All compatible devices

    Does the iPhone 16 Have eSIM?

    Yes — every iPhone 16 model supports eSIM, including the 16e, and US versions have no physical SIM tray.

    Every iPhone 16 supports eSIM, and in the United States it is the only option — Apple has kept the tray-free design since the iPhone 14. Apple has continued extending eSIM-only models into more markets since, so a phone bought outside the US may or may not have a tray depending on where and when it was sold.

    The iPhone 16e, introduced in 2025 as the budget model replacing the SE line, supports eSIM as well.

    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 (international)eSIM, most regions also keep nano-SIM
    iPhone 16eeSIM supported
    iPhone 16 (mainland China)Physical SIM — eSIM availability depends on carrier support

    Regional caveats and limits

    • US models have no SIM tray at all.
    • eSIM-only variants have expanded beyond the US in recent years, so check your specific market rather than assuming a tray is present.
    • 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 eSIM availability is carrier-dependent and differs from other markets.

    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.

    Frequently asked questions

    Does the iPhone 16 have eSIM?

    Yes. All iPhone 16 models, including the 16e, support eSIM. US versions are eSIM-only with no SIM tray.

    Does the iPhone 16e support eSIM?

    Yes. The 16e replaced the iPhone SE line in 2025 and supports eSIM.

    Does the iPhone 16 still have a SIM card slot?

    Not in the US. Availability elsewhere depends on the market it was sold in, as Apple has widened its eSIM-only rollout.

    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.

    If your iPhone 16 supports eSIM, a Wanderly travel plan installs in a couple of minutes and keeps your home number active.

    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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