iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 & Android: Number of eSIMs Supported

As eSIM technology becomes the new global standard, more smartphones now support multiple eSIM profiles—offering flexibility for frequent travelers and business users alike. But how many eSIMs can your phone actually store or activate at once?

In this guide, we’ll explore the number of eSIMs supported across popular iPhone and Android models, explain the difference between stored and active profiles, and show you how to manage them easily using Twise eSIM.

The Rise of eSIM Technology

The adoption of eSIM technology is fueled by its ease of use, adaptability, and its increasing incorporation into various devices, including smartphones and Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets. Unlike traditional physical SIM cards, eSIMs are integrated chips that permit users to change carriers digitally with minimal effort, thereby enhancing connectivity for travelers, businesses, and consumers. Critical contributors to its growth include its endorsement by leading manufacturers, heightened commercial backing across numerous countries, and its essential function in facilitating seamless connectivity within the burgeoning IoT market.

How Many eSIMs Can iPhones Support? (iPhone 12 → iPhone 17)

With each new generation, Apple continues to expand its eSIM capabilities. Whether you’re using an iPhone 12 or the latest iPhone 17 Air, the number of eSIMs supported depends on both the model and the region where it’s sold.

Here’s a detailed overview of how many eSIM profiles each iPhone can store and activate simultaneously.

iPhone 17

Models: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max
The iPhone 17 lineup continues Apple’s multi-eSIM trend, offering storage for eight or more profiles and two active eSIMs at once.

• US models: eSIM-only (no SIM tray).
• International models: usually retain one physical SIM slot.
• China, Hong Kong, Macau: no eSIM support.

This balance between flexibility and simplicity makes the iPhone 17 series ideal for travelers using providers like Twise eSIM, who switch between regional data plans effortlessly.

iPhone 16

Models: iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
Each device in the iPhone 16 family can store eight or more eSIM profiles and keep two active at the same time.

• US versions: eSIM-only.
  
• International models: still feature a physical SIM slot.
  
• China, Hong Kong, Macau: no eSIM support.

iPhone 16e deserves special mention. It shares the same dual eSIM functionality (8+ stored, 2 active), but it’s the only model in the series with eSIM support in Hong Kong and Macau. The mainland China version, however, remains incompatible.

iPhone 15

Models: iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
All models in the iPhone 15 lineup support eight or more stored eSIMs and two active at once.

• US versions: fully eSIM-only.
  
• Other regions: include a SIM tray.
  
• China, Hong Kong, Macau: no eSIM functionality.

This generation further streamlined multi-eSIM switching.

iPhone 14

Models: iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
The iPhone 14 series supports up to 8 eSIM profiles and 2 active at the same time.

• US models: eSIM-only, removing the SIM slot for the first time.
  
• Devices sold in China, Hong Kong, Macau: still do not support eSIM.

This marked the turning point for Apple’s shift to a fully digital SIM ecosystem.

iPhone 13

Models: iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
The iPhone 13 series can store up to eight or more eSIM profiles and was the first iPhone generation to support Dual eSIM activation.

• iPhone 13 Mini: unique for being the only 13-series model with eSIM support in Hong Kong and Macau.
  
• China versions: not eSIM compatible.

iPhone 12

Models: iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
The iPhone 12 lineup supports up to 8 stored eSIM profiles, though only 1 eSIM can be active at a time, alongside a physical SIM.

• iPhone 12 Mini: the only model in this series to support eSIM in Hong Kong and Macau.
  
• China versions: not compatible with eSIM.

The iPhone 12 series laid the groundwork for the dual eSIM capabilities that became standard in later generations.

How Many eSIMs Can Android Phones Support?

Samsung Galaxy S Series

• Samsung Galaxy S24 up to S25 series: Support two active eSIMs simultaneously while allowing multiple stored eSIM profiles. These devices can also operate with a physical SIM and an eSIM at the same time, providing versatile dual-SIM functionality. 
• Older S Series (S23 and earlier): Allow multiple eSIM profiles but do not support two active eSIMs concurrently.
  

Samsung Galaxy A Series

• While eSIM-enabled, most A Series devices such as the A52 and A53, typically allow only one active eSIM. Users can store multiple profiles, but dual active eSIM functionality is not supported.
  

Google Pixel

• Google Pixel 8 and later models support two active eSIMs and can store up to 10 eSIM profiles, enabling smooth switching between carriers or global data plans.

OnePlus & Motorola

• Selected devices, including the OnePlus 9, OnePlus 10 Pro, and Motorola Edge 30, support eSIM. 
• Most models allow only one active eSIM, while still storing multiple profiles for future use.

Switching and Managing eSIMs Easily

iPhone 

Apple iPhones with eSIM capability make managing multiple profiles intuitive and user-friendly. Depending on your iPhone model and the number of eSIMs supported, you can switch between active profiles quickly:

1. Open Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data). 
2. Under SIMs or Cellular Plans, view your installed eSIMs. 
3. Toggle on the eSIM you want to use and toggle off others. 
4. Tap Cellular Data to select which eSIM handles mobile data. 
5. (Optional) Label each eSIM (e.g., “Work,” “Travel,” “Nomad Europe”) for easier identification and faster switching.

Pro Tip: Labeling eSIMs is especially useful if your device supports multiple stored profiles beyond the active eSIMs.

Read more: How to Set Up, Move, or Delete an eSIM on iPhone

Android

Android devices with eSIM support offer a similarly straightforward process. Menu names may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer and Android version, but the general steps are consistent:

1. Go to Settings → Connections (or Network & Internet). 
2. Open SIM Manager or Mobile Network. 
3. View your eSIM list and toggle on/off as needed. 
4. Set your Preferred SIM for mobile data, calls, and texts. 
5. (Optional) Rename each eSIM profile for quick reference

Read more: Steps to Activate eSIM on Android Devices

Maximize Your eSIM Experience with Twise

Managing multiple eSIM profiles efficiently is essential for travelers and professionals. Understanding your device’s number of eSIMs supported allows you to plan ahead, switch between work, travel, or personal lines seamlessly, and maintain uninterrupted connectivity without relying on physical SIMs.

With Twise eSIM, storing, switching, and managing multiple profiles becomes effortless. Backed by official device specifications and real-world expertise, Twise provides authoritative, trustworthy guidance to help users maximize their eSIM experience—ensuring reliable global connectivity anytime, anywhere.