Dual SIM on an iPhone: Which iPhones have it, and how does it work?

Do iPhones have dual-SIM capabilities?

Yes, most iPhones released since 2018 have dual-SIM capabilities. You can configure two phone lines using a combination of one physical nano-SIM and one digital eSIM, though newer models like the iPhone 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 series can support two active eSIMs simultaneously. In general, if you own an iPhone XS, XR, or newer model, you likely already have the hardware to run two lines at once.

What is dual SIM on an iPhone? 

Dual SIM on an iPhone allows a single device to connect to two different cellular networks simultaneously. This means you can have two phone numbers, two data plans, and two separate contact lists active on one phone. The system usually achieves this duality by pairing a traditional physical SIM card slot with an internal eSIM chip, though newer US models have moved to a dual-eSIM architecture that eliminates the need for a physical card entirely.

How does a dual SIM work on an iPhone? 

Dual SIMs on iPhones work by utilizing a technology called Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS), which keeps both lines active in standby so they both can receive calls and texts. Your iPhone listens for incoming traffic on both numbers, so you don't need to toggle settings to stay reachable. When you accept a voice call on one line, the other line typically becomes unavailable until you hang up, allowing a single device to manage two separate cellular connections whether you are using a physical SIM plus an eSIM, or two eSIMs.

To understand exactly how dual SIMs work on an iPhone, let’s define a few terms. First off, what is a SIM card? A SIM card is how your phone connects to mobile networks. In the past, all phones had physical SIM cards that fit into a slot in your device. As technology advanced, phones started using smaller, nano-SIM cards. Some modern smartphones still use nano-SIM cards, but others have gotten rid of the physical SIM cards altogether, opting for eSIM technology instead.

What is an eSIM? Introduced in 2016, eSIMs are digital alternatives to nano-SIMs that use software on your phone to connect to mobile networks without the need for a physical card. Some iPhones can support both nano-SIMs and eSIMs, but some newer iPhone models are eSIM only.

If you’re looking at dual SIM iPhones, you have four options:

1. iPhones with two nano-SIM card slots. These are only available in regions like China, Hong Kong, and Macao.

2. iPhones with one nano-SIM and one eSIM. This is the most popular dual SIM configuration globally, offering flexibility for physical and digital SIM use.

3. iPhones that support two eSIMs at once, or one nano-SIM and one eSIM. Some newer models offer this versatile option.

4. iPhones that only support two eSIMs. These are becoming increasingly common in regions with high eSIM adoption, such as the US, especially in newer models like the iPhone 14 and later, which completely dropped the physical SIM slot in the US. 

Even if your iPhone is dual SIM compatible, you’ll also need to be running iOS 12.1 or later — the operating system that introduced the dual SIM functionality for iPhones. If you plan to use an eSIM, you should also ensure that your mobile carrier offers eSIM services. Some mobile providers also “lock” a device, which keeps it from being used with another carrier and/or in another country, so check if your iPhone is locked before you purchase a second SIM.

Which iPhone models have a dual SIM function? 

Dual SIM compatibility depends on your region and the year your iPhone was released. The guide below shows where each model fits in the lineup. For more details, see our full list of eSIM-supported devices.

eSIM-only dual-SIM iPhones

Apple removed the physical SIM tray from American models starting with the iPhone 14 line. These devices rely exclusively on electronic profiles to manage your connections, meaning you cannot insert a plastic card even if you wanted to:

• iPhone Air (Apple’s first device to be eSIM-only globally)

• iPhone 17 series (Standard, Pro, Pro Max)

• iPhone 16 series (Standard, Plus, Pro, Pro Max, 16e)

• iPhone 15 series (Standard, Plus, Pro, Pro Max)

• iPhone 14 series (Standard, Plus, Pro, Pro Max)

If you purchased one of these devices within the United States, do not bother looking for the eject pin hole. The hardware simply does not exist.

iPhones supporting two eSIMs or a nano-SIM with an eSIM

Apple upgraded the hardware of iPhones in recent years to support two active eSIMs simultaneously, while still keeping the physical slot. This configuration gives you the option to run a fully digital setup or stick to the traditional combination of one physical card and one digital plan. You will find this flexibility on the following devices:

