Every iPhone from iPhone XS, XS Max and XR (2018) onward supports eSIM, and iPhone X and older models do not. Dual eSIM, meaning two eSIM lines active at the same time, starts with the iPhone 13 series and iPhone SE (3rd generation). US models of iPhone 14 and later, plus iPhone Air in every market, have no SIM tray at all and work only with eSIM.
Key takeaways
- Any iPhone from XS and XR onward is an eSIM compatible iPhone. iPhone X and earlier cannot use eSIM.
- Yes, iPhone 11 has eSIM. It supports one eSIM line, but not Dual eSIM.
- iPhone eSIM-only models: US versions of iPhone 14, 15, 16 and 17, and iPhone Air everywhere.
- Mainland China is the big exception: there, only iPhone 17e and iPhone Air support eSIM.
- Your iPhone also needs to be carrier unlocked before a travel eSIM from another provider will work.
The short answer
If you bought your iPhone in 2018 or later, it almost certainly supports eSIM. The cutoff is the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR generation. Every model released after those, including the iPhone SE (3rd generation), has an embedded SIM chip.
What changes between generations is how many eSIM lines can run at once and whether a physical SIM tray is still there. Those two details matter more than basic support when you plan to add a travel eSIM next to your home number.
Full iPhone eSIM model list
The table below covers every iPhone family with eSIM. SIM tray availability depends on where the phone was sold, so the column shows the most common setup outside the US and notes the US exception.
| Model | Year | eSIM | Nano-SIM tray | Dual eSIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone X and older | 2017 and earlier | No | Yes | No |
| iPhone XS, XS Max, XR | 2018 | Yes | Yes | No |
| iPhone 11 series | 2019 | Yes | Yes | No |
| iPhone 12 series | 2020 | Yes | Yes | No |
| iPhone 13 series | 2021 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 14 series | 2022 | Yes | Partial (none on US models) | Yes |
| iPhone 15 series | 2023 | Yes | Partial (none on US models) | Yes |
| iPhone 16 series | 2024 | Yes | Partial (none on US models) | Yes |
| iPhone 17 series | 2025 | Yes | Partial (none on US models) | Yes |
| iPhone Air | 2025 | Yes | No (every market) | Yes |
Regional note
iPhone SE (3rd generation) also supports eSIM and Dual eSIM. The table reflects the general rule. Models sold in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao follow different SIM setups, covered in the regional exceptions section below.
Which iPhones are eSIM-only?
An eSIM-only iPhone has no physical SIM tray. You cannot insert a plastic nano-SIM card, so every line on the phone, home or travel, has to be an eSIM.
US models
iPhone 14, 15, 16 and 17
Every US version of these four series ships without a SIM tray. Models sold in most other regions keep a nano-SIM tray alongside eSIM.
Every market
iPhone Air
iPhone Air is eSIM-only worldwide. There is no regional version with a tray, so a physical SIM card is never an option on this model.
For travellers, eSIM-only is rarely a problem. You simply cannot slot in a plastic SIM bought at the airport, so a travel eSIM becomes the default choice.
Dual eSIM on iPhone explained
Dual eSIM means two eSIM lines are active on the phone at the same time. The iPhone 13 series and every later model support it, as does the iPhone SE (3rd generation).
In practice, Dual eSIM lets you keep your home number active for calls and texts while a second eSIM handles mobile data abroad. You can pick which line is used for cellular data and switch at any point.
iPhone XS to iPhone 12
- eSIM supported
- One eSIM line active at a time
- Nano-SIM tray present
iPhone 13 and later
- eSIM supported
- Two eSIM lines active at once
- Tray removed on US models from iPhone 14, and on iPhone Air everywhere
Tip
If you use only the travel eSIM for data, FaceTime and iMessage keep working on your home line, according to Apple. You do not lose your iMessage identity by switching the data line.
How to check if your iPhone has eSIM
You do not need to look up your model number. Two quick checks inside the Settings app tell you whether your iPhone supports eSIM.
Look for the EID
Open SettingsGeneralAbout and scroll down. If you see an EID line, which is a long identification number for the embedded SIM, your iPhone supports eSIM.
Look for Add eSIM
Open SettingsCellular. If an Add eSIM option appears, the phone can install an eSIM profile right away.
Check the carrier lock
Before buying a plan from a different provider, confirm the phone is unlocked. The next section shows where to look.
