eSIM Compatible iPhones: Full List 2025, Pros & Cons

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eSIMs have become increasingly popular in the last few years, with 598 million eSIM smartphone connections worldwide in 2024 and 231 eSIM-compatible devices in 2023.

Apple first launched eSIMs in 2017, with the Apple Watch Series 3 being the first compatible product. Currently, there are a number of eSIM-compatible iPhones, with the iPhone 14, 15, and 16 series being eSIM-only in the US.

Eric Morhenn, eSIM expert and COO at Nomad eSIM, said in a report: “Apple’s decision to produce and sell only eSIM-compatible iPhones for the US market is another step towards a wider global strategy. Apple’s vision is to move away from physical SIM cards completely within the next few product cycles.

“Apple is likely to expand this shift to other devices, with Apple Watch and even MacBooks using eSIM functionality as the norm, which then will end up creating a fully connected ecosystem.”

What are the eSIM-compatible iPhones? Can you convert your physical SIM into eSIM, and why do you need it? How can you transfer your eSIM to a new iPhone? In this article, we answer all these and many other questions you might have.

Key Takeaways

  • eSIMs have become very popular in the last few years, being used in a range of devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, cars, and fitness trackers.
  • There are 28 iPhone models in 2024 which support eSIMs, with the iPhone 14, 15, and 16 series being eSIM-only in the US.
  • You can activate iPhone eSIMs through eSIM Carrier Activation, eSIM Quick Transfer, using a QR code given by the network provider, or by converting a physical SIM to an eSIM.
  • eSIMs provide increased flexibility, security, and convenience.
  • However, they are still not as widely used in some countries, and many network providers don’t support them yet.

All eSIM Compatible iPhones in 2024

What Is eSIM?
An eSIM is essentially a digital SIM card. They are usually embedded, which means that they are already built into a device. They can be used in various products, such as smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and even certain cars.

Which iPhones are eSIM compatible? We look at all the iPhone models that can support eSIMs in 2024.

Why Do You Need an eSIM on Your Phone?

There are several reasons why smartphone users now prefer to have eSIMs on their phones. These include flexibility, security, and the ability to have several phone numbers at the same time.

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Chris Dukich, founder of Display Now, told Techopedia:

“The great advantage of eSIMs is flexibility in business operation. Customers can change the network or the plan without actually getting a new card for another phone.

“This is particularly convenient for international travelers as it saves them the trouble of buying new SIM cards and replacing them with other countries’ [SIMs]. There are also multiple profiles saved in eSIM, which enables the user to manage their connections better—something useful in an age where remote work and travel is increasing.”

Liz Parry, the CEO of Lifecycle Software, also believes that from a customer perspective, eSIMs provide a more streamlined and convenient experience.

“Users can activate network services entirely online, eliminating the need to visit a store, purchase a physical SIM, or manually insert it into their device,” she said.

Parry also admits that eSIMs are particularly beneficial for frequent travelers and those who live far from physical stores. Additionally, eSIMs make it easy to switch between networks and plans, offering significant savings on roaming costs.

Another key advantage is that eSIMs are embedded directly into devices, reducing the risk of loss or damage that comes with physical SIM cards.

According to Parry, as more devices, including smartwatches, IoT devices, and even cars, adopt eSIM technology, it represents an investment in the future. She added:

“eSIMs ensure users are prepared for the growing digital and interconnected world, making them compatible with future devices and advancements, and effectively future-proofing their connectivity.”

Since eSIMs are digital and cannot be taken out or exchanged, they also greatly help reduce the risk of SIM card scams and identity theft.

Pros & Cons of eSIM

Still, besides a number of advantages, eSIMs have several drawbacks:

Pros
  • Security
  • Sustainability
  • Flexibility
  • Not dependent on carriers
  • Compatibility
Cons
  • Limited locations
  • Connectivity
  • Issues with data transfer

eSIM Benefits

  • eSIMs provide an additional layer of security, as they cannot be removed, exchanged, or stolen very easily. Data on eSIMs is also encrypted, making them more difficult to hack into.
  • eSIMs are also sustainable, as they greatly reduce companies’ need to produce physical SIMs and the wastage associated with this process.
  • They are flexible, with users smoothly changing between plans and providers and accessing new eSIMs while abroad.
  • Similarly, no mobile provider contract is needed for eSIMs, as they can easily be downloaded.
  • They can also be used on several devices, such as tablets, phones, fitness trackers, smartwatches, and more.

eSIM Disadvantages

  • However, eSIM adoption in several countries is still quite slow, which can make it difficult to use them in these locations.
  • In some cases, network providers may also not have eSIM capacity.
  • eSIMs can also make it more difficult to switch data plans to new phones when it comes to data transfer.

Regarding eSIM advantages and challenges, Eric Hartley, Director at Simpatico Communications, said:

“They’re more eco-friendly than producing a physical SIM, allowing companies with green credentials and corporate social responsibilities to meet their obligations to the environment. This is something we see often as a business mobile phone dealer.

“The main challenge at the minute is that not all carriers support eSim yet, and in some countries, eSim isn’t available at all. This will reduce uptake from users who are tied to a particular network.”