• iPhone 13 (Standard, Mini, Pro, Pro Max)

• iPhone SE (3rd generation)

• Non-US versions of the iPhone 14, 15, 16, and 17 series

These models represent the sweet spot for global connectivity. You get the convenience of a fully digital setup without losing the option to use a local physical card if you end up in a location where digital adoption lags behind.

iPhones supporting one nano-SIM and one eSIM 

The first generation of dual-SIM iPhones introduced the concept by pairing exactly one physical slot with one digital chip. To utilize two lines on these devices, you must use one physical nano-SIM card in the tray alongside one activated digital plan.

• iPhone 12 (Standard, Mini, Pro, Pro Max)

• iPhone 11 (Standard, Pro, Pro Max)

• iPhone XS and XS Max

• iPhone XR

• iPhone SE (2nd generation)

While these are older devices, they handle dual-line tasks perfectly. You just need to ensure you have the correct mix of one physical and one digital SIM to make the system work.

iPhones supporting two nano-SIM cards 

You will likely only encounter these specific hardware versions if you bought your device in mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macao. The American market is moving toward a slot-free future, which often sparks confusion and leads travelers to ask “Do iPhones have SIM cards?” before buying. Apple manufactures unique units for these Asian regions that double down on physical SIM support instead.

Why use an eSIM with the dual SIM function on an iPhone? 

The iPhone dual-SIM system reaches its full potential when you move away from physical SIM cards. Managing plans digitally allows you to switch carriers instantly without hunting for a paperclip to eject a tray on a moving train. An eSIM app like Saily streamlines this process further, letting you download a profile and connect in minutes. You get the flexibility of a global nomad without the hardware headache, but you should always weigh the pros and cons before activating that second line.

Advantages of using the dual-SIM function on an iPhone

Running two lines transforms your device from a simple phone into a specialized communication tool. Here is why power users rely on this feature.

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  Two numbers, one device. You can keep your business contacts separate from your personal life without carrying a second phone.

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  Travel independence. You can use international SIM cards for your iPhone to get local data rates while keeping your home number active for bank alerts.

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  Better coverage. If you live in a rural area with spotty service, you can subscribe to two different networks and switch to whichever has a stronger signal.

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  Cost efficiency. You can optimize your bills by using one cheap carrier for voice calls and another provider for a high-volume data plan.

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  Expense tracking. Designating a specific line for work calls makes it easy to calculate billable hours or tax deductions at the end of the month.

This flexibility allows you to customize your connectivity to match your specific lifestyle needs rather than settling for a generic carrier package.

Disadvantages of using the dual-SIM function on an iPhone

The dual-SIM system adds capability, but it also adds demand on your hardware. You should be aware of these potential drawbacks before setting up a second profile.

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  Battery drain. Maintaining a connection to two towers simultaneously creates a constant power draw that impacts the battery life of iPhones with dual-SIM tech.

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  User complexity. You must remember to select the correct line before dialing or text internationally on an iPhone, or you risk accidental usage charges.

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  Throttled speeds. On older models using older firmware (like the iPhone 12), using both lines simultaneously can sometimes limit 5G availability, dropping you to 4G LTE speeds. This has since been solved by Apple via a firmware update.

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  Higher costs. While cheaper than buying a second phone, maintaining two active plans will always cost more than paying for a single subscription.

Understanding these trade-offs ensures you are not surprised when your battery hits 20% faster than usual or when a bill arrives for the wrong line.

How to use a dual SIM on an iPhone

To use a dual SIM on an iPhone, first, you want to identify the type of dual SIM functionality you’re interested in: two eSIMs, a nano-SIM/eSIM combination, or two nano-SIMs. We have step-by-step instructions for every method.