About
Check that your iPhone is carrier unlocked
A carrier unlocked iPhone accepts an eSIM from any provider. A locked iPhone only works with the carrier that sold it, which means a third-party travel eSIM will install but will not connect.
To check, go to SettingsGeneralAbout and find the Carrier Lock line. If it reads "No SIM restrictions", the phone is unlocked and ready for a travel eSIM.
Warning
If Carrier Lock shows anything other than "No SIM restrictions", contact the carrier that sold the phone before you travel. Buying a travel eSIM for a locked iPhone is a common reason a plan cannot be used.
Regional exceptions: mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao
Where the iPhone was sold matters more than its model name in a few markets. Check the box or the purchase receipt if you bought your phone in one of these places.
| Region | eSIM support | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Mainland China | Partial | Only iPhone 17e and iPhone Air support eSIM. Other models sold there do not. |
| Hong Kong and Macao | Partial | Some models sold there use two nano-SIM cards instead of eSIM. |
| US | Yes | iPhone 14 and later are eSIM-only, with no SIM tray. |
| Most other regions | Yes | eSIM plus a nano-SIM tray on most models. iPhone Air is eSIM-only. |
The quickest way to settle any doubt is the EID check described above. If the EID line is missing, the phone does not support eSIM regardless of the model name.
How many eSIMs can an iPhone hold?
An iPhone can store several eSIM profiles, but only two lines can be active at once. Stored profiles stay on the phone while switched off, so you can keep a travel eSIM from a past trip and turn it back on later.
- Several eSIM profiles can be stored on one iPhone.
- Two lines can be active at the same time on Dual eSIM models.
- Turning a line off keeps the profile installed.
- Deleting a profile removes it from the phone, so keep any travel eSIM you still plan to use.
What this means for buying a travel eSIM
If your iPhone is an XS, XR or later, unlocked, and not a mainland China model outside iPhone 17e and Air, it can run a travel eSIM. On iPhone 13 and later you can keep your home line on as well, which helps when your bank sends verification codes by SMS.
A few practical steps apply to every eSIM iPhone, whichever provider you choose.
- Install the eSIM before you leave, while you are on Wi-Fi. Apple notes that installation needs Wi-Fi or a hotspot, except on eSIM-only models in some regions.
- Turn on Data Roaming for the travel line so it can join partner networks abroad.
- Set the travel line as your cellular data line and keep the home line on for calls and SMS.
- Use Low Data Mode per line if you want to stretch a fixed data package: SettingsCellular[line]Data Mode.
Providers differ mainly in destination coverage, plan types and how you pay. TonMobile, for example, sells local, regional and global plans with fixed data packages or unlimited options, and does not ask for documents at purchase. You can compare the wider field in our eSIM provider rating, where we compare published features, terms and store listings.
Keep in mind that travel eSIMs like this are data-only, so there is no phone number or SMS on the travel line. That is another reason to leave your home SIM active. TonMobile also lets you top up an existing eSIM without reinstalling it, which is handy if you stay longer than planned. For step-by-step setup, see our guide on how to install an eSIM on iPhone, and to size a package, read how much data you need for travel.
FAQ
Does iPhone 11 support eSIM?
Yes. iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max all support eSIM, since every iPhone from XS and XR onward does. iPhone 11 does not support Dual eSIM, which starts with the iPhone 13 series.
Does iPhone XR support dual eSIM?
No. iPhone XR supports eSIM, but not two active eSIM lines at once. Dual eSIM is available on iPhone 13 and later and on iPhone SE (3rd generation).
Which iPhones are eSIM only?
US models of the iPhone 14, 15, 16 and 17 series have no physical SIM tray and work only with eSIM. iPhone Air is eSIM-only in every market. Most models sold outside the US still keep a nano-SIM tray.
Does iPhone Air have a SIM card slot?
No. iPhone Air is eSIM-only worldwide, so there is no version with a nano-SIM tray. All lines on it, including travel data plans, have to be installed as eSIM.
How do I check if my iPhone has eSIM?
Open Settings, General, About and look for an EID line. You can also open Settings, Cellular and check for an Add eSIM option. If either is there, your iPhone supports eSIM.
Will a travel eSIM work on a carrier-locked iPhone?
Usually not. A locked iPhone only connects through the carrier that sold it. Check Settings, General, About, Carrier Lock, and look for "No SIM restrictions" before buying a travel eSIM.