Yes. The iPhone 15 Plus supports eSIM and can use two eSIMs at once. The only exception: models sold in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao use two nano-SIM cards and have no eSIM.
Is the iPhone 15 Plus eSIM only, or does it take a physical SIM too? That depends on where your phone was sold. US models have no SIM tray, so they use eSIM only. Apple's other models have a SIM tray for a nano-SIM, plus eSIM. Here's what Apple says, how to check your own phone and how to add a travel eSIM.
Does the iPhone 15 Plus support eSIM?
Yes, in almost every country. Here's what Apple says, checked in November 2026.
What Apple's tech specs say
- United States: "Dual eSIM (two active eSIMs; stores eight or more eSIMs)". Apple adds that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus "use eSIM technology and are not compatible with physical SIM cards" (Apple: iPhone 15 tech specs, US).
- UK and other countries with the same page: "Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM)" and "Dual eSIM support" (Apple: iPhone 15 tech specs, UK). Both pages list a "SIM tray (available on models purchased outside the U.S.)".
What Apple says about China, Hong Kong and Macao
Apple lists the iPhone 15 Plus among the models that use Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards when bought in mainland China, Hong Kong or Macao (Apple: Using Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards). Apple's eSIM setup page names only a few newer iPhones that support eSIM in mainland China, and the 15 Plus isn't one of them (Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone).
So, is the iPhone 15 Plus eSIM compatible?
Yes, unless it was made for mainland China, Hong Kong or Macao. If you bought it second-hand or abroad, check the model number (see below) before you buy an eSIM.
iPhone 15 Plus eSIM specs at a glance
- eSIM: yes, except models for mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao.
- US models: no SIM tray, so eSIM only. Two active eSIMs, and Apple says it stores eight or more.
- Models from other countries: a SIM tray for a physical nano-SIM, plus eSIM.
- Model numbers (Apple: Identify your iPhone model):
- A2847: United States, Puerto Rico (no SIM tray)
- A3093: Canada, Guam, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and U.S. Virgin Islands
- A3094: other countries and regions
- A3096: China mainland, Hong Kong, Macao (two nano-SIMs, no eSIM)
More on how this works in our guide to how many eSIMs you can have on an iPhone.
How to check if your iPhone 15 Plus has eSIM
1. Look for an EID in Settings
- Open Settings and tap General.
- Tap About and scroll down.
- If you see an EID number, your iPhone has an eSIM.
That's where Apple shows the EID (Apple: Find the serial number or IMEI on your iPhone). More about what an EID number is.
2. Check your model number
In Settings > General > About, tap the part number next to Model Number to see the model number that starts with "A" (Apple: Find the model number of your iPhone). A3096 is the model for mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao, without eSIM. A2847 is the US model, which has no SIM tray. If your iPhone shows an EID in step 1, it has eSIM, whatever the model number. More ways to check in our guide to checking eSIM compatibility.
3. Check that your iPhone isn't carrier-locked
An eSIM from another provider won't work on a locked iPhone. Go to Settings > General > About: if Carrier Lock says No SIM restrictions, your iPhone is unlocked. If not, only your carrier can unlock it (Apple: How to unlock your iPhone for use with a different carrier). See also how to unlock your phone.
How to add an eSIM on the iPhone 15 Plus
Apple gives these steps for an eSIM with a QR code (Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone):
- Connect to Wi-Fi.
- Open the Camera app and scan the QR code from your carrier or eSIM provider.
- Tap the Cellular Plan Detected notification.
- Continue to the next screen and add the cellular plan. Enter the confirmation code if you're asked for one.
Got the details as text instead? Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Add eSIM and choose to enter the details manually. Keep the QR code until the eSIM works. Stuck? See our eSIM install guide or what to do when your eSIM won't activate.
Other iPhone 15 models
- iPhone 15: same eSIM support as the Plus, per the same Apple spec page. See our iPhone 15 guide.
- iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max: dual eSIM too, with the same China, Hong Kong and Macao exception. See our iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max guides.
Not sure about another phone? See the list of eSIM-supported devices. Own an older model? Check if the iPhone 14 is eSIM compatible.
Using a travel eSIM on your iPhone 15 Plus
Your iPhone 15 Plus can keep your home line and a travel eSIM active at the same time. Keep your home number for calls and texts, and pick the travel eSIM for data under Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Cellular Data (Apple: Using Dual SIM with an eSIM). Here's how to set up and manage two lines.
Traveling to the USA, Canada or Europe? These are data-only plans for each region. Check that your iPhone shows an EID and is unlocked before you buy.
Data-only eSIMs · USA · Canada · Europe · See all destinations
FAQs
Does the iPhone 15 Plus have eSIM?
Yes. Apple lists dual eSIM support, and two eSIMs can be active at the same time. The exception is a model sold in mainland China, Hong Kong or Macao.
Is the iPhone 15 Plus eSIM only?
The US model (A2847) is: it has no SIM tray. Apple's spec pages list a SIM tray on models bought outside the US, so those take a nano-SIM plus an eSIM.
Does the iPhone 15 Plus have a physical SIM?
Outside the US, yes, on models with the SIM tray: one nano-SIM and one eSIM, or two eSIMs. US models have no physical SIM. Models for mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao use two nano-SIMs and have no eSIM.
Is the iPhone 15 Plus dual SIM?
Yes. Outside the US it's nano-SIM plus eSIM, or two eSIMs. In the US it's dual eSIM. In mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao it's two nano-SIMs.
How many eSIMs can the iPhone 15 Plus have?
Apple says it stores eight or more eSIMs, and two can be active at the same time.
Does a Hong Kong or China iPhone 15 Plus have eSIM?
No. Apple sells it there with two nano-SIM slots and no eSIM. You'll need a physical SIM card for your trip.
Can I use a US iPhone 15 Plus abroad?
Yes, if it's unlocked. Add a travel eSIM for data and keep your US eSIM for calls and texts. Check Carrier Lock in Settings > General > About first.
