Which iPhones Are eSIM Only?

Every iPhone model sold in the U.S. from the iPhone 14 lineup in 2022 onward is eSIM only and has no physical SIM tray, including the iPhone 15, 16 and 17 lineups, the iPhone 16e, the iPhone Air, the iPhone 17e and the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. The iPhone Air is eSIM only in every country. Models sold in many other countries keep a SIM tray. Before selling an eSIM-only iPhone, move the eSIM to the new phone and choose to erase the eSIM when erasing the old phone. A quote on Sell iPhone 14 for Cash covers the first U.S. eSIM-only lineup.

• First U.S. eSIM-only models: iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max (2022).
• Worldwide eSIM only: iPhone Air (2025).
• U.S. models with a SIM tray: iPhone 13 lineup and earlier, iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation.
• Before selling: transfer the eSIM, then erase it during the phone reset.

Which iPhone models have no SIM tray?

The table lists U.S. iPhone models by SIM configuration.

Model	U.S. SIM configuration
iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max	eSIM only
iPhone 17e	eSIM only
iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max	eSIM only
iPhone Air	eSIM only (worldwide)
iPhone 16e	eSIM only
iPhone 16 lineup	eSIM only
iPhone 15 lineup	eSIM only
iPhone 14 lineup	eSIM only
iPhone SE (3rd generation)	Nano-SIM tray and eSIM
iPhone 13 lineup	Nano-SIM tray and eSIM
iPhone 12 lineup	Nano-SIM tray and eSIM
iPhone SE (2nd generation)	Nano-SIM tray and eSIM
iPhone 11 lineup	Nano-SIM tray and eSIM

The iPhone 17 lineup is eSIM only in more countries than earlier models, according to Apple's announcements, including Canada, Japan and Mexico. Check the model's A-number to confirm a non-U.S. phone's configuration. iPhone Model Numbers List: Every A-Number by Model lists the regional numbers.

Why did Apple remove the SIM tray in the U.S.?

Apple removed the SIM tray from U.S. models for 3 stated reasons:

1. Security: an eSIM cannot be removed from a lost or stolen phone the way a physical SIM card can, which keeps the phone reachable through Find My.
2. Multiple lines: an iPhone can store 8 or more eSIMs, with 2 active at once, which suits travel and dual-line use.
3. Carrier support: U.S. carriers widely supported eSIM activation by 2022, so a tray was no longer needed for most customers.

Removing the tray also frees internal space, which Apple has used for components such as the battery on later models.

What to do with the eSIM before selling?

Handle the eSIM in 4 steps before selling:

1. Transfer the eSIM to the new iPhone during Quick Start, or through Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM on the new phone.
2. Confirm that calls and texts work on the new phone.
3. Erase the old phone in Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
4. Choose Erase eSIM when the erase screen asks whether to keep or remove it.

When moving to a non-Apple phone, ask the carrier to activate a new eSIM or SIM on that phone. What to Do With Your eSIM Before Selling Your iPhone covers every case.

Does an eSIM-only iPhone sell for less?

An eSIM-only iPhone does not sell for less in the U.S., because U.S. carriers support eSIM activation on every major network. U.S. buyers use eSIM routinely, so the lack of a tray is not a drawback in the domestic market. Value depends on model, storage, carrier lock status and condition. How Much Is My iPhone Worth If I Sell It Today? explains pricing.

Can an eSIM-only iPhone be carrier-locked?

An eSIM-only iPhone can be carrier-locked, because the lock is stored in carrier records linked to the IMEI, not in the SIM card. A locked phone accepts only its carrier's eSIM. Check Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock; "No SIM restrictions" means the phone is unlocked. How to Tell If Your iPhone Is Unlocked Before Selling explains the check.

How many eSIMs can an iPhone hold?

An iPhone can store 8 or more eSIMs, depending on the model, and use 2 phone numbers at the same time. Apple's support pages list the details by model. Every stored eSIM is removed when Erase eSIM is selected during a phone reset, which is the right choice before selling.

What happens if I forget to erase the eSIM?

An eSIM left on a sold phone is usually deactivated when the number moves to a new phone, because each eSIM profile works on one device at a time. The buyer cannot use the seller's plan. A buyback erases the phone again during testing. To be sure, contact the carrier to confirm the old eSIM is deactivated, and choose Erase eSIM during the reset next time.

Can I move an eSIM to an Android phone?

An eSIM can be moved to an Android phone through the carrier, which issues a new eSIM or SIM for the Android device. Direct Quick Start transfers work only between iPhones. Activate the number on the Android phone before turning off iMessage, so the confirmation code reaches the new phone. Selling an iPhone When You Move to Android covers the full switch.

How do I travel with an eSIM-only iPhone?

An eSIM-only iPhone uses travel eSIMs from local carriers or eSIM providers instead of a local physical SIM card. Unlocked phones can add a travel eSIM while keeping the home number on a second line. Carrier-locked phones may not accept a travel eSIM, which is another reason buyers value unlocked phones.

Does an eSIM-only phone need a SIM card for testing?

An eSIM-only phone is tested with a test eSIM, so no physical SIM is needed. Testing also checks the IMEI, carrier lock status and modem firmware. Ship the phone without any card in the box.

Are non-U.S. iPhones with a SIM tray bought?

Non-U.S. versions with a SIM tray can be bought when they support U.S. carrier networks and are unlocked, are not Activation Locked and are not reported lost or stolen. Enter the exact model in the quote. Some regional versions lack certain U.S. bands, which can affect demand.

What should I check on an older model with a SIM tray?

