Devices
Which iPhones have eSIM? Models, regions, and checks
All iPhones from the XS and XR onward support eSIM, with regional exceptions. Check your model, EID, carrier lock, and Dual SIM options.
In this guide
An iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or newer supports eSIM. The second- and third-generation iPhone SE also work with eSIM. The first iPhone SE, iPhone X, iPhone 8, and older models do not. For imported iPhones from China, Hong Kong, or Macao, you must check the original sales region separately.
If you first want to compare brands, start with a general overview of phones that support eSIM.
List of iPhones that support eSIM
These iPhone families support eSIM in the standard European version:
- iPhone 17 series, iPhone 17e, and iPhone Air;
- iPhone 16 series and iPhone 16e;
- iPhone 15 series;
- iPhone 14 series;
- iPhone 13 series;
- iPhone 12 series;
- iPhone 11 series;
- iPhone XS and XS Max;
- iPhone XR;
- iPhone SE, second generation from 2020;
- iPhone SE, third generation from 2022.
Apple sets the minimum at the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR. A model released later is therefore suitable unless a regional exception applies.
These iPhones do not support eSIM
The iPhone X is easy to confuse with the XS, but it does not have eSIM. These models are not compatible either:
- iPhone 8 and 8 Plus;
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus;
- first-generation iPhone SE from 2016;
- all older iPhones.
If you cannot identify the device from the outside, open Settings > General > About. This page shows the model name, model number, and, on compatible devices, an EID.
Exceptions for China, Hong Kong, and Macao
The original sales region determines the SIM hardware inside the iPhone. Apple states that in mainland China, only the iPhone 17e and iPhone Air support eSIM. Certain models from Hong Kong and Macao use two physical nano-SIM cards instead.
Changing the language or using an Apple Account from another country does not alter the hardware. With a second-hand or imported device, check the model number and original region even if the product name exactly matches a European model.
Check it yourself on your iPhone
Use two checks:
- Go to Settings > Cellular and look for Add eSIM.
- Go to Settings > General > About and look for EID.
If you see both, the iPhone has the necessary eSIM feature. If Add eSIM is missing on a compatible model, update iOS, restart the device, and check the carrier lock and region. Do not buy a profile if the option is still missing afterward.
Does a US iPhone work with eSIM?
Yes. US iPhone 14 models and later generations were even released without a physical SIM tray. On those devices, you use eSIM for both your regular plan and a travel profile.
This does not make switching while traveling impossible, but you cannot fall back on a local physical SIM. Before departure, check that your regular number works correctly and that there is room for the travel profile.
How many eSIMs can you use?
An iPhone can store multiple eSIM profiles. Apple mentions eight or more stored eSIMs on recent software. The number of lines that can be active at the same time depends on the iPhone generation.
From the iPhone 13 onward, many versions can use two active eSIMs at once. Older compatible models generally combine one physical SIM with one eSIM for Dual SIM. One line provides mobile data at any given time.
If you want to keep your own number active and use HolySim for internet access, configure the travel eSIM as the mobile data line and keep data roaming disabled on your regular line to prevent carrier charges.
Also check the carrier lock
Open Settings > General > About and look for Carrier Lock. If it says No SIM restrictions, the iPhone is unlocked. A technically compatible iPhone with a carrier lock may reject a HolySim profile.
If another message appears, contact the carrier that locked the device. HolySim and Apple cannot remove that carrier lock for you.
Install afterward
On a compatible, unlocked iPhone, add the travel eSIM through Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. Scan the QR code over stable Wi-Fi and do not delete the profile while activation is still in progress.
The installation process also covers the QR code, manual entry, line labels, mobile data, and roaming. This page focuses only on whether the device is compatible.
Sources and editorial review
The model threshold, regional exceptions, and current configuration options were checked with Apple Support. Storage capacity, simultaneously active lines, and transfer options may vary by model, iOS version, region, and carrier. Last editorial review: July 15, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Does the iPhone 11 have eSIM?
Yes. Every model in the iPhone 11 series supports eSIM in the standard European version.
Does the iPhone X have eSIM?
No. eSIM support started with the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR. The older iPhone X does not support the feature.
Does the iPhone SE have eSIM?
The second and third generations do. The first iPhone SE from 2016 does not.
Can I use a physical SIM and eSIM at the same time?
Yes, on compatible iPhones with a SIM tray. You can keep your regular number and select the eSIM for travel data.
Why do I not see Add eSIM?
Check the model number, sales region, iOS version, and carrier lock. Chinese versions and certain Hong Kong or Macao versions in particular may differ.
