eSIM
How Many eSIMs On iPhone 15 (Everything You Need to Know)
Mar
Thinking about upgrading to an iPhone 15 or already have one but not quite sure how to make the most of its eSIM capabilities? You’re not alone. The transition from physical SIM cards to digital eSIMs has been gradual, but with the iPhone 15, Apple has taken bigger steps toward an eSIM-first experience.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about eSIM support on the iPhone 15 – from how many you can store to how to manage them effectively.
Need An eSIM?
What are the eSIM Capabilities of iPhone 15?
The iPhone 15 represents Apple’s continued commitment to eSIM technology. If you’re new to the concept, an eSIM (embedded SIM) is basically a digital version of the traditional physical SIM card that’s built directly into your device.
How Many eSIM Profiles Can iPhone 15 Store?
The iPhone 15 can store multiple eSIM profiles – actually, quite a few of them. While Apple doesn’t explicitly state the maximum number in all marketing materials, the iPhone 15 can store eight or more eSIM profiles on the device simultaneously.
This is great news if you’re someone who travels frequently or needs different numbers for various purposes.
Can iPhone 15 Support Multiple Active eSIMs?
Yes! One of the most practical features of the iPhone 15 is its ability to have two active eSIMs at the same time. This means you can have two phone numbers working simultaneously on one device.
Think about it – you could have your personal number and work number both active without carrying two phones. Or when traveling, you might keep your home carrier active for important calls while also using a local eSIM for data. Pretty convenient, right?
Does iPhone 15 Still Have a Physical SIM Card Slot?
This depends on where you purchased your iPhone 15. In the United States, iPhone 15 models have gone completely eSIM-only with no physical SIM card slot. However, in many other countries, the iPhone 15 still includes a physical SIM tray alongside eSIM support.
If you’ve purchased an iPhone 15 in the US and are wondering how to transfer your existing service, don’t worry – most carriers now support converting a physical SIM to an eSIM during the setup process.
How Does iPhone 15 eSIM Support Compare to Previous iPhone Models?
The evolution of eSIM support across iPhone generations shows Apple’s gradual shift toward digital SIM technology.
What Were the eSIM Capabilities of iPhone 14?
The iPhone 14 was quite similar to the iPhone 15 in terms of eSIM capabilities. The iPhone 14 could hold up to eight eSIMs and supported dual active eSIMs. This means you could use two of them simultaneously for calls, messages, and data.
How Has eSIM Support Evolved from iPhone 12 to iPhone 15?
The progression of eSIM support has been steady but significant:
| iPhone Model | Max Stored eSIMs | Active eSIMs | Physical SIM (US Models) |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12/12 mini | Multiple | One active eSIM + one physical SIM | Yes |
| iPhone 13/13 mini | Multiple | Two active eSIMs or one physical SIM + one eSIM | Yes |
| iPhone 14 series | Eight or more | Two active eSIMs | No (US models) |
| iPhone 15 series | Eight or more | Two active eSIMs | No (US models) |
| iPhone 16 (expected) | Eight or more | Two active eSIMs | No (US models) |
Even older models like the iPhone XS, iPhone XR, and iPhone SE (2nd gen and newer) support eSIM, though with more limited capabilities compared to newer models.
How to Set Up and Manage Multiple eSIMs on iPhone 15
Setting up eSIMs on your iPhone 15 is actually pretty straightforward once you know the process.
What are the Steps to Add a New eSIM Profile?
- Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data
- Tap “Add Cellular/Mobile Plan”
- From here, you have several options:
- Scan a QR code provided by your carrier
- Use carrier activation (if your carrier supports it)
- Transfer an eSIM from another iPhone using eSIM Quick Transfer
- Convert your physical SIM to an eSIM (carrier dependent)
When setting up your new iPhone 15, you might see an option to transfer your service from your previous iPhone to your new iPhone during the initial setup process. This uses eSIM Quick Transfer and is by far the easiest method if available.
Can You Switch Between eSIM Profiles Easily?
Yes! Once you have multiple eSIMs stored on your iPhone 15, switching between them is a breeze. Here’s how:
- Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data
- You’ll see all your stored eSIM profiles
- Simply toggle on the one you want to use
If you’re using iOS 17.4 or later on your iPhone 15, the process is even more streamlined, with improved eSIM management options.
