All compatible devices

Does the iPhone 16 Have eSIM?

Yes — iPhone 16, Plus, Pro and Pro Max support eSIM outside mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao. The 16e supports eSIM outside mainland China, including Hong Kong and Macao. US versions are eSIM-only.

Find a travel eSIM planEstimate data for your trip

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.

US iPhone 16 models are eSIM-only. Other regional models retain a SIM tray; mainland-China, Hong Kong and Macao iPhone 16 / Plus / Pro / Pro Max use two physical SIMs without eSIM.

The iPhone 16e supports eSIM outside mainland China, including Hong Kong and Macao. The regional exceptions differ from the other iPhone 16 models.

iPhone 16 models and eSIM support

ModeleSIM support
iPhone 16 / Plus / Pro / Pro Max (US)eSIM only — no SIM tray, two active eSIMs
iPhone 16 / Plus / Pro / Pro Max (supported international regions)eSIM, most regions also keep nano-SIM
iPhone 16eeSIM outside mainland China, including Hong Kong and Macao
iPhone 16 / Plus / Pro / Pro Max (mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao)No eSIM — physical SIM only

Regional caveats and limits

  • US models have no SIM tray at all.
  • Check the purchase region: a physical SIM tray does not prove or rule out eSIM support.
  • The handset must be carrier-unlocked to install a third-party travel eSIM.
  • Two eSIMs remain active at once, with multiple profiles stored.
  • Mainland-China iPhone 16 and 16e models have no eSIM. Hong Kong and Macao iPhone 16 / Plus / Pro / Pro Max use two physical SIMs; the 16e supports eSIM there.

How to set up an eSIM on iPhone 16

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi and turn off any VPN.
  2. Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code.
  3. Scan the QR code from your order email, or enter the SM-DP+ details manually.
  4. Label the plan "Travel" and keep your home line as the default for calls.
  5. After landing: choose the travel eSIM for Cellular Data and enable Data Roaming on it.

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 16 is set up, the plan itself is the last step — travellers heading out with one usually start with Germany eSIM, Australia eSIM, Philippines eSIM, Canada eSIM, Mexico eSIM or Vietnam 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 16 have eSIM?

Yes outside mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao for the 16, Plus, Pro and Pro Max. The 16e supports eSIM outside mainland China, including Hong Kong and Macao. US versions are eSIM-only.

Does the iPhone 16e support eSIM?

Yes outside mainland China, including Hong Kong and Macao. US 16e models are eSIM-only.

Does the iPhone 16 still have a SIM card slot?

Not in the US. Other regional models retain a SIM tray; mainland-China, Hong Kong and Macao iPhone 16 / Plus / Pro / Pro Max models use physical SIMs without eSIM.

How many travel eSIMs can I keep on an iPhone 16?

You can store multiple profiles and keep two active at the same time, so you can hold plans for several trips at once.

Once your iPhone 16 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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