To use two eSIMs at once:

1. Purchase your secondary eSIM plan. Follow your provider’s instructions for activation.

2. Open “Settings.”

3. Tap “Cellular.” You should see both of your eSIMs listed.

4. Select the inactive eSIM.

5. Tap “Turn on this line.”

Follow these steps for how to install an eSIM on an iPhone for dual functionality with a nano-SIM:

1. Buy and activate your eSIM plan.

2. Open “Settings.”

3. Tap “Cellular.” You should see both your nano-SIM and eSIM listed.

4. Click the inactive profile.

5. Select “Turn on this line.”

 To use two nano-SIM cards at once:

1. Purchase a second nano-SIM card.

2. Eject your SIM card tray.

3. You’ll notice that the tray has top and bottom slots.

4. Insert the nano-SIM into an open tray slot.

5. Reinsert the SIM card tray.

6. Open “Settings.”

7. Select the inactive nano-SIM.

8. Tap “Turn on this line.”

If you’re not sure whether you were successful, read this article for more information on how to check if an eSIM is activated on an iPhone.

Once both of your SIMs are active, you may want to set up one as the default line and the other as secondary. You can also select options to switch between SIMs depending on which can get better coverage. You can give each SIM a label, like “Personal” and “Business.” Once your dual SIMs are activated, each number can send and receive phone calls, text messages, and FaceTime calls.

When you make a call, your iPhone will automatically use your default number. To switch numbers, open the contact you’re calling, tap “Default,” and then select the number you want to use with that contact. If you’re calling someone who isn’t saved in your contacts, type in the number as you usually would, then click the phone number at the top of your screen and select the phone number you want to use to make the call. Incoming calls will be labeled with the phone number they’re calling.

You can also use dual SIM functionality to text. To choose the number you want to text from:

1. Open “Messages.”

2. Select “New messages.”

3. Enter the contact’s name or phone number.

4. Tap the contact.

5. Select the phone number you want to use.

It’s important to note that you can’t separate the text messages or iMessages you receive by phone number. All incoming texts will go into the Messages app. 

This covers the basic software setup. If you want to dive deeper into the hardware mechanics, check our guide “How does a dual SIM work?” to understand the technology behind your screen better.

Tips for using dual SIM on your iPhone 

Separating your professional and personal lives digitally on a single device offers immense freedom, but it comes with administrative overhead and the need for digital hygiene. Without the right settings, you risk draining your battery and accidentally incurring roaming charges.

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  Label your lines clearly. Do not stick with generic tags like “Primary” and “Secondary.” Rename them to “Home,” “Work,” or "Travel" to distinguish your second SIM at a glance.

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  Watch your data usage. If you enable “Allow cellular data switching,” your phone will jump to the other line if the signal drops. This is great for connectivity but dangerous for roaming bills. Monitor your data usage on an iPhone to ensure you remain on the correct plan.

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  Manage your battery. Dual-SIM standby requires more energy than a single SIM setup because the phone maintains a connection to two towers. Carry a power bank during travel-heavy days.

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  Set specific contacts. Go into your address book for your boss or partner and set their specific “preferred line.” This step ensures you never call them from the wrong number.

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  Master global texting. You need to be careful when texting while taking advantage of dual-SIM capability. Make sure to select the right line in order to text internationally on an iPhone and avoid routing messages through the more expensive carrier.

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  Use call forwarding. You can set up call forwarding on one line to route to the other if coverage fails, ensuring you never miss a critical update.

These small tweaks protect your wallet and your sanity. You will quickly find that the initial setup time pays dividends when you land in a new country and connect instantly.

Dual SIM on an iPhone: Key takeaways 

The iPhone’s dual-SIM feature does more than just save space in your pocket. It transforms your hardware into a command center, allowing you to straddle two time zones or two separate parts of your life without swapping Apple devices.

• Hardware dictates strategy. Early models rely on one physical SIM paired with a digital chip, while the latest US iPhones have gone fully digital.

• Work-life balance. You can dedicate one line to the office and the other to your personal life, effectively siloing your messages and calls.

• Friction-free phone setup for travel. Adding a local plan takes minutes, freeing you from the worry of expensive roaming fees.

If you plan to take this technology across borders, Saily offers the path of least resistance. You can learn how to download an eSIM in seconds, secure a local plan, and have your data ready before the plane’s cabin doors open when you arrive. It is one of the best ways to leverage the technology you already hold in your hand.