How to Transfer an eSIM from an Old iPhone to iPhone 15?
When you’re setting up your new iPhone 15, keep your old iPhone nearby. During setup, you’ll see an option to transfer your cellular plans. Follow the on-screen instructions, which typically involve:
- Turning on both devices
- Having both devices unlocked and connected to Wi-Fi
- Following the transfer prompts on your new iPhone 15
If you’ve already set up your iPhone 15, you can still transfer an eSIM later by going to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data > Add Cellular Plan and choosing to transfer from another device.
Remember that you might need to restart your iPhone after completing the transfer for the changes to take effect.
What are the Benefits of Having Multiple eSIMs on iPhone 15?
Having multiple eSIMs stored on your iPhone 15 offers some real practical benefits that might change how you use your phone.
How Does Dual SIM Functionality Work with eSIMs?
With the ability to have two active eSIMs simultaneously (or one physical SIM and one eSIM in non-US models), your iPhone 15 effectively becomes a dual SIM phone. This means:
- You can receive calls and texts on both numbers
- You can designate which number to use for outgoing calls/texts by default
- You can choose which plan to use for cellular data
This is particularly useful if you separate work and personal communications or if you have different plans optimized for different services.
Can You Use Different eSIMs for Travel?
This is probably one of the most compelling use cases for eSIM technology. When traveling internationally, you can:
- Keep your home carrier’s eSIM active for incoming calls/texts
- Add a local carrier’s eSIM for affordable data while abroad
- Switch between travel eSIMs as you move between countries
Many travel-focused eSIM providers like Roamless offer prepaid data plans covered by many worldwide carriers, often at better rates than international roaming charges from your home carrier.
Are There Any Limitations to Using Multiple eSIMs on iPhone 15?
While the eSIM capabilities of the iPhone 15 are impressive, there are some limitations to be aware of.
Is There a Limit to How Many eSIMs Can Be Active Simultaneously?
Yes. Although you can store multiple eSIM profiles on your iPhone 15, you can only have two active at the same time. This means you can only use two phone numbers simultaneously.
This limitation exists across iPhone models that support dual eSIM, including the iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and the expected iPhone 16 models.
Do All Carriers Support eSIM Technology?
Not yet. While major carriers in many countries now support eSIM activation, the technology isn’t universally adopted. Some smaller carriers or those in certain regions may still rely exclusively on physical SIM cards.
Before planning to use an eSIM-only device like the US version of the iPhone 15, it’s worth checking whether your preferred carriers support eSIM technology.
How Does iPhone 15’s eSIM Capability Affect International Travel?
If you’re a frequent international traveler, the iPhone 15’s robust eSIM support could significantly improve your experience.
Can You Easily Switch to Local Carriers When Traveling Abroad?
Absolutely. One of the biggest advantages of having multiple stored eSIMs is the ability to quickly switch to local carriers when traveling without having to physically swap SIM cards.
This process is usually much simpler than finding a store to purchase a local SIM card. You can often purchase and activate a travel eSIM before you even leave home, ensuring you have connectivity the moment you land.
Does Roamless eSIM Work on iPhone 15?
Yes, Roamless eSIM is compatible with the iPhone 15. you can use their international eSIM services on all iPhone 15 models.
It’s worth noting that if you’re traveling to mainland China, there are some special considerations. Chinese iPhones don’t support eSIM due to regulatory restrictions, but if you’re using a non-Chinese iPhone 15, you can still use an international eSIM while in China – just make sure to set it up before arriving.
Final Thoughts on iPhone 15 eSIM Capabilities
The iPhone 15’s ability to store multiple eSIM profiles and maintain two active connections simultaneously offers flexibility that was unimaginable just a few years ago. Whether you’re a business professional juggling work and personal lines, or a frequent traveler looking to stay connected internationally without breaking the bank, the eSIM capabilities of the iPhone 15 provide powerful solutions.
As carrier support continues to expand and eSIM technology becomes more mainstream, we’re likely to see even more innovative uses for this technology in future iPhone models.
Have you tried using multiple eSIMs on your iPhone yet? The setup might seem a bit daunting at first, but once you experience the convenience, you might wonder how you ever managed with physical SIM cards!
Need a travel eSIM for your iPhone 15? eSIM4 has mobile data plans available for 200+ countries.
