Here is everything you need to know about iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models eSIM and dual SIM options.
In 2022, Apple only permanently removed the physical SIM slot from the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models sold in the United States and continued to ship the iPhone 14 series with one physical Nano-SIM card slot in the rest of the world. However, the company offered iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro with dual physical SIM slot only in China.
Similarly, the new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro also feature the same eSIM and dual SIM options, and here is everything you need to know.
Availability of dual SIM and eSIM-only iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro in the U.S. and worldwide
An eSIM is a digital SIM that lets users activate a cellular plan from their carrier without a physical SIM. According to Apple, eSIMs are a “more convenient and secure” alternative to physical SIM cards especially when traveling. And with affordable international roaming plans, users can stay connected no matter where they are on the globe.
However, the tech giant has not expanded eSIM-only iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro to more countries and they still are only available in the United States.
Although we can use the unavailability of eSIM plans in some regions as the rationale for the delay in the launch of eSIM-only iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro in more countries, Apple has not released eSIM only the iPhone 15 models in the countries that offer eSIM plans like Italy, Australia, and Thailand.
Here is the availability of dual SIM and eSIM and eSIM-only iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro in the U.S. and worldwide:
| Region | iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus | iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max |
| USA | Dual-eSIM | Dual-eSIM |
| China | Dual physical SIM | Dual physical SIM |
| Rest of the world | One physical Nano-SIM and two eSIMs | One physical Nano-SIM and two eSIMs |
In China mainland, eSIM on iPhone is not offered but it is available in Hong Kong and Macao, along with dual SIM variants.
Benefits of having dual SIM and eSIM on iPhone 15
Having dual SIMs in any combination on an iPhone is very helpful for users; whether it is dual physical SIMs, one physical and one eSIM, or dual eSIMs.
- Users can keep two separate phone numbers for personal and professional use.
- Both phone numbers can make and receive voice and FaceTime calls, send and receive messages using iMessage, SMS, and MMS, and support the 5G network on iOS 14.5 or later. *iPhone supports one cellular data network at a time and iPhone must be unlocked to use two different carriers.
- Choose separate voice and data plans.
- Users can set up up to 8 eSIMs on their new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro but only use two at a time.
Read more
- How to set up and use Dual SIM on iPhone
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- iPhone 15 USB-C capabilities revealed: Charging, data transfers, video output, and more
- Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: Bigger batteries, same charging speeds
- iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 14 Pro: Which model is better to buy?
- iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max: Which one should you buy?
- iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro: A features comparison
