Does the iPhone 16 Plus have eSIM?
Yes. The iPhone 16 Plus supports eSIM and runs 2 lines at the same time, except the version sold in mainland China, which only takes physical SIM cards. Add a travel eSIM for data abroad and keep your usual SIM for calls and texts.
Checked on July 31, 2026 in its spec sheet
Source: GSMArena
eSIM
Yes
except the China version
Lines at once
2
2 eSIMs or SIM + eSIM
eSIMs stored
8+
profiles you can keep
Released
September 2024
eSIM, version by version
The same phone can exist in several versions depending on where it is sold.
| Version (spec sheet) | Sold in | eSIM | eSIM lines | SIM card slots |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time; International) | Rest of the world | Yes | 2 | 1 |
| eSIM + eSIM (8 or more, max 2 at a time; USA) | United States | Yes | 2 | 0 |
| Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (China) | Mainland China | No | 0 | 2 |
How to check that your iPhone 16 Plus has eSIM
Three checks, in under a minute.
- 1
In Settings
Settings › General › About: an “EID” line means the eSIM is there.
- 2
Dial *#06#
On most phones, this code shows the IMEI and, when the phone has eSIM, an EID number.
- 3
Check it is unlocked
A travel eSIM only works on a phone that is not locked to a carrier: your carrier can confirm it and unlock your iPhone 16 Plus before you leave.
The best eSIM for your trip with the iPhone 16 Plus
Choose your destination, trip length and usage: the three best offers from today’s price check.
How you use your phone
Maps and messagesGPS, WhatsApp, email
Social mediaInstagram, TikTok, browsing
Video and callsstreaming, video calls
Hotspotlaptop, tablet
You need
6 GB
that is 0.8 GB a day
- Maps and messages1.4 GB
- Social media4.2 GB
- Video and calls0 GB
- Hotspot0 GB
Look for a plan with at least 6 GB.
The best offers for this trip
For 7 days and 6 GB in Thailand
- 1Best unlimited
Ubigi
Unlimited · 7 days
$22.00$3.14 per day- 25 GB at full speed, then reduced speed
- Networks: AIS and True
- Hotspot allowed
- 2Cheapest
Jetpac
10 GB · 7 days
$9.50$0.95 per GB- Lowest total price for 7 days
- Network: AIS
- Hotspot allowed
- 3Best price per GB
Nomad
50 GB · 10 days
$15.00$0.30 per GB- Lowest price per GB for this trip
- Network: True
- Hotspot allowed
Ranked with the rules of our podium, never the commission. How we rank · Affiliate links
How to install a travel eSIM on the iPhone 16 Plus
Install it at home on Wi-Fi, a few days before you leave: it only connects once you land. Menus can differ slightly by version.
- 1
Buy the eSIM
You receive a QR code or an install link by email.
- 2
Add it
Settings › Cellular (or Mobile Service) › Add eSIM, then scan the QR code, or tap the link on the phone itself.
- 3
Pick the lines
Label it “Travel”, keep your usual line for calls and texts, and choose the travel eSIM for cellular data.
- 4
On arrival
Turn on Data Roaming for the travel eSIM only, and turn it off on your usual line.
Good to know before you travel
- 1
Keep your number
Your usual SIM stays active for calls and texts, the travel eSIM carries the data: both work at the same time on the iPhone 16 Plus.
- 2
Several eSIMs stored
The iPhone 16 Plus keeps up to 8+ eSIMs: install the one for your next trip in advance, and keep the others.
- 3
Versions without eSIM
The iPhone 16 Plus sold in mainland China takes two physical SIM cards and no eSIM. Check yours in Settings › About.
- 4
No SIM tray
The iPhone 16 Plus sold in the US has no SIM card slot at all: eSIM only.
The iPhone 16 Plus and eSIM: what to know
From its spec sheet and the 80 Apple models in our database.
The iPhone 16 Plus family
- iPhone 16Yes · 2 lines at once2024
- iPhone 16 ProYes · 2 lines at once2024
- iPhone 16 Pro MaxYes · 2 lines at once2024
Apple and eSIM
- All 80 Apple models in our database support eSIM.
- The first one: the iPhone XR (2018).
- The most recent: the iPhone 18 Pro (September 2026).
The most popular destinations
For each country, today’s podium and every plan we compare.
Questions about the iPhone 16 Plus and eSIM
Answered from its spec sheet and from today’s prices.
Does the iPhone 16 Plus support eSIM?
Yes. The iPhone 16 Plus supports eSIM and runs 2 lines at the same time, except the version sold in mainland China, which only takes physical SIM cards. Add a travel eSIM for data abroad and keep your usual SIM for calls and texts.
How many eSIMs can the iPhone 16 Plus use?
The iPhone 16 Plus runs 2 lines at the same time (2 eSIMs or SIM + eSIM). It can store up to 8+ eSIMs.
Can I keep my phone number abroad with the iPhone 16 Plus?
Yes. Keep your usual SIM on for calls and texts and use the travel eSIM for data. Turn data roaming off on your usual line, so it does not charge you.
Which travel eSIM should I get for the iPhone 16 Plus?
Any data eSIM works on an unlocked iPhone 16 Plus. The right one depends on the trip: on October 22, 2026, for a week in Thailand with everyday use, the best price was Jetpac at $9.50. Compare your destination with the tool above.
Does the iPhone 16 Plus have a SIM card slot, or is it eSIM only?
It depends on the version: Rest of the world, 1 SIM card slot; United States, no SIM card slot (eSIM only); Mainland China, 2 SIM card slots.
Can I use two eSIMs at the same time on the iPhone 16 Plus?
Yes: two eSIMs can be active at the same time, out of 8+ stored.
Why is my eSIM not working on the iPhone 16 Plus?
Check four things in Settings › Cellular: the travel eSIM line is turned on, it is selected for Cellular Data, Data Roaming is on for that line, and your iPhone is not locked to a carrier. Then restart it.
What if the eSIM is stuck on “activating”?
Activation needs an Internet connection: stay on Wi-Fi for a few minutes, then restart the phone. Many travel eSIMs only connect once you land, so “No service” before you leave is normal.