You will read all the important aspects about the eSIM Istanbul, the requisites you must fit to acqu...
Staying connected on the go is more important than ever. Whether you travel often, use separate numbers for work and personal life, or simply want more control over your mobile plans, Apple’s dual eSIM and dual SIM features make it easy to manage everything on one device.
In this 2025 guide, we explain how dual eSIM works, which iPhones support it, how to activate an eSIM for travel, and what advantages it offers compared to traditional SIM cards.
Short answer: Dual eSIM allows two digital SIM profiles to be active at the same time on one iPhone.
Each eSIM profile works like a regular SIM card but is stored digitally. This means you can switch between mobile plans, activate a new one instantly, or add a local plan for travel directly through your iPhone’s settings.
Apple introduced eSIM in 2018 and gradually expanded its availability. The following models support eSIM:
| iPhone Generation | eSIM Support Details |
|---|---|
| iPhone XS / XR (2018) | First iPhones with eSIM capability: supported one physical SIM and one eSIM. |
| iPhone 11 and 12 series (2019–2020) | Continued hybrid setup with one nano-SIM and one eSIM. |
| iPhone 13 series (2021) | Introduced dual eSIM: allows two active eSIMs or one eSIM with a physical SIM. |
| iPhone 14 and 15 (2022–2023) | U.S. versions became eSIM-only, removing the physical SIM slot. |
| iPhone 16 (2024) | Improved activation speed and management under iOS 18. |
| iPhone 17 (2025) | Supports dual eSIM globally. Some versions are eSIM-only with no physical SIM slot. |
Regional Note:
In China, Hong Kong, and Macao, iPhones typically include two physical SIM slots and do not support eSIM due to local network policies.
Answer: No.
Apple iPhones currently support up to two active lines at once. Although some users use hardware adapters that add another physical SIM slot, Apple does not officially support triple SIM functionality. The company’s focus remains on improving the dual eSIM experience for reliability, coverage, and battery efficiency.
With iOS 18, Apple improved the SIM management interface, allowing faster switching between lines and clearer network labels.
iPhone models in China use two physical SIM slots instead of eSIM. This feature has existed since the iPhone XR and allows users to insert two physical SIM cards but does not offer digital eSIM capability.
eSIMs are especially convenient for travel because you can buy and activate them online in minutes.
When two eSIMs are active:
If you have one physical SIM and one eSIM, the same principle applies: two active lines, one data connection at a time.
Pros
Cons
iPhones sold in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao include two physical SIM slots. All other iPhone models since the iPhone XS support dual SIM through one physical SIM and one eSIM, or through two eSIMs on newer devices such as the iPhone 13 and later.
Yes. With dual SIM or dual eSIM support, you can keep two active phone numbers on the same iPhone. This allows you to use one line for personal use and another for work or travel.
Go to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Service) and look for the option to “Add eSIM” or “Add Cellular Plan.” If the option appears, your iPhone supports dual SIM through eSIM. iPhone models from the XS series onward include this feature.
The main drawbacks are slightly higher battery use and limited carrier support in some regions. You can only use one data connection at a time, though both lines stay active for calls and messages.
For most people, dual SIM is better because it lets you manage two numbers on one device without carrying two phones. Two separate phones only make sense if you need complete isolation between work and personal devices.
Go to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Service) and choose which plan to use for calls, messages, and data. You can rename eSIMs (for example, “Work” or “Travel”) and switch between them instantly without restarting the phone.
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The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
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