How Many eSIM Can Be Used in iPhone? 

eSIM technology has quickly changed the way mobile users count on their smartphones to get connected to the mobile networks. For Apple users, the transition from traditional SIM cards to the digital variety has opened the way for better convenience, stronger security, improved traveling flexibility, and easier management of multiple lines. However, one question still keeps coming up: How many eSIMs can be used in iPhone? 

The answer is not simply one number since Apple’s capability has been increasing with every generation. Different​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ functionalities are available for iPhones as far as eSIM is concerned. A few iPhones can use one physical SIM and one eSIM. Some can have two eSIMs activated, and the latest iPhone models sold in the US do not have a SIM tray at all. Hence, to find out how many eSIMs your iPhone can use or have, you have to take into account the exact model. The guide here is like a comprehensive manual that will tell you about the different aspects of eSIM, such as storage limitations, activation restrictions, compatibility characteristics, and differences from one model to another, with all the information that you ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌require.

Understanding How eSIM Technology Works on iPhone

An​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital counterpart of a physical SIM card. There is no need to insert a plastic card; a mobile plan is activated by downloading an eSIM profile. Apple started eSIM support with the iPhone XS and XR in 2018. After that, every new generation has added more ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌options.

Here is what makes eSIM technology beneficial on an iPhone:

1. Multiple Plans, One Device   

Your iPhone can store a large number of eSIM profiles, allowing you to keep several mobile plans ready for use at any time. This eliminates the limitations of physical SIM cards and gives you the convenience of managing numerous networks directly from one device.

2. Easy Switching 

Switching between mobile networks on an iPhone is instant and effortless. You can activate any stored eSIM profile directly from the settings menu without inserting or removing physical SIM cards. This makes network changes smooth, fast, and perfect for users who frequently adjust plans.

3. Ideal for International Travel

For travelers, storing multiple eSIMs is extremely beneficial. You can preload regional or country-specific plans and activate them immediately upon arrival. This helps avoid expensive roaming charges, ensures reliable connectivity, and gives you the freedom to use the best local network anywhere.

4. More Secure 

In contrast to ordinary SIM cards, which can be taken out or lost quite easily, eSIMs are ingeniously embedded permanently and safely within the gadget. This step keeps snoopers out, mitigates the risk of stealing, and makes certain that your number and data are still safe even if there is an attempt to compromise the device.

5. Perfect for Work and Personal Use

Dual​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ SIM functionality is a feature that enables you to have two different phone numbers, one for personal use and one for work, on the same iPhone. Each of the two lines is independent in terms of calls, messages, and data, thus giving you more control over your accounts and making your life easier. In other words, you do not need to bring along two phones just to be able to keep your work and personal communication completely separate from each ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌other.

How Many eSIMs Can an iPhone Store?

The number varies with the model, but most of the newest iPhones can include 8 to 10 eSIM profiles. All of them cannot be used at the same time, still, they remain on the device as saved and you can switch them whenever you like.

Below is the full breakdown:

iPhone XS, XS Max, and iPhone XR

These were the first iPhones with eSIM capability.

• Can store multiple eSIMs
• Only one eSIM can be used at a time
• Supports one physical SIM + one eSIM

These devices do not support dual active eSIMs.

iPhone 11 Series

• Can store 8–10 eSIM profiles
• Supports dual SIM (one physical + one eSIM)
• One active eSIM at a time

iPhone 12 Series

• Stores up to 10 eSIM profiles
• Supports dual SIM
• Can use 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM

These models do not support two active eSIMs yet.

iPhone 13 Series

This generation introduced major improvements.

• Stores around 8–10 eSIM profiles
• Supports dual active eSIMs
• Can operate:
  • Two eSIMs
  • Or one eSIM + one physical SIM

This was the first major step toward a physical-SIM-free future.

iPhone 14 Series (USA Models)

Apple removed the SIM tray entirely in the United States.

• Stores 8–10 eSIM profiles
• Uses only eSIMs
• Supports dual active eSIMs

There is no option for a physical SIM on USA models.

iPhone 14 Series (Global Models)

• Stores up to 10 eSIM profiles
• Supports physical SIM + eSIM
• Supports dual SIM functionality

iPhone 15 Series

The structure remains similar to the iPhone 14.

• USA models: eSIM-only
• Global models: physical + eSIM

Both versions can store multiple eSIMs and support two active at once.

How Many eSIMs Can Be Active at the Same Time?

Here is the most important rule across all iPhone models:

Every iPhone supports only two active SIMs at once.

This applies whether they are:

• One physical SIM + one eSIM
• Two eSIMs

Storage of 10 eSIM profiles on an iPhone does not change the fact that the device will permit only two eSIM profiles to be in an active state simultaneously. Nevertheless, the user can transition among the eSIMs that are saved without any deletion taking place.

This dual-SIM functionality allows:

• Two phone numbers
• Two service providers
• Separate voice and data plans
• Different roaming options
• Personal and business numbers

iPhones do not currently support three active eSIMs or more than two active SIMs in total.

