If you are confused about how many eSIMs can iPhone have, you are not alone. eSIM technology keeps growing every year, and Apple keeps upgrading the number of eSIM profiles that each iPhone can store and use.
This guide explains everything about how many eSIMs can iPhone have along with all major iphone models .
What you will get from this article :
- How many eSIMs each iPhone model supports
- How many eSIMs you can keep stored
- How many eSIMs you can keep active at the same time
- Differences between old and new iPhones
- eSIM + physical SIM combinations
- Travel eSIM usage
So without wasting time let’s start !
What Is an eSIM ? (Very basic questions)
An eSIM is a digital SIM inside your iPhone .
You don’t need to insert any physical SIM card. You simply scan a QR code or download a plan, and the network gets activated.
Benefits of eSIM :
- No physical card
- Easy to switch networks
- Better for travel
- You can store multiple plans in one phone
Now let’s answer the main question…
How Many eSIMs Can iPhone Have ?
The exact number of eSIMs Can iPhone Have depends on your iPhone model.
Here is the most accurate and up to date information according to each individual iPhone models.
iPhone Model | Total eSIM Profiles You Can Store | Active eSIMs at the Same Time | Physical SIM Slot |
|---|---|---|---|
iPhone 14 / 15 / 16 (USA models) | 8+ | 2 active eSIMs | No |
iPhone 13 series | 10+ | 2 (1 eSIM + 1 eSIM OR 1 eSIM + 1 physical) | Yes (except some US models) |
iPhone 12 series | 8+ | 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM active | Yes |
iPhone 11 series | 8+ | 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM active | Yes |
iPhone XS, XR | 5+ | 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM active | Yes |
iPhone SE (2nd gen & up) | 5+ | 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM | Yes |
Kindly note that “Stored eSIMs” means how many plans your phone can hold in memory, even if esim not active.
Detailed Breakdown to be more specific : How Many eSIMs Can Each iPhone Have ?
Below is the iphone’s model by model guide.
iPhone 16 , 16 Plus , 16 Pro , 16 Pro Max (2024 & 2025 Models)
These latest models offer the best eSIM support.
How many eSIMs can iPhone 16 series have ?
- You can store 8 or more eSIM profiles
- You can use 2 eSIMs at the same time
- USA models come with only eSIM
- International models have eSIM + physical SIM
iPhone 16 is Ideal for :
- Travelers
- Business users
- People who keep multiple networks
iPhone 15 Series (All Models)
How many eSIMs can iPhone 15 have?
- Stores 8+ eSIMs
- Can keep 2 active eSIMs at once
- USA versions have no physical SIM slot
- Global versions support one physical SIM + eSIM
The iPhone 15 lineup offers strong dual eSIM support.
iPhone 14 Series
This was the first series in the USA to remove physical SIM slots.
How many eSIMs can iPhone 14 have?
- Can store 8–10 eSIM profiles
- Supports 2 active eSIMs
- USA models : eSIM only
- India / global models : physical + eSIM
iPhone 13 Series
Introduced dual active eSIM feature.
How many eSIMs can iPhone 13 have ?
- Stores 10 or more eSIM profiles
- Can use 2 eSIMs active at the same time
- Also supports 1 physical SIM + 1 eSIM
This is one of the best iPhones for travelers.
iPhone 12 Series
How many eSIMs can iPhone 12 have?
- Stores 8 or more eSIM profiles
- Only 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM active
(No dual active eSIM support)
Still great for dual SIM usage.
iPhone XS, XS Max, and iPhone XR
These were Apple’s first eSIM models.
How many eSIMs can iPhone XR / XS have?
- Stores 5–8 eSIMs
- Only 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM can be active together
Can You Use Multiple eSIMs on iPhone at the Same Time?
Yes you can use, but keep in mind :
- iPhone 13 and newer: 2 eSIMs active together
- Older iPhones: 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM active
This helps when :
- You travel abroad
- You have work + personal numbers
- You want better data rates
How to Check How Many eSIMs Your iPhone Has?
- Go to Settings
- Tap General
- Tap About
- Scroll to Digital SIM or Available SIMs
This shows available eSIM slots.
How Many eSIMs Can iPhone Have for Travelers ?
If you travel often:
- You can store multiple prepaid travel eSIMs
- Switch between them anytime
- No need to remove SIM cards
- Perfect for countries like USA, Japan, Europe, Australia, UAE, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many esims can iphone 13 pro max have ?
The iPhone 13 Pro Max can store 10 or more eSIM profiles.
It can use 2 eSIMs active at the same time.
It also supports 1 physical SIM + 1 eSIM
How many eSIMs can iPhone 17 have ?
Apple has not released the iPhone 17 yet.
Based on Apple’s recent models (iPhone 14, 15, 16):
It is expected that iPhone 17 will store 10+ eSIM profiles and support 2 active eSIMs at once.
How many eSIM can be used in iPhone 16 ?
The iPhone 16 series (16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max) can:
Store 8 or more eSIM profiles
Use 2 active eSIMs at the same time
USA models are eSIM-only.
Global models support physical SIM + eSIM.
How many eSIMs can iPhone 15 pro have ?
The iPhone 15 Pro can Store 8 or more eSIM profiles and you can use 2 eSIMs active at the same time
USA models have no physical SIM slot.
Other countries have physical + eSIM support.
How many eSIMs can iPhone 17 Pro have ?
The iPhone 17 Pro is not released yet.
Based on Apple trends:
It will likely store 10+ eSIM profiles and support 2 active eSIMs.
This is only an expected guess, not official.
Martin David is a seasoned tech writer and mobile technology expert with a Master’s degree in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering. As the Senior Content Producer at Vox Mobile, he brings deep technical knowledge and a passion for simplifying complex topics related to eSIMs, smartphones, and digital connectivity. Martin is also an avid traveler who loves exploring new destinations, making him uniquely positioned to write about mobile tech from a global perspective.
