Yes. The iPhone 15 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.
Does the iPhone 15 have eSIM, a physical SIM or both? It depends on where your phone was sold. US models have no SIM tray, so they are eSIM only. Apple's spec page also lists a SIM tray on models bought outside the US. Here's what Apple says, how to check your own phone and how to add a travel eSIM.
Does the iPhone 15 support eSIM?
Yes, in almost every country. Here's exactly what Apple says, checked in November 2026.
What Apple's tech specs say
- SIM card: "Dual eSIM (two active eSIMs; stores eight or more eSIMs)". Apple adds that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus "are not compatible with physical SIM cards" (Apple: iPhone 15 tech specs).
- SIM tray: the same page lists a "SIM tray (available on models purchased outside the U.S.)". So Apple's own wording points two ways. If you bought your iPhone 15 outside the US and want to use a nano-SIM, check the tray on your phone.
What Apple says about China, Hong Kong and Macao
Apple lists the iPhone 15 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 also names the few newer iPhones that support eSIM in mainland China, and the iPhone 15 isn't one of them (Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone).
So, is the iPhone 15 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 eSIM specs at a glance
- eSIM: yes, except models for mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao.
- Dual eSIM: two active eSIMs at the same time, and Apple says it stores eight or more.
- US models: no SIM tray, so eSIM only.
- Models bought outside the US: Apple lists a SIM tray.
- Model numbers (Apple: Identify your iPhone model):
- A2846: United States, Puerto Rico
- A3089: Canada, Guam, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and U.S. Virgin Islands
- A3090: other countries and regions
- A3092: 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 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). A3092 is the model for mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao, without eSIM. A2846 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
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.
- Tap Continue, then Add Cellular Plan.
Got the details as text instead? Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Add Cellular Plan > Enter 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.
iPhone 15 Plus and other iPhone 15 models
- iPhone 15 Plus: Apple's iPhone 15 spec page covers the Plus too, with the same dual eSIM wording. Model numbers differ: A2847 in the US, A3096 for mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao. See our iPhone 15 Plus guide.
- iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max: eSIM too, with the same China, Hong Kong and Macao exception. See the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max guides.
- iPhone 14 and iPhone 16: see the iPhone 14 and iPhone 16 guides.
Not sure about another phone? See the list of eSIM-supported devices.
Using a travel eSIM on your iPhone 15
Your iPhone 15 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.
Flying out of the US? Your iPhone 15 is eSIM only, so a travel eSIM is the easy way to get data abroad. These are data-only plans for Europe, Mexico and Canada. Check that your iPhone shows an EID and is unlocked before you buy. If you have a Hong Kong or China model, an eSIM won't work on it.
Data-only eSIMs · Europe · Mexico · Canada · See all destinations
FAQs
Does the iPhone 15 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.
Does the iPhone 15 support eSIM and a physical SIM?
Apple's spec page says the iPhone 15 is not compatible with physical SIM cards, yet it also lists a SIM tray on models bought outside the US. Check your own phone for a tray. US models have none. Models for mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao use two nano-SIMs and have no eSIM.
Is the iPhone 15 eSIM only?
The US model (A2846) is: it has no SIM tray. Apple's spec page lists a SIM tray on models bought outside the US.
Does the iPhone 15 have a SIM card slot?
Not in the US. Apple lists a SIM tray on models purchased outside the US. Models for mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao have two nano-SIM slots.
Is the iPhone 15 dual SIM?
Yes. It supports two active eSIMs. In mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao it is dual SIM with two nano-SIMs.
How many eSIMs can the iPhone 15 have?
Apple says it stores eight or more eSIMs, and two can be active at the same time.
Do all iPhone 15 models have eSIM?
All except the models sold in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao (A3092 for the iPhone 15).
Does the iPhone 15 Pro have eSIM?
Yes, with the same exception. See our iPhone 15 Pro guide.
Can I use a US iPhone 15 abroad?
Yes, if it's unlocked. Add a travel eSIM for data and keep your US line for calls and texts. Check Carrier Lock in Settings > General > About first.
