iPhone models that support two SIM cards: List
List of iPhone models that support two SIM cards (photo: Pixabay)
Apple continues to develop eSIM technology, gradually phasing out traditional physical SIM cards. In particular, iPhone models that exclusively work with eSIM are already being sold in the United States, while in some regions, devices with support for two physical nano-SIM cards are available, the technology website MakeUseOf reports.
Difference between Nano-SIM and eSIM
Nano-SIM is the usual physical SIM card that needs to be inserted into the device. On the other hand, eSIM is a digital SIM card that allows you to activate a plan without using a plastic card.
The Dual SIM feature on iPhone can be implemented in three variants:
- Two nano-SIM cards (available only in China, Hong Kong, and Macau)
- Two eSIMs
- One nano-SIM and one eSIM
iPhones that only work with eSIM
In the United States, Apple has completely abandoned physical SIM cards in its latest models. All iPhone 14, 15, and 16 models sold in the American market work exclusively with eSIM. This means that users will not be able to insert a physical nano-SIM into the device but can activate multiple eSIMs simultaneously.
Models that support only eSIM:
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
Which iPhones support Dual SIM with eSIM and nano-SIM?
Some iPhone models allow you to use two eSIMs at once or a combination of eSIM and a physical nano-SIM.
Models with Dual SIM (eSIM + eSIM or eSIM + nano-SIM):
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iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
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iPhone 14 (for versions in most countries, except the US)
If you only need one eSIM and one nano-SIM, this option is also available in earlier models:
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iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
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iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
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iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
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iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)
Can you use Dual SIM on locked iPhones?
If your iPhone is tied to a specific network carrier, the second slot will also work only with the SIM card from that carrier. The exception is devices that support eSIM from the start - in this case, you can activate different plans.
It is important to note that if the first SIM card operates on the CDMA network, the second one will not be able to support this standard. Also, for corporate and enterprise iPhones, the availability of Dual SIM may depend on company policy or the contract.
Buying iPhone with Dual SIM
Even if you don't need support for two SIM cards right now, it could come in handy in the future, especially when traveling abroad. Therefore, if you're considering purchasing a new iPhone, it's worth paying attention to models with Dual SIM in advance to avoid limitations.
As previously reported, Apple will remove one of the key features in iPhone 17.