Detailed iPhone eSIM Support Table

iPhone Model	eSIM Profiles Stored	Active SIMs	Physical SIM	Dual eSIM Supported
XS / XR	Multiple	2 (1 physical + 1 eSIM)	Yes	No
11 Series	8–10	2	Yes	No
12 Series	8–10	2	Yes	No
13 Series	8–10	2	Yes	Yes
14 (USA)	8–10	2	No	Yes
14 (Global)	8–10	2	Yes	Yes
15 Series	8–10	2	USA: No / Global: Yes	Yes

Why Apple Supports So Many Stored eSIM Profiles

Modern smartphone users need flexibility. Apple understands that people may have multiple reasons to switch networks quickly. Below are the key reasons Apple allows up to ten stored eSIMs on a single device.

1. Frequent Travel

Travelers often use:

• One global roaming plan
• One regional eSIM
• Several country-specific eSIMs

Being able to store many profiles means instant switching anywhere.

2. Work and Lifestyle Separation

Many users maintain:

• Personal mobile number
• Work number
• A secondary work-specific number (sales, customer service, etc.)

Having multiple eSIMs stored keeps everything in one device.

3. Carrier Switching Flexibility

People may switch networks due to:

• Pricing changes
• Better data offers
• Local regulations
• Coverage differences

eSIMs make it effortless.

4. Better Control of Roaming Costs

Instead of paying high roaming fees, travelers can simply switch to the cheapest active plan.

5. Convenience and Security

eSIMs cannot be physically stolen, damaged, or misplaced, unlike physical SIM cards.

How Many eSIMs Can Be Used for Data at Once?

Only one SIM (physical or eSIM) can be used as the primary data line at any time.
However, the second SIM can still support:

• Calls
• SMS
• iMessage (if enabled)

You can manually switch the data line through Settings.

Can You Use Multiple eSIMs Without Network Conflicts?

Yes. Apple engineered the system so that multiple stored eSIMs do not interfere with each other. Only active eSIMs interact with networks; inactive ones simply remain stored.

This means:

• No battery drain from unused eSIMs
• No signal conflict
• No syncing issues

Switching between them is seamless.

Why USA Models Use Only eSIMs

Starting with the iPhone 14, Apple removed the SIM tray on all USA models. The reasons include:

• Simplifying manufacturing
• Encouraging global adoption of eSIMs
• Improving security
• Saving internal space for components

This change pushes the industry toward a SIM-less future.

Is There a Limit to How Many Times You Can Switch eSIMs?

There is no limit. You can switch between stored eSIM profiles as many times as you want. Some carriers may restrict how many times you can re-download an eSIM, but switching between already-stored profiles is unlimited.

Future of eSIM on iPhones

As Apple continues to innovate, the future may include:

• Three active eSIMs
• Unlimited eSIM storage
• Better carrier-based management
• Universal eSIM support globally

Given Apple’s push toward digital SIMs, physical SIM trays may disappear worldwide in the coming years.

Conclusion: How Many eSIM Can Be Used in iPhone?

To summarize:

• Most iPhones can store 8–10 eSIM profiles.
• Any iPhone can use only two SIMs at the same time.
• Newer models support dual active eSIMs, especially from iPhone 13 onward.
• USA versions of iPhone 14 and 15 support eSIM-only connectivity.

If you rely on travel, business numbers, or multiple network plans, iPhones provide one of the most flexible eSIM systems available today.

FAQ

How many eSIMs can an iPhone store?

Most contemporary iPhones have a capacity to keep from eight to ten eSIM profiles depending on both the model and the area. These profiles are kept in the device; hence, you can change anytime without having to reinstall. The limit of storage does not change how many SIMs can be active at the same time.

How many eSIMs can be active at the same time?

Your iPhone is able to keep a lot of eSIM profiles, but it is only able to function with two active SIMs at a time. This might be two eSIMs or a physical SIM and an eSIM, depending on the model of your iPhone. The dual-SIM feature is limited to two on all the models of Apple.

Do all iPhones support dual eSIM functionality?

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ capability of dual active eSIMs is limited to only the most recent iPhones such as the iPhone 13 series and the ones that came after it. Those that are older models can still have a maximum of one eSIM and one physical SIM card but are not permitted to have two eSIMs simultaneously. You should definitely verify your device specifications to understand whether it is compatible or ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌not.

Is it possible to switch eSIMs without removing them from storage?

Indeed. A seamless transition between the eSIMs that your iPhone has stored is possible and is simply achieved by accessing cellular settings. It is not necessary to deactivate one in order to activate the other. This easy and quick switching allows a user to control multiple operators without going through the process of installing the operator’s SIM card or performing technical steps over and over again.

Can I use one eSIM for data and another for calls simultaneously?

Indeed, this is the case. You can assign the function of calls to one and that of mobile data to the other SIM on the iPhone. Users can even switch the settings anytime, which makes it great for travel and dual-number use.