Need a second number for travel or work? Unfortunately, not all iPhones support Dual SIM, so we’ve made it easy to find the right one.
Difference Between a nano-SIM and eSim
The nano-SIM is a SIM card that is physically inserted into an iPhone. Alternatively, the eSIM is a digital SIM that lets you activate a cellular plan without a physical SIM card.
In the case of an iPhone, Dual SIM can mean a combination of two Nano SIM cards, two virtual eSIMs, or one Nano SIM and one eSIM. Continue reading below to find out which iPhones support Dual SIM.
Dual SIM iPhone Models That Are eSIM Only
Currently, only the iPhone 14, 15 and 16 models sold in the US are eSIM only. This means you cannot insert a nano-SIM card into these devices. However, you can have multiple eSIMs installed on these devices.
Here’s a full list:
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone Models Supporting Two eSIMs or a Nano-SIM With an eSIM
You can use Dual SIM with either two active eSIMs or a nano-SIM with an eSIM on certain Apple devices.
Here are the iPhone models that let you do so:
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
In addition to these models, any iPhone 14 model you purchase outside the United States will also have a nano-SIM slot.
If you’re new to using eSIMs, please follow our guide to learn how to set up an eSIM on your iPhone.
iPhone Models Supporting a Nano-SIM and an eSIM
If you don’t need a phone that can use two eSIMs at the same time, here’s a list of iPhone models that also let you use dual SIM with a combination of a nano-SIM and an eSIM:
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
Some iPhone models manufactured in mainland China won’t support eSIM and will be nano-SIM only.
iPhones That Support Two Physical Nano-SIMs
Due to government regulations, iPhones manufactured in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau are the only models that allow you to use two physical nano-SIMs.
According to Apple, here are the iPhone models that allow this:
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
Not sure where your iPhone was made? You can easily find out where your iPhone was manufactured.
Can You Use Dual SIM on Locked iPhones?
If your device is carrier-locked, you cannot use SIM cards from other carriers for the second SIM card. While you will still be allowed to have two plans from the same network carrier, you cannot use them for foreign networks or an alternative carrier.
If your first SIM card is from a CDMA carrier, your second SIM will not be able to support CDMA. Similarly, if your iPhone is enterprise- or corporate-issued, Dual SIM capability may vary depending on your organization’s contract. For these special cases, you should contact your network carrier to confirm the status of your specific device.
While you may not find a reason to get a Dual SIM device right away, the need may arise in the future, especially while traveling. As such, it may be worth investing in a Dual SIM device now so you aren’t left wanting later on.