On an older model with a SIM tray, such as an iPhone 13 or iPhone SE, check 3 items before selling: remove the physical SIM card, leave the empty tray in the phone and check whether an eSIM is also active in Settings > Cellular. A missing tray counts as a missing part. What to Remove From an iPhone Before Selling: Accessories Checklist covers the SIM tray.

How do eSIM and physical SIM compare?

An eSIM and a physical SIM differ on 6 attributes. The table compares them.

Attribute	eSIM	Physical nano-SIM
Form	A digital profile stored on a chip inside the phone	A removable card in a tray
Activation	Carrier app, QR code, Quick Start or carrier store	Insert the card
Removal by a thief	Not possible without the passcode	Possible in seconds
Lines stored	8 or more	1 per card
Moving to a new iPhone	Quick Start transfer or carrier activation	Move the card
Moving to an Android phone	Carrier issues a new eSIM or SIM	Move the card if it fits

How do I check whether my iPhone has an active eSIM?

Check for an active eSIM in Settings > Cellular, where each line appears with its label, such as Primary. An eSIM line shows a carrier name without a physical card in the tray. On eSIM-only models, every line listed is an eSIM. Remove lines that are no longer used with Delete eSIM, after confirming the number has moved.

What if the carrier does not support eSIM Quick Transfer?

When the carrier does not support eSIM Quick Transfer, activate the eSIM on the new iPhone through the carrier's app, a QR code from the carrier or a carrier store visit. Keep the old phone until the new one shows service. Erase the old phone only after calls and texts work on the new one.

Can I convert a physical SIM to eSIM?

Many carriers let customers convert a physical SIM to eSIM in Settings > Cellular > Convert to eSIM, or through the carrier's app. Conversion is useful before moving to an eSIM-only model. After conversion, the physical card stops working and can be discarded.

How do I prepare an eSIM-only iPhone for shipping?

Prepare an eSIM-only iPhone for shipping in 5 steps: transfer the eSIM, sign out of the Apple Account, erase the phone with Erase eSIM selected, remove the case and pack it with padding. No tray needs to be checked. How to Pack and Ship an iPhone Safely When You Sell It covers packing.

Do prepaid carriers support eSIM-only iPhones?

Most major prepaid brands in the U.S. support eSIM activation on recent iPhones, including brands on the AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon networks. Check the brand's compatibility tool with the phone's IMEI before switching. A prepaid-locked phone accepts only its brand's eSIM until it unlocks. Prepaid Carrier iPhones (Cricket, Metro, Straight Talk): Can You Sell Them? covers prepaid phones.

Does eSIM affect dual-line use after selling?

eSIM supports 2 active lines, so many sellers keep a work and a personal number on one phone. Move both lines to the new phone before erasing the old one, and confirm each line works. Leaving one line on the old phone stops it working after the erase.

Is the eSIM part of what a buyer pays for?

The eSIM profile belongs to the seller's carrier account, not the phone, so it is not part of the sale. The buyer adds their own eSIM after setup. The phone's hardware supports eSIM regardless of profiles stored on it.

What if my eSIM was deleted by mistake?

An eSIM deleted by mistake can be restored by the carrier, which issues a new eSIM for the number through its app, website or store. The phone itself is unaffected, and the number stays on the account. Keep the account PIN or verification details ready to speed up the request.

Does an eSIM work with Apple Watch cellular plans?

An Apple Watch cellular plan is separate from the iPhone's eSIM and is tied to the watch itself. Unpairing the watch before selling the iPhone handles the watch plan.

Frequently asked questions about eSIM-only iPhones

Which iPhones do not have a SIM card slot?

Every U.S. iPhone from the iPhone 14 lineup onward has no SIM card slot, including the iPhone 15, 16 and 17 lineups, the iPhone 16e and 17e and the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. The iPhone Air has no slot in any country. The iPhone 13, iPhone SE and earlier models keep a tray.

Is the iPhone 14 eSIM only?

The U.S. iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max are eSIM only, making the 2022 lineup the first U.S. iPhones without a SIM tray. iPhone 14 models sold in many other countries keep a nano-SIM tray. The A-number in Settings confirms which version a phone is. Check the A-number in Settings to confirm the SIM configuration of a non-U.S. phone.

What do I do with my eSIM when I sell my iPhone?

Transfer the eSIM to the new iPhone during Quick Start, or ask the carrier to activate the number on the new phone, and confirm calls work. Then erase the old phone and choose Erase eSIM when asked. The old eSIM cannot be used by a buyer after the number moves.

Does an eSIM-only iPhone have lower resale value?

An eSIM-only iPhone does not have lower resale value in the U.S., because every major U.S. carrier supports eSIM activation. Value depends on the model, storage, carrier lock status and condition. Unlocked eSIM-only phones are flexible for travel, because they accept travel eSIMs alongside the home number. Confirm that calls and texts work on the new phone before erasing the old one.

Why did Apple remove the SIM tray?

Apple removed the SIM tray from U.S. models to improve security, since an eSIM cannot be pulled from a stolen phone, to support storing 8 or more eSIMs with 2 active at once and because U.S. carriers widely supported eSIM by 2022. Removing the tray also frees internal space. The carrier can reissue an eSIM at any time if the transfer does not complete.

Sources and references

• Apple Support: about eSIM on iPhone, and transfer your eSIM to a new iPhone.
• Apple Newsroom: iPhone 14 announcement, September 2022, and iPhone 17 and iPhone Air announcement, September 2025.
• Apple: iPhone technical specifications by model.