With the advent of eSIM technology, it is now possible to activate a cellular plan without a physical SIM card. This technology has made it easier for people to switch between carriers and manage their plans, especially when traveling abroad. Apple was among the first companies to introduce eSIM technology in their iPhones, and since then, they have included this feature in some of their latest models. In this blog post, we will discuss which iPhones are compatible with eSIM technology.
eSIM technology was first introduced in 2018 with the release of the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. These were the first iPhones to support dual-SIM capabilities, which means that you could have two different phone numbers and plans on the same device.
One of the SIM slots was for a physical SIM card, while the other slot was for an eSIM. This feature was particularly useful for people who traveled frequently and needed to use local carriers for their data plans.
Since then, Apple has continued to include eSIM technology in some of its latest models. Adding eSIM data is easy - just purchase a data package, install the eSIM, and activate it. For this, you just need to choose the best eSIM package for you, and everything is done.
iPhone XR
The eSIM technology of the iPhone XR still makes it a valuable device despite the release of newer iPhone models. You can easily activate eSIM data packages on your iPhone XR for a short period, starting from as low as $4.50, without a service plan or phone number. Owning an iPhone XR (excluding specific models) allows you to enjoy the benefits of eSIM. To add eSIM data to your iPhone XR, purchase a data package, install the eSIM, and activate it when you're ready to use it.
iPhone XS and XS Max
The iPhone XS and XS Max were among the first iPhone models to support eSIMs and were also water-resistant. If you own one of these models, except for those purchased in certain regions, you can still use them to purchase eSIM data packages. These phones are ideal for traveling because you can easily add eSIM plans from around the world at affordable prices.
iPhone 11 and Pro Max
All iPhone 11 models support eSIM technology, allowing you to connect to mobile networks worldwide with built-in SIM cards. However, it's worth noting that some iPhone 11 models purchased in certain regions may not support eSIM. To add eSIM data to your iPhone 11, purchase a data package, install the eSIM, and activate it to start using your new data.
iPhone SE
Not all models of the iPhone SE support eSIM, and it can be challenging to determine if your phone does or not. The second and third generations of the iPhone SE do support eSIM, but the first generation does not. To check if your iPhone SE supports eSIM, simply look up the model number in the 'About' section of your phone, and we'll let you know if it's an eSIM-compatible model.
iPhone 12, Mini, and Pro Max
The iPhone 12 series was released in 2020, and all models except those purchased in Mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macao support eSIM. The iPhone 12 Mini always has eSIM, except for those purchased in Mainland China.
iPhone 13, Mini, and Pro Max
The iPhone 13 Mini, with a 5.4" display, remains the smallest iPhone on the market and works great with eSIM. However, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max purchased in certain regions don't include eSIM. iPhone 13 Mini has eSIM unless it was purchased in that specific region.
iPhone 14, Plus, and Pro Max
The iPhone 14 lineup has just been released, featuring exciting changes such as 16-20 hours of video playback, wireless charging, and the ability to connect to a satellite for emergency calls and texts. Many of the newly-released iPhone 14 models come without SIM card trays, making them Apple's first eSIM-only devices. While this caused concern for some travelers, eSIM can be used to connect to networks all over the world. Every iPhone 14 sold within the United States is eSIM-only, but all other iPhone 14 devices are still eSIM-compatible (even though they also have a SIM card tray) except those sold in China. Add eSIM data to any compatible iPhone 14 device by shopping for a data package, installing the eSIM, and activating it when you're ready to start using your new data.
Conclusion
Using eSIM on your iPhone has many benefits, including the ability to purchase eSIMs anytime, anywhere, stay connected around the world, prevent roaming charges while traveling, and enjoy flexible data packages without contracts. eSIMs also allow you to use your regular phone number and are prepaid.