iPhone 14 is eSIM only in the US: Here’s what you need to know

In the United States, the new iPhone 14 range will not ship with a physical SIM card slot. Instead, Apple relies entirely on eSIM technology. While some iPhone users may have already switched to eSIM, most haven’t yet. Now that the iPhone 14 is hitting buyers, here are some details on Apple’s eSIM support.

What does eSIM mean for the iPhone 14?

The iPhone range has supported eSIM technology for many years. The iPhone XS was the first model to add this technology, and since then every new iPhone has supported eSIM. Each of these iPhone models also offered a nano SIM card slot. So if you didn’t want to use an eSIM, you didn’t have to.

eSIMs, sometimes referred to as embedded SIMs, are still SIM cards, but they are electronically programmable. This means there is no physical SIM card to insert or activate in your iPhone. Instead, you sign in with your carrier information, and the carrier remotely provisions your iPhone so it can connect to their network.

Once this process is complete, your iPhone will work just like it would with a physical SIM card. It’s also important to note that only the iPhone 14 models sold in the US will be eSIM only. Models sold in other countries will still have a nano SIM card slot.

This was confirmed by an Apple spokesman The edge that each iPhone 14 model can store at least eight different eSIMs and in some cases even more. Two can be used at the same time.

Option 1: Set up iPhone 14 with eSIM Quick Transfer

In a support document, Apple explains that you can convert your physical SIM card to an eSIM during the iPhone 14 setup process. This is also possible if you have never used an eSIM before.

During the setup process, you will be prompted to transfer your SIM card from your old iPhone to your new iPhone. This is also the process you use when transferring an existing eSIM from your old iPhone to your new iPhone 14.

1. Select a cellular plan to transfer from another device. If you don’t see a list of numbers, tap Transfer from another device. Both devices must have iOS 16 or higher.
2. Look for instructions on your previous iPhone to confirm the transfer. Tap Transfer to confirm, or enter the code that appears on your new iPhone when asked for a verification code.
3. Wait for the cellular plan to activate on your new iPhone. Your previous SIM card will be deactivated when the cellular plan is activated on your new iPhone.
4. When you see a banner on your new iPhone that says Get Your Cellular Service Provider’s Cellular Plan, tap it. You will be redirected to your mobile operator’s website to transfer your eSIM. If you need help, contact your wireless service provider.

Option 2: Use a QR code from your mobile operator

Some carriers don’t support what Apple calls “fast eSIM transfer.” If this is the case, you will need to scan a QR code from your carrier to activate the eSIM in your iPhone 14. When you reach the Cellular Setup screen in the iPhone 14 setup process, there is an option to use a QR code.

This will walk you through the process of scanning the QR code provided by your carrier to activate your iPhone 14’s eSIM. The process for obtaining this QR code varies from carrier to carrier.

Option 3: Convert a physical SIM to an eSIM using your current iPhone

If you want a head start on the transition to eSIM, you can convert the physical SIM card in your current iPhone to an eSIM. From there, you can transfer that eSIM to your new iPhone 14 when it arrives.

1. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular.
2. Tap Convert to eSIM. If you don’t see this option, you need to contact your wireless service provider.
3. Tap Convert Cellular Plan.
4. Select Convert to eSIM.
5. Wait for your eSIM to activate. Once this is complete, your previous SIM card will be deactivated.
6. Remove the physical SIM card and restart your iPhone.

9to5Mac’s Take: Towards an eSIM-only future

Leading up to the iPhone 14 event, there were rumors that Apple was planning to focus more on eSIM technology. It was rumored that Apple might ditch the physical SIM card altogether, but the announcement still came as a surprise to many people. But remember: Steve Jobs never I wanted the iPhone to have a SIM card tray.

To the most Folks, the transition to iPhone 14 eSIM should result in an experience that is identical to, if not better than, a physical SIM card. It won’t be nearly as dramatic a lifestyle change as the iPhone 7’s headphone jack removal was. The question, of course, is how seamless the process is up to this point. While Apple has outlined the transition process, a number of variables are at play.

My biggest concern is this: on the day the iPhone 14 launches, could the carriers get overloaded and face activation issues? Arguably, moving millions of people to eSIM is more of a hassle than users simply swapping their SIM card from their old iPhone to their new iPhone.

Remember the days when we had to plug our iPhones into iTunes to activate them? Apple’s servers might prove unreliable during this process, but AT&T’s activation process was notoriously finicky. Could eSIM setups and deployment cause a similar headache?

Another concern of mine is that this could potentially give the wielders more power. They could implement user-hostile restrictions and make it difficult to switch to a competing network. They may charge additional “activation” fees. US carriers have been known to push the boundaries of what smartphone users are willing to put up with, so keep that in mind.

But even if there are some speed limits in the transition to eSIM, the result will be much more convenient for (most) users. For example it should make it much easier to switch providers. It also means there is one less physical port on your iPhone. Even when setting up a new iPhone, you don’t have to worry about losing or damaging your SIM card.

In terms of international travel, the fact that the iPhone 14 can store multiple eSIMs should make this process easier. However, the key will be using a carrier that supports eSIMs in the first place. This could pose a problem for travelers using an iPhone 14 from the United States in a country where eSIM technology is not as widespread.

Long term, I’m excited to see what removing the SIM card tray means for iPhone design and durability. Removing the headphone jack on the iPhone 7 helped pave the way for improved water resistance and the all-new design of the iPhone X just a year later.

What do you think of the iPhone 14 only supporting eSIMs in the US? Is Apple making this change too soon? Let us know in the comments.

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