Which iPhones Support eSIM?

Which iPhones support eSIM

For iPhones bought in Australia, Apple’s current list covers iPhone XR, iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max; every model in the iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 families; iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16e; iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 17e; iPhone Air; and iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation).

That means an Australian iPhone X, iPhone 8 or anything older does not take an eSIM. The iPhone SE is the easy exception to remember: the 2nd and 3rd generation models do.

The part written for Americans that does not apply to you

Many compatibility guides say the iPhone 14 and later have no SIM tray. That started with models sold in the United States and now applies to some newer models sold in several other markets. It is not the rule for the standard iPhone models sold in Australia.

Apple lists Australian versions of the iPhone 14, 15, 16 and 17 families as eSIM plus nano-SIM. That means the physical tray remains available while a travel eSIM uses the phone’s digital SIM.

iPhone Air is the exception in Australia. Apple’s Australian specifications say it is eSIM-only and does not support physical SIM cards.

Three checks that answer different questions

Find the exact iPhone model in Settings > General > About. A phone can have an eSIM menu and still be locked, region-limited or unsuitable for the particular plan. Confirm the model and lock status before an order makes the question urgent.

Keep the setup timing simple

Buy before travel, then add the eSIM after landing. Use airport Wi-Fi only after you can sign in and open a normal webpage. If that does not work, use hotel Wi-Fi or another steady trusted connection. Save the setup email before you fly, but do not scan the QR code, tap a quick-install prompt, install or activate the travel eSIM before you leave.

Check the phone before you pay

Choose your phone

iPhone

Open Settings > General > About. Beside Service Provider Lock, look for No SIM Restrictions. Then confirm your exact model and region support eSIM with Apple or the original carrier.

Samsung Galaxy

Open Settings > Connections > SIM card manager and look for Add mobile plan or Add eSIM. That is a useful clue, not the whole answer: confirm the exact model, region and carrier status before buying.

Google Pixel

Open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM. A Set up an eSIM route is a useful on-phone check, but carrier restrictions and regional variants can still matter.

Other Android

Search Settings for eSIM, SIM manager or mobile network, then note the exact model number under About phone. Ask the original carrier whether that model is unlocked and supports third-party eSIMs.

When to stop and ask before paying

If the step above does not work as expected, stop here. Keep a cropped screenshot of the setting or error, then contact us before changing other settings. Do not include QR or activation details unless we ask.

Check the exact iPhone model, region and current Apple information rather than relying on a generic compatibility list.
Do not imply eSIM capability means the phone is unlocked.

What to confirm before buying

For help with your phone, plan or order, email hello@thesimshop.com.au. If the model, region or unlock status is unclear, send support the exact phone model number, country or region of purchase and original carrier. Do not send a QR code or activation details.

Sources and checks

Compatibility-list sources checked: 8 September 2026.

Information checked: 19 July 2026.

These links support the phone menus and safe setup checks used in this guide. Phone labels can vary by model and software version, so follow the screen on your own device and the instructions in your order email.