Which iPhones Support eSIM? Full Model List

Short answer: every iPhone from the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR (2018) onward supports eSIM, including the iPhone SE (2nd generation and later). The exception is phones sold in China mainland, which cannot install foreign eSIMs, and some Hong Kong and Macao models with two physical SIM slots. iPhone 14 and later bought in the US have no SIM tray at all.

Which iPhone models support eSIM?

Apple states that Dual SIM with eSIM needs “an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later”. In practice:

Model family	eSIM support	Notes
iPhone XS, XS Max, XR	Yes	First generation with eSIM (2018). One eSIM plus one physical SIM
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max	Yes	One eSIM plus one physical SIM
iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)	Yes	Physical SIM tray plus eSIM
iPhone 12 and 12 mini, 12 Pro	Yes	Same as above
iPhone 13 and 13 mini, Pro	Yes	First models Apple lists for two eSIMs active at once
iPhone 14 series	Yes	US models: eSIM only, no SIM tray
iPhone 15 series	Yes	US models: eSIM only
iPhone 16 series, 16e	Yes	US models: eSIM only
iPhone 17 series, iPhone Air, 17e	Yes	iPhone Air is eSIM only in every market
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max	Yes	Check Apple’s page for your country’s SIM options
iPhone X, 8 and older	No	No eSIM hardware

This list follows Apple’s support pages (checked October 2026). Apple’s lists change when new models launch, so confirm the current list for models that came out after the date above.

Does my iPhone have an eSIM if I bought it in China, Hong Kong or Macao?

Not always.

• China mainland. Apple says only a few models can use eSIM in China mainland, and a model sold outside the mainland cannot install an eSIM profile from a mainland carrier. At the time of checking, Apple’s page names the iPhone Air and iPhone 17e, with newer models possibly added. Mainland carriers also require an in-store ID check. Apple’s page also notes that the “iPhone Air only activates by eSIM”.
• Hong Kong and Macao. Several earlier models sold there are Dual SIM with two nano-SIM trays and no eSIM.
• Important. Third-party sources also say mainland-China iPhones from many generations have two physical SIM slots and no eSIM. Apple’s pages do not spell out every model, so check yours.

If you travel to China with an iPhone from elsewhere, an eSIM from a travel provider may behave differently from a local one. See our country pages before you go.

How do I check if my iPhone supports eSIM?

1. Settings, Cellular (or Mobile Data). If you see Add eSIM (or Set Up Cellular), the iPhone supports it.
2. Settings, General, About. Scroll down to EID. A long number means the phone has an eSIM chip.
3. Model number. In About, tap Model Number until it shows the “A” number (for example A2896) and compare it with Apple’s China mainland list.
4. Is it unlocked? Settings, General, About, Carrier Lock. It should say “No SIM restrictions”.
5. Or use our phone checker.

How many eSIMs can an iPhone store and use at once?

• Active. Apple allows two active numbers at once (Dual SIM). iPhone 13 and later can use two eSIMs active together, or one eSIM plus one physical SIM. Earlier models run one eSIM plus one physical SIM.
• Stored. Apple does not give a fixed storage number on the pages I checked. iPhones can hold several eSIM profiles, commonly cited as eight or more on recent iOS versions, but only two are active at once.
• Data. The iPhone uses one cellular data network at a time. You choose it in Settings, Cellular, Cellular Data.

How do I install a travel eSIM on an iPhone?

You need the QR code from your purchase email and Wi-Fi.

1. Open Settings, then Cellular (or Mobile Data).
2. Tap Add eSIM, then Use QR Code.
3. Scan the QR code on another screen. If scanning fails, tap Enter Details Manually and type the SM-DP+ address and activation code.
4. Tap Continue and wait for the profile to download.
5. Label the line, for example “Japan trip”.
6. Under Default Voice Line keep your home SIM, and under Cellular Data select the travel eSIM.
7. Turn on Data Roaming for the travel eSIM.
8. Turn off cellular data on your home line while abroad to avoid roaming charges.

More detail: How to install eSIM on iPhone and the general guide, How to install eSIM. Looking for another device? See Apple Watch, Xiaomi, OnePlus and Huawei.

Buy the plan in advance. It can be activated within 180 days, and most plans can be topped up on the same eSIM. Browse destinations at countries.

Why does my iPhone say eSIM is unavailable?

Message or symptom	Likely cause
No “Add eSIM” option	Model without eSIM, or a China mainland/Hong Kong variant
“Unable to complete cellular plan change”	Carrier lock, or no Wi-Fi. Retry on stable Wi-Fi
QR code error	Code already used, or poor scan. See QR code not working
Installed, but no data	Select the eSIM under Cellular Data and turn on Data Roaming. See eSIM not connecting

Which iPhone should I buy if I travel a lot?

Any iPhone 13 or later gives you two eSIMs active at once, so you can keep a home line and a travel line without a physical card. If you buy abroad, check where the phone was sold: a US-bought phone has no SIM tray, so a lost or broken eSIM needs a carrier visit, while many other countries keep a tray as a fallback.

What about iPads and Apple Watch?

Cellular iPads and cellular Apple Watch models can use eSIM too, but compatibility is a separate question with different rules. See eSIM for iPad and eSIM for Apple Watch. A Wi-Fi-only iPad cannot use an eSIM.

FAQ

Does the iPhone XR support eSIM?

Yes. The iPhone XR, XS and XS Max were the first iPhones with eSIM, in 2018.

Does the iPhone SE support eSIM?

Yes. Both the 2nd and 3rd generation iPhone SE have eSIM.

Which iPhones are eSIM only in the US?

Apple’s page lists the iPhone 14 series and later (14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, and later models up to the current 17, Air and 18 series) as having no SIM tray in the US. Other countries usually still have a physical SIM tray.

Can an iPhone use two eSIMs at the same time?

Yes on iPhone 13 and later, per Apple. Earlier models support one active eSIM alongside one physical SIM.

Does an iPhone from China support eSIM?

Mostly no. Apple lists only a few models for China mainland, such as the iPhone Air and 17e. Many mainland-sold iPhones use two physical SIMs.

Can I move my eSIM to a new iPhone?

Yes, if your provider supports transfer, but a travel eSIM QR code is normally single use. Ask the seller before you switch phones. See transfer eSIM between phones.

What if I never install the eSIM?

Refunds are available for 180 days if it was never installed, and for 30 days if installed but not activated.