Does iPhone 16 have eSIM and dual SIM capabilities?

Rachel Tran
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Published: October 2024

Find out: does iPhone 16 have eSIM and dual SIM capabilities, the specific implementation by region.

The iPhone 16, the latest flagship smartphone of Apple, continues the company’s tradition of pushing technological boundaries, particularly in terms of cellular connectivity.

In this article we will explore two important aspects of the iPhone 16’s connectivity features through answering two questions:

  • Is iPhone 16 eSIM only?
  • Does iPhone 16 have dual sim capabilities?
Does iphone 16 have esim and dual sim

I. Does iPhone 16 have eSIM?

Yes, all models of the Apple iPhone 16 series have eSIM support, including iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max. However, implementation of eSIM technology varies depending on the region where the iPhone is bought.

► See the most updated list of eSIM-supported devices.

How many eSIM does an iPhone 16 have?

The iPhone 16 series can store eight or more eSIMs, but can only have two active eSIMs simultaneously.

II. Is iPhone 16 eSIM only?

No, it depends on where you buy your iPhone 16 device. The iPhone 16 is NOT exclusively eSIM-only for all markets worldwide. Apple has adopted a region-specific approach to SIM technology in the iPhone 16 series.

All iPhone 16 models have eSIM support
All iPhone 16 models have eSIM support, but implemention varies by region.

III. Regional differences in iPhone 16 eSIM configuration

Here is a detailed explanation of the SIM configurations for the iPhone 16 across different regions:

1. iPhone 16 sold in the US: eSIM-only

In the United States, all iPhone 16 models are indeed eSIM-only, with no slot for a physical SIM Card. iPhone users in the U.S need to use eSIM technology to connect to mobile networks. These devices can support multiple eSIMs, allowing users to switch between carriers digitally.

2. iPhone 16 sold in international markets: Hybrid approach

In most countries, including Canada, Mexico, and European countries, etc. iPhone 16 models come with both options: a slot for a physical SIM card and also support eSIM.

Users can utilize dual SIM functionality with one eSIM and one physical SIM, or two eSIMs.

3. iPhone sold in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau; Physical SIM-only

The iPhone 16 sold in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau come with two slots for physical SIM cards and do not support eSIM at all.

We summarize the differences in iPhone 16 SIM configuration in the table below:

RegioneSIM supportPhysical SIM slotDual SIM Capability
United StatesYes0Yes (dual eSIM)
Mainland China, Hong Kong, MacauNo2Yes (Dual physical)
Rest of the worldYes1Yes (both)

Why does Apple apply this eSIM strategy?

Apple applies different SIM strategies to different regions of the world to suit different needs around the world. The reasons behind are:

  • Not all countries have widely adopted eSIM technology yet.
  • Many people still prefer using physical SIM cards
  • Some countries have specific rules about how phones should work (like China)

So Apple is trying to balance new technology with what people in different countries are used to and what works best in each place.

► Learn more to know if iPhone 16 have a SIM card slot and how it is applied.

IV. Does iPhone 16 have Dual SIM capabilities?

Yes, the iPhone 16 does have dual SIM capabilities across all models and regions, but the implementation varies depending on where you buy the device.

The U.S. version of the iPhone 16 supports dual SIM through two eSIMs. The international version supports Dual SIM through a combination of one physical nano-SIM and one eSIM. The Chinese version supports two physical SIM card slots with no eSIM support.

iPhone 16 has dual SIM in all models
iPhone 16 has dual SIM in all models

V. How does the iPhone 16 support dual SIM?

In both the US version, Chinese Version, and international versions of iPhone 16, the device operates in Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) mode. This means:

  • Both SIMs can receive calls and texts.
  • Only one line can use cellular data at a given time, but users can easily switch between them.
  • Users can label each line (e.g., “Personal” and “Travel”) for easy management.

VI. Benefits of dual SIM on iPhone 16

The dual SIM feature in iPhone 16 offers greater flexibility for users, especially travelers.

Noticeable benefits of dual SIM on iPhone 16 (and other iPhone models with dual SIM support) include:

  • Keep your home phone number active while using a local SIM abroad
  • Avoid expensive roaming charges by using local data plans
  • Manage work, personal calls on separate lines
  • Connect to two different networks for potentially better overall service.
  • Use one SIM for calls and another for data, optimizing usage based on local offers.

VII. Will the lack of physical SIM card affect you when using iPhone 16?

Fortunately, the impact of not having a physical SIM card slot on an iPhone 16 will primarily affect US residents, as models sold in other countries will still have physical SIM card slots.

For most US users, the impact will be minimal since major carriers support eSIM technology.

However, you may face challenges in the following scenarios:

  • You travel to countries with limited eSIM support
  • You want to switch your number to an old device without eSIM support
  • You activate services in the area with poor cellular or WiFI signals (because eSIM requires Internet connection to be installed and activated)

In such cases, you should consider using an international version of iPhone 16 with a physical SIM slot.