All compatible devices

Does the iPhone 15 Have eSIM or a SIM Card?

Yes — iPhone 15, Plus, Pro and Pro Max support eSIM outside mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao. US versions are eSIM-only with no SIM tray.

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Before buying a travel eSIM

  1. Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock should say ‘No SIM restrictions’. If it does not, contact your home carrier; eSIM hardware alone does not mean the phone is unlocked.
  2. Compare your model and purchase region with the table below. A second IMEI can belong to a physical SIM and does not prove eSIM support.
  3. Choose plans for your destination and check coverage, validity and what starts the activation clock. Install over Wi-Fi following the instructions for the plan you bought.

Want to try Wanderly first? Read the free eSIM trial requirements, including account eligibility, supported coverage and the no-charge card check, before claiming.

The iPhone 15 is eSIM-only in the United States. Most other regional models have eSIM and a nano-SIM tray; mainland-China, Hong Kong and Macao models use two physical SIMs without eSIM.

For travellers the practical picture is unchanged and good: two active eSIMs, eight or more stored profiles, and no tray to lose.

iPhone 15 models and eSIM support

ModeleSIM support
iPhone 15 / Plus / Pro / Pro Max (US)eSIM only — no SIM tray, two active eSIMs
iPhone 15 / Plus / Pro / Pro Max (supported international regions)eSIM + nano-SIM, two active eSIMs
iPhone 15 (mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao)No eSIM — dual physical nano-SIM

Regional caveats and limits

  • US models have no SIM tray; eSIM is the only way to add a line.
  • Mainland-China, Hong Kong and Macao models have no eSIM and use two physical trays.
  • The phone must be carrier-unlocked for a third-party travel eSIM.
  • Two eSIMs stay active at once — keep your home line for calls and the travel plan for data.
  • Read the activation rules before installing: some plans start validity on installation and others on their first supported network connection.

How to set up an eSIM on iPhone 15

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi and turn off any VPN.
  2. Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code.
  3. Scan your QR code, or enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code manually.
  4. Label the plan and set your home number as the default voice line.
  5. On arrival: select the travel eSIM for Cellular Data and turn on Data Roaming for that line.

Roaming is set per line, so it has to be enabled on the travel eSIM rather than your home number. See how to turn on data roaming for the exact path on iPhone and Android. Moving to a different handset later? Read how to transfer an eSIM to a new phone first. Travel eSIM transfers depend on the plan; contact support before deleting a profile because its QR code may not be reusable.

Once your iPhone 15 is set up, the plan itself is the last step — travellers heading out with one usually start with Italy eSIM, Germany eSIM, Australia eSIM, Philippines eSIM, Canada eSIM or Mexico eSIM. Browse all destinations.

Sources and verification

Compatibility details were last verified on October 6, 2026 against official manufacturer documentation. Regional carrier restrictions can still vary by model number and where the phone was purchased.

Need help identifying the eSIM hardware? Read what an EID number is and where to find it.

Apple: Dual SIM with an eSIMApple: Models with two nano-SIM cardsApple: Check your iPhone's carrier lock

Frequently asked questions

Does the iPhone 15 have eSIM?

Yes outside mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao. US versions are eSIM-only; the models sold in those three regions use two physical SIMs without eSIM.

Does the iPhone 15 have a SIM tray?

Not in the US. Models sold in most other countries retain the nano-SIM tray.

Can the iPhone 15 run two eSIMs at once?

Yes — two active eSIMs, with eight or more profiles stored.

Should I install my travel eSIM before flying?

Check the plan instructions first. Installation requires internet access, but validity may start on installation or on the first supported network connection, depending on the plan.

Once your iPhone 15 is confirmed compatible and unlocked, compare travel plans by destination. On phones with Dual SIM, you can keep your home line enabled; your home carrier may charge for calls, texts or roaming.

Browse plans by destination

Not sure which iPhones support eSIM?

Our full breakdown covers every eSIM-capable iPhone model and how to check yours.

Read: Which iPhones have eSIM?

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