Apple is introducing the eSIM (embedded SIM), a programmable version of the SIM (subscriber identification module) card that can be used to identify your phone on cellular networks. The U.S. models iPhone 14 seriesApple has now eliminated the need for a physical SIM card slot. It also expands eSIM flexibility for other iPhone models and iPads.
A SIM was a secure component of hardware that could be inserted into any slot on smartphones used on all networks around the world for decades. SIMs provide unique ID information that can be used to allow a phone’s roaming ID or home network. SIMs enable a carrier to associate a number of phone numbers or billing information with one or more cellular devices. Technically, SIMs are used on one of Two types of cellular networkThese were the ones that used GSM standards. GSM predominated and was the basis of the evolution into 4G/5G technologies. CDMA is the other standard. This is nearly extinct.)
What exactly is an “eSIM”? Which iPhones and iPads work with one–or more? How do you manage an electronic SIM? Let’s explore those questions.
What is an electronic SIM?
SIMs were invented in an era when flip phones were common. This made it impossible for hardware to manage the prefabricated circuitry. Modern iPhones, iPads, and similar Android devices all require a SIM to feed old cellular infrastructure.
The size of SIMs decreased over time and eventually disappeared inside the phone with eSIM.
An eSIM is still a piece of circuitry, but it’s embedded into a phone or tablet, and it’s reprogrammable. It can load data to communicate with a cell network, just like a card with a fixed identity. To activate and integrate with their billing systems, carriers will need to update their networks. However, an eSIM does the same thing.
What is better an eSIM than a SIM card or a SIM card?
This is a great benefit. You can usually activate an eSIM to receive monthly service or as-you go plans on your smartphone without having to contact a customer service representative. There is almost never any need for you to visit a cellular store.
Second, you don’t have to wait to receive the piece of circuit-laden plastic that is a SIM. Third, you no longer have to manage opening the SIM slot–using Apple’s SIM removal tool that you certainly can’t find when you need and turn to a paperclip instead–and handling a toddler-fingernail-sized SIM and putting in another. I’ve dropped a SIM irretrievably into a digital piano keyboard, and others went skittering across airport cafe floors when I’ve arrived with my family in another country and needed to swap in local service.
Can eSIM change the lock or unlock status of a phone?
While an eSIM is programmable and handled entirely digitally, it has no effect on whether a phone or tablet that incorporates the technology is locked or unlocked by the carrier on whose network you’re using your device. Your ability to unlock your iPhone to use on another network relies on the policies of the carrier, whether you’re using a SIM or an eSIM. These links will provide more information. AT&T, T-Mobile?, and Verizon.
There’s concern that carriers could use the eSIM-only iPhone 14 and future models as a way to ensure lock-in to their network. However, that’s already the case with carriers who lock a phone to their network with physical SIMs, so it’s hard to see how an eSIM provides a more stringent limitation.
How can I get cell phone service from outside the U.S.
When you traveled to another country, you used to have to exchange a physical SIM. You can add a second plan to your eSIM for those outside of your immediate area. You can deactivate your eSIM when you return home. There are countries that do not yet have eSIM. An eSIM-only iPhone 14 model or later may not be available in certain countries. Analysts believe Apple is trying to boost eSIM adoption by this move. It may work.
Check with your carrier before you travel to confirm that they have service in the destination country. Although your iPhone will remain locked for domestic services only, most carriers allow you to use their service in other countries or regions if you meet certain conditions. These include having paid off the phone if it was purchased by the carrier or having waited a certain time since your account was established. You may also be eligible for add-ons that provide international coverage.
Apple has an List of wireless carriers worldwide and service providers who offer eSIM service.
Which iPhones or iPads are compatible with eSIMs
Apple has added support for an eSIM to the iPhone XS Max/XS Max as well as a removable SIM, starting with iPhone XS and iPhone XR. The removable SIM and eSIM combination is available throughout the iPhone 14 series, with the exception of U.S.-only iPhone 14 models.
You can use an eSIM and a removable SIM with the iPhone 13 series Oder two eSIMs for your service. This is a transitional model in which some carriers will activate an eSIM to your primary service, or offer you the option. In both cases, that allows you to still have an eSIM “slot” free for roaming.
You can have one or two active SIMs on the iPhone 14 series, and up to eight eSIMs you can swap in and off. Apple hasn’t released this detail, and it’s unclear whether iPhone 14 models outside the U.S. will also allow the same offline eSIM storage.
It will be beneficial to frequent travelers who travel across multiple countries to have many eSIMs. Those of us who travel less often or less broadly will likely add eSIM service only when we’re on a trip, with the eSIM’s service expiring within a set number of days after activation.
Apple also supports eSIMs in Wi-Fi/cellular iPads. This includes the 5th generation iPad mini and 7th generation iPads. An iPad can store up to two eSIM profiles, but can only activate one at a given time.
How do eSIMs get activated?
Apple notes that there are three kinds of eSIM support available, each with its own carrier.
- eSIM Carrier Activation: You can activate a new phone with an eSIM assigned to the phone.
- eSIM Fast Transfer: If you have an existing iPhone with a phone number assigned to it–whether a physical SIM or an eSIM–you can transfer that phone to a new iPhone’s eSIM. For a physical SIM, there’s an extra step you can carry out on your phone to “convert” it to an eSIM.
- There are other methods Some carriers may require you to scan a QR code to activate an eSIM or use a carrier-provided app. This is often the case when traveling on a pay as you go or time-limited plan.
A combination of carrier instructions and Apple on-screen assistance, often in Settings > CellularThis guide will help you navigate the process of using an iPhone.
On an iPad, Apple has always had us activate cellular plans through Settings > Cellular Data. That’s the same with an eSIM. Because iPads don’t directly use a phone number, enabling and switching services is simpler. (Nominally, a carrier assigns a number for billing purposes, but you can’t use it for texting or voice calls.) You can activate an eSIM by signing up for a plan using your iPad. This is done by scanning a QR code or by using a carrier application, depending on which carrier.
You can see Apple’s regularly updated rundown on which carriers support which eSIM features Visit this support page.
Where can I find eSIM settings
Once you have two SIMs active in any combination, you manage them through Settings > Cellular or Settings > Cellular DataThey are located in different sections of the main heading. You’ll also see two rows in the status bar, one for each carrier, containing the network name and connection status for each using Apple’s cellular symbols.
Apps that support cellular services on iPhones allow you to choose the line for text messages, phone calls and control which plan you have access to your cellular data. Apple This guide provides an in-depth description for configuring two lines and choosing which service to use for each call or other purpose.
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