Which iPhones support eSIM? Full list by model

iPhone eSIM compatibility by model

The newest iPhones follow the same rule: if you bought one in the US, assume it is eSIM only. If you are not sure about a specific model, check Apple's current tech specs for your iPhone or follow the check below.

Is the iPhone 13 eSIM compatible? Is the iPhone 12?

Yes to both. Every iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 model supports eSIM, and both still have a physical nano-SIM slot. That makes them dual SIM phones: one physical SIM and one eSIM, for example a main number on a SIM card and a cheap travel data plan on an eSIM. How many eSIMs can be active at once depends on the model and iOS version, so check Settings › Cellular on your own iPhone.

How to check if your iPhone has eSIM

Regional exceptions

iPhones sold in mainland China do not have eSIM. Models sold in Hong Kong and Macau also lack it, with a few exceptions for some older models. If you bought your iPhone outside the US, such as in China or Hong Kong, check Settings › Cellular before you buy a plan. A phone bought in the US works with eSIM in most countries when you travel.

eSIM works only if the iPhone is unlocked

Supporting eSIM is only half of it. A carrier locked iPhone only accepts that carrier's plans, even if the hardware supports eSIM. Before you buy a travel or prepaid eSIM, make sure the iPhone is unlocked. Our guide to checking whether your phone is unlocked shows how.

What you can do with an eSIM

• Use two numbers on one iPhone, such as personal and work.
• Add a local data plan when you travel and keep your home number for calls and texts. See using your iPhone in Europe.
• Switch carriers without waiting for a SIM card in the mail.
• Keep a backup line if your main carrier has an outage.

To set one up or move it to a new phone, read how to transfer an eSIM to a new iPhone. If your eSIM line shows Unknown number, see iPhone eSIM showing Unknown number.

iPhones that do not support eSIM

eSIM needs hardware that older iPhones lack. These models use a physical SIM only: iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, and the original iPhone SE. The iPhone SE (2nd generation, 2020) and later models do support it. Search results often ask about the iPhone X, iPhone 7, iPhone 8 and iPhone SE, so the short answer is: X, 8 and 7, no; SE (2nd and 3rd generation), yes.

Dual SIM and dual eSIM

Apple's dual SIM support changed over the years. The iPhone XS, XS Max and XR can use one physical SIM and one eSIM. Later models can store several eSIMs and use two lines at once. Apple lists dual eSIM support for newer models such as the iPhone 13 and later, so check Apple's current Dual SIM page for the exact combinations on your phone. In the US, iPhone 14 and newer models have no SIM tray, so every line is an eSIM.

Buying an iPhone for eSIM travel

If you want to add a local data plan when you travel, any eSIM iPhone works, but it must be unlocked, as explained below. Models sold outside the US can differ, and some regions still ship a tray. Check the specifications for the model and region you are buying. For trip planning, read how to use your phone in Europe, and if you are moving an existing line, see how to transfer an eSIM to a new iPhone.

Other Apple devices with eSIM

Some iPads and Apple Watch models with cellular also use eSIM. Your watch plan is added from the Watch app on your iPhone, and it needs a carrier that supports watch plans. The rules differ from the iPhone, so confirm the model and the carrier before you buy.