Using multiple eSIMs at the same time is a convenient solution, especially for travelers. For example, you can keep your local carrier's SIM, such as Orange or Vodafone, for calls and texts, while using a travel eSIM to access affordable mobile data abroad. The capacity for eSIMs on an iPhone differs depending on which model you have. It’s also important to understand that storing multiple eSIM profiles on a device is not the same as using them all simultaneously. Each iPhone model has its own limits when it comes to how many eSIMs can be saved and how many can be active at once. Let’s take a look at how different iPhone models handle this.
How Many eSIMs Can Be Used at the Same Time?
You can’t use more than two eSIMs simultaneously on any iPhone, regardless of the model or iOS version (including up to iOS 26). However, it’s important to note that older models may support only one active eSIM, and some don’t support eSIM at all. Check the table below for more details.
| Category | iPhone Models |
| Models that support 2 active eSIMs | iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, 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 |
| Models that support 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM | iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2nd gen), iPhone SE (3rd gen), iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max |
| iPhones without eSIM support | iPhone 6, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, all older models |
Important: U.S. models of the iPhone 14 and later are eSIM-only — they do not have a physical SIM card slot. Mainland China models (such as the iPhone 16e) may not support eSIM at all and instead come with dual nano-SIM slots.
How Many eSIMs Can I Purchase and Store on My iPhone?
Although there’s a cap on the number of eSIMs you can have active at once, your iPhone can store more digital profiles in the background. You can switch between them and activate a different one whenever needed. See the table below for specific limits.
| Max Stored eSIM Profiles | iPhone Models |
| Up to 5 | iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2nd generation) |
| Up to 8 | iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone SE (3rd generation) |
| Up to 10 | iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max |
| 10 or more | iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone |
How to Manage Multiple eSIM Profiles on One Device
To make managing multiple eSIMs easier and avoid confusion, give each one a clear name. Here’s how:
- Open «Settings» and go to «Cellular».
- Select the eSIM you want to rename.
- Tap «Cellular Plan Label».
- Choose «Custom Label» and enter a name, or select one of the preset options like «Business»/«Personal».
- Save your changes by tapping «Done».
Still have questions about eSIM? You can check out other sections of our website.