Do the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 have eSIM? What Apple lists
Yes, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 families have eSIM. Apple's list names 9 models in this family, and its Dual SIM material describes 1 physical SIM with 1 eSIM, or 2 eSIMs, with the available SIM setup varying by the phone's purchase region.
| Model | eSIM | eSIM plus nano-SIM | Two eSIMs | Bought in the US | Bought elsewhere |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 | yes | yes | yes | eSIM only | eSIM and nano-SIM |
| iPhone 15 Plus | yes | yes | yes | eSIM only | eSIM and nano-SIM |
| iPhone 15 Pro | yes | yes | yes | eSIM only | eSIM and nano-SIM |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | yes | yes | yes | eSIM only | eSIM and nano-SIM |
| iPhone 16e | yes | yes | yes | eSIM only | eSIM and nano-SIM |
| iPhone 16 | yes | yes | yes | eSIM only | eSIM and nano-SIM |
| iPhone 16 Plus | yes | yes | yes | eSIM only | eSIM and nano-SIM |
| iPhone 16 Pro | yes | yes | yes | eSIM only | eSIM and nano-SIM |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | yes | yes | yes | eSIM only | eSIM and nano-SIM |
The short answer for iPhone 15 and 16
Apple's SIM types page lists iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max as supporting eSIM. September 17, 2026 is the published date attached to Apple's SIM types page. Together, those 9 models make up the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 family covered here. The list contains 4 iPhone 15 models and 5 iPhone 16 models.
One physical SIM and one eSIM, or two eSIMs
Apple's Use Dual SIM on iPhone page places the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models under its iPhone 14 and later guidance for 1 physical SIM with 1 eSIM. For two eSIMs, the page names iPhone 13 and later, which takes in all 9 models. The physical SIM option depends on where the phone was bought, as the next section shows.
Where you bought the phone
For the United States, Apple lists iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max as eSIM only. It also lists iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 Plus purchased in the United States as eSIM only. Models bought outside the United States appear under eSIM and nano-SIM. The China mainland eSIM list contains only iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 17e, and iPhone Air. The purchase-region entries and the China mainland statement are separate parts of Apple's regional information.
What to check before you buy an eSIM plan
Apple's Dual SIM note says physical SIM is not supported on all models and eSIM is not available in all countries or regions. Check where the phone was bought, then ask the provider whether its plan works on your phone and carrier setup. Apple's saved pages do not cover carrier locks or plan terms. The 9-model family listing establishes device support, while the region and provider checks apply to the plan you want to install.