Hartley also noted that, at the moment, the iPhone 16 outside of the USA still has physical SIM slots. For Apple, it would make manufacturing much more efficient if they only had to produce one version.

“There is resistance among some customers to eSims, as people are so used to having physical SIMs, it will take time for them to be more widely accepted.”

How to Activate eSIM on iPhone

eSIM Carrier Activation

One of the easiest and most common ways of eSIM activation on an iPhone is through eSIM Carrier Activation.

With this option, if you buy your iPhone directly from a network provider, an eSIM is assigned to an iPhone at the time of purchase. These are usually global service or network providers like T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, or AT&T, amongst several others, which will also require details of your mobile plan when you buy your iPhone.

In this case, once you have your phone, you only need to switch it on and follow the instructions on the screen for your eSIM to be activated. For people moving to iPhone from Android phones, you may need to call the network provider to use the eSIM Carrier Activation to have your phone number switched to your new iPhone.

However, if you have already finished setting up your iPhone and reach out to the network carrier afterwards for an eSIM, usually, they take care of the eSIM Carrier Activation initiation. In this case, here’s what you need to do:

  1. Tap on the ‘Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed’ notification when it shows up.
  2. Go to Settings > Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed > Continue.
  3. Try calling someone from your iPhone to verify that it is connected to mobile data. If this fails, you may need to reach out to your network provider.
  4. If you’re replacing your physical SIM plan, you would need to take out that SIM and restart your phone.

Network Provider’s QR Code

Another option to set up your eSIM on an iPhone is to use a network provider’s QR code. To do this, you only need to select the Use QR code option on the Set Up Cellular screen while setting up your phone and follow the instructions that pop up.

If you’ve already set up your iPhone and now want to be able to use an eSIM, your network provider can still give you a QR code. Then you have to do the following:

1. Scan the QR code with the camera app. When it pops up, tap the Cellular Plan Detected message.

  1. The QR code will be available on the network provider webpage or sent to you by email if you’re using an iPhone with iOS 17.4 or later. In this case, you need to touch and hold the QR code, then choose the Add eSIM option.
  2. Select Continue, then Add Cellular Plan.

At this stage, a confirmation code may be needed to finish the process, which your carrier should have already given you.

How to Transfer eSIM From One iPhone to Another

The easiest way to transfer an eSIM to a new iPhone is through eSIM Quick Transfer. If you’re setting up your iPhone for the first time and are asked to transfer your SIM, you only need to follow the instructions that pop up to transfer your eSIM or physical SIM.

Setting Up eSIM
Setting Up eSIM. Source: Apple

However, if you’re doing this after your initial setup, or if you have several SIMs, you can use the steps below to transfer them from one iPhone to another.

  1. On your new phone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.
  2. Here, you can pick a cell plan to switch from your old iPhone. However, if a list of numbers doesn’t appear, choose Transfer from Another iPhone. This will only work if both your phones have iOS 16 or later.
  3. At this point, check your old iPhone for instructions asking you to confirm the transfer. Choose Transfer, or enter the code given by your new phone if you need to enter a verification code.
  4. Wait for your new iPhone’s cell plan to activate. Once it does, your old SIM will no longer be active.
  5. In some cases, you may see a notification on your new phone saying Finish Setting Up Your Carrier’s Cellular Plan. When you tap it, you will be taken to the carrier’s webpage to finish the eSIM transfer process. Your carrier can help in case of any issues.

How to Convert a Physical SIM to an eSIM

To switch a physical SIM card to an eSIM on the same iPhone, use these steps:

  1. Go to Settings on your iPhone, then Cellular.
  2. Choose Convert to eSIM. However, if this option does not show up, it means that your carrier does not offer it and you may need to contact them to convert a physical SIM to an eSIM. This can usually be done through a QR code or through eSIM Carrier Activation.
  3. Following the Convert to eSIM option, choose Convert Cellular Plan.
  4. Choose Convert to eSIM.
  5. At this point, wait for your new eSIM to activate. Once it does, your old SIM will no longer be active.
  6. You can then take out your physical SIM from your phone and restart it.

The Bottom Line

eSIMs are increasingly gaining popularity, with Apple recently having released its third consecutive eSIM-only iPhone series in the US. eSIMs offer increased security by reducing SIM scams and flexibility by allowing users to switch carriers, even when abroad, easily.

However, they can be difficult to use in several parts of the world where network carriers may not be able to support them.

Currently, Apple has 28 iPhone models that support eSIMs, which can be easily activated through a number of options. These include eSIM Carrier Activation, eSIM Quick Transfer, using a network provider QR code, or converting a physical SIM to an eSIM.

FAQs

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Indrabati Lahiri
Financial writer and editor
Indrabati Lahiri
Financial writer and editor

Indrabati has over four years of experience as a financial reporter and editor, covering business, commodities, and macroeconomics. In addition to Techopedia, she’s currently working as a Business Reporter at Euronews. Her articles can be found in other online publications, including Capital.com and IBM, among others. Indrabati holds an MSc in Investment Banking and an MA in English.