compatible phones from Apple and other ecosystems are here to stay, with Samsung Galaxy devices and Google Pixel phones also boasting eSIM support.

Physical SIM cards still have strengths. They work on older phones, they can be moved instantly to a backup handset, and some carriers or regions remain card first. If you often swap between legacy devices, a card can be the safer bet. The tradeoff is convenience. You need the tray tool, you handle the chip, and you find a shop when you want a new plan.

For most people, the eSIM wins on speed and simplicity. Newer models let you run two eSIM lines, which makes travel and work setups painless. If your carrier does not yet support eSIM or you use older hardware, a physical SIM still makes sense. For a side-by-side comparison that weighs setup, roaming, reliability, and flexibility, read our eSIM vs. physical SIM breakdown.

How to check if your iPhone supports the eSIM

Not every iPhone is built the same, and some regional variants skip the eSIM altogether. The quickest way to find out if your device supports eSIM technology is to check your settings — it only takes a minute. In most cases, you can tell by looking for an option to add a cellular plan or by checking your model number. If nothing shows up, your iPhone might be a carrier-specific version or an older model. When in doubt, contact your carrier to confirm whether an eSIM is available for your device and network.

Method 1: Check “Settings”

Go to “Settings” → “General” → “About.” Note the Part Number. Its suffix reveals the sales region: “CH/A” means the device was made to be sold in mainland China, while “LL/A” — in the United States.

Method 2: Check model number

In the same “About” section, you can tap the “Model number” once to reveal the “A” number, for example, A2644. This is the hardware variant and is useful when you look up detailed compatibility lists.

Method 3: Dialing a code

You can also just dial *#06#, and if an EID number appears alongside your IMEI numbers, that means your iPhone supports eSIM.

You can also open “Settings” → click “Cellular” or “Mobile service” and check for “Add eSIM” or tap the “Add cellular plan” option. If the option is missing, your model does not support eSIMs.

How to set up an eSIM on compatible iPhones

Setting up an eSIM takes a few minutes, and you can do it all in Settings. Before you begin, make sure you have the basics in place: an unlocked iPhone, a carrier or eSIM provider that supports eSIMs, and a Wi-Fi connection for the download. If you are unsure about the lock status, you can quickly check if your iPhone is unlocked.

Here are some of the ways you can add an eSIM on an iPhone:

• Your carrier can activate your eSIM through Carrier Activation. You might see a prompt during device setup or inside Settings. Follow the steps and choose which line handles calls, texts, and data.

• You can add an eSIM by scanning a QR code or entering the details manually. Go to “Settings” → “Cellular” → “Add eSIM” and scan the QR provided by your carrier or app. If you received details like an SM-DP+ address and activation code, choose manual entry and add them there.

• You can move an existing eSIM from another iPhone with an eSIM Quick Transfer. Keep both devices nearby, then use the transfer option during setup or later in “Settings” → “Cellular” to copy the eSIM over Bluetooth.

If you want screenshots and a full walkthrough, start with our guide on how to install an eSIM on an iPhone. Upgrading to a new device and taking your plan with you is covered step by step in an article explaining how to transfer an eSIM to a new iPhone.

Troubleshooting: What to do when an eSIM isn’t working

Most issues come down to setup hiccups with eSIM technology rather than a faulty phone. A few quick checks usually sort it out. Start with your settings, then move to the network side if needed.

Try these steps in order:

1. Confirm that your device supports eSIMs. Open “Settings” → “General” → “About” and look for EID or Digital SIM. If you do not see an EID, your model may not support it. You can also compare your phone against our list of eSIM-compatible devices to be sure your device supports eSIMs.

2. Verify that your carrier supports eSIMs on your plan. Some carriers limit eSIM technology by region or plan type. If you are unsure, contact your carrier to confirm eSIM availability and provisioning on your account.

3. Check that your iPhone is unlocked. Go to “Settings” → “General” → “About” and look for signs of a carrier lock. If it says “No SIM restrictions,” you are fine. If it shows a lock, you may need to use the same carrier or request an unlock.

4. Make sure you have a stable internet connection during setup. An eSIM download and its activation require Wi-Fi or mobile data. Connect to reliable Wi-Fi before you try again.

5. Restart your iPhone. Power the phone off and back on to clear temporary glitches.

6. Toggle Airplane Mode. Turn Airplane Mode on, wait ten seconds, then turn it off to refresh network registration.

7. Check activation status in Settings. Go to “Settings” → “Cellular” or “Mobile services” and review the line you added. If it shows “Activating” or an error, follow the steps on how to check if an eSIM is activated on an iPhone and try again.

If these steps do not fix it, contact your carrier and ask for a reissue of the QR code. If your device supports eSIMs and activation still fails, your carrier can push a fresh profile or check for an account block. For a full checklist with screenshots and extra fixes, see our guide on how to fix an eSIM on an iPhone. And if you are still choosing a phone, double-check that your device supports eSIMs before you buy to avoid surprises later.

The best eSIM for an iPhone: the Saily eSIM app

Saily makes eSIM technology feel effortless. It works on all eSIM-compatible iPhones, from iPhone XS onward, and plays nicely with other Apple devices that support eSIM. Pick a country, add a plan, and get online without visiting a store or swapping plastic cards!

Getting started is simple. Browse Saily eSIM plans by destination, then install the plan in minutes. You can add it right inside the app or open the camera app to scan the QR you receive. Your new line appears in Settings, and you choose when to turn it on.

Travel is smoother with Saily because the plans are affordable and activation is quick. You keep your primary number, add local data, and move on with your trip. Ready to try it? Download the Saily eSIM app and set up your first plan today!