iPhone 15 eSIM Features: New and Updated Information

iPhone 15 eSIM features
iPhone 15 eSIM features

Since being on the market, Apple has launched the iPhone series with continuous improvement from basic SIM, Micro SIM, and Nano SIM to eSIM as it is now. Therefore, the question of how many SIMs iPhone 15 has is one of iFan’s concerns when news about the latest version is leaking. 

The iPhone 14 models A2650, A2651, A2649, and A2632, which started retailing in the US without a physical SIM tray and can only be activated with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, recently surprised the world. This move has us wondering: How will the eSIM feature on the iPhone 15?

To learn more, let’s discover the new eSIM features on iPhone 15 in the following article.

I. What is an eSIM?

eSIM becomes a comom feature on iPhone
eSIM becomes a comom feature on iPhone

eSIM (Embedded Subscriber Identity Module) is a digital SIM embedded in the device and can connect you to any operator offering eSIM services. It is physically connected (soldered) to the motherboard. You could activate it by setting up the “eSIM profile”, a new operator.

The information on an eSIM is rewritable, so you can switch your network without having to remove your SIM and insert another.

At the moment, eSIM are more commonly used as the second SIM in a dual-SIM device.

Good to know: eSIM is sometimes called virtual sim or eUICC (Embedded Universal Circuit Card). It plays an important role in the Internet of Things (IoT) since the technology is already embedded in wearables, cars, industrial machines, home appliances….

The size of an eSIM: An eSIM module is super tiny.

  • Width: 5.0mm
  • Height: 6.0mm
  • Thickness: 0.67mm

Types of eSIM: There are 02 types of eSIM, which are:

  • Data eSIM
  • Voice, SMS, and Data eSIM

Good to know: Data eSIM is one of the best options for foreign tourists who want to visit new countries.

II. Types of SIM Modules will Appear on iPhone 15

Types of SIM card options will appear on iPhone 15
Types of SIM card options will appear on iPhone 15

According to current leaked sources, Apple’s upcoming iPhone 15 series is expected to have 3 SIM card options as follows:

1. iPhone 15 Dual eSIMs

Dual eSIM (dual SIM) was first introduced in the iPhone 13 version, allowing users to use 2 eSIMs with 2 different carriers simultaneously without needing physical SIM card support. This model also have SIM card tray for inserting SIM card.

Currently, this feature is applied in many countries such as Germany, India, Croatia, Czech Republic, UK, USA, Austria, Canada, Hungary, Spain, India, …

2. iPhone 15 Dual SIM Cards

iPhone 15 dual SIM cards version will have a SIM tray designed to hold both SIMs simultaneously. Because the iPhone version with 2 SIM cards is only produced by Apple for markets where eSIM is not available, such as China, Hong Kong, and Macao, it will be difficult for you to find and buy. 

These phone models will be popular with the code symbol CH/A or ZP/A.

3. iPhone 15 with 1 SIM card and 1 eSIM

This will be a convenient version for iFan who want to integrate from 2 to 6 phone numbers with different carriers, and easily convert SIM data according to needs without complicated processes.

This iPhone series is being applied in many countries, such as USA, Germany, UK, Austria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Spain, India, Vietnam, etc.

4. iPhone 15 eSIM-Only

This model has no SIM card tray. iPhone users can only activate iPhones with eSIM from network carriers. In 2022, this model will be piloted in the US market. Let’s find out more about this iPhone 15 model in the next part!

III. Will the All the iPhone 15 Models be an eSIM-Only iPhone?

iPhone 15 will be eSIM-only model?
iPhone 15 will be eSIM-only model?

The first eSIM-only iPhone from Apple was made available in the US in 2022. In order to keep customers connected, the US-model iPhone 14 was delivered without a SIM tray and instead used eSIM technology. Two SIM profiles can be active at once on the iPhone 14 and it can hold up to eight SIM profiles.

In the Apple introduction of the Apple iPhone 14 series, they emphasized the eSIM convenience: 

“eSIM allows users to easily connect or quickly transfer their existing plans digitally, is a more secure alternative to a physical SIM card, and allows for multiple cellular plans on a single device. iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus remove the SIM tray for US models, enabling users to more quickly and easily set up their devices.”

Tips: eSIM compatible device list will be regularly updated on Gigago.

1. Benefits of an eSIM-Only iPhone

The benefits of an eSIM-only iPhone are plenty. Here are some of the key advantages:

  • Digital only: From your smartphone, you may purchase, install, and connect to an eSIM.
  • One device, multiple eSIM: On your eSIM-only iPhone, you can save several eSIM profiles and quickly switch between them. It’s much more convenient for tourists traveling across various countries. 
  • Journey without boundaries: Obtain an eSIM for your location and install on your iPhone, so you can connect right away when you get there.
  • No roaming fees: Most eSIMs are prepaid, like Gigago. You won’t need to be concerned about unexpected roaming fees because you can connect like a local.
  • More reliable: Your eSIM-only iPhone has an inbuilt eSIM, making it difficult to lose, steal, or harm.

2. Will the iPhone 15 Be eSIM-Only?

All indications suggest that the iPhone 15 will only support eSIM, at least in the United States. The iPhone 14 was Apple’s first significant step away from physical SIMs, and the company has been leading the charge for eSIM-compatible smartphones since 2018. The iPhone 15 and upcoming models are probably going to carry the trend in the US market.

How about the rest of the world, though? The iPhone 15 will only be available in eSIM-compatible carriers in more markets than its predecessor, according to the most recent estimates from tech experts and insiders. 

The iPhone 15 may not come with a real SIM card in France, according to a report from the French website iGeneration, according to TechRadar, Tom’s Guide, and MacRumors, to name a few.

To discover out, we’ll have to wait for the official release date from Apple.

IV. Will Europe Get an eSIM-Only iPhone 15?

According to the iGeneration report, which was published in French on March 27, the SIM card may no longer be present on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro in France and other European nations.

The success of the iPhone 14’s sales in the US and the lessons discovered regarding the standardization of eSIM technology with cellular providers AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, will likely determine whether nations decide to adopt this move.

V. How will the eSIM Work on iPhone 15?

eSIM will work properly on iPhone 15
eSIM will work properly on iPhone 15

If the iPhone 15 is the sole model that supports eSIM, it will likely function similarly to the iPhone 14 in that case. As a result, you’ll notice that it lacks a SIM card slot and will need to contact your local provider to have your SIM card replaced with an eSIM. 

Alternatively, if you already have an eSIM, you can use “Quick transfer” to move your eSIM from your current phone to the iPhone 15.

VI. iPhone 15 eSIM FAQs

Will the iPhone 15 be eSIM-only?

Many indications suggest that the iPhone 15 will only support eSIM, at least in the United States. Also, it is expected that the iPhone 15 will only be available with an eSIM in more places than its predecessor, including France and possibly other European nations.

Will the iPhone 15 have a USB-C port?

Various reports indicate that the iPhone 15 will be Apple’s first smartphone with USB-C, but Apple has not officially confirmed it. There are also rumors about faster charging, more battery, and USB-C cables in the same color as the phone.

When will the iPhone 15 be released?

According to Bloomberg, the iPhone 15 will be announced at an event in early September and launched in mid-September.

How to get an eSIM online for the iPhone 15?

Online eSIM purchases can be made through both national and international cell operators. It will depend on your needs and what is ideal for you. For tourists using eSIM-only iPhones, it’s better to purchase an eSIM plan from tourist eSIM providers like Gigago.

This information will continue to be updated…