While the Pro variants of the new iPhone 14 series bring significant improvements over last year’s models, the regular iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus offer only minor improvements. Despite the small changes, the non-Pro variants are by no means bad. However, the SIM-related changes Apple has introduced to the non-Pro variants have received negative press since the announcement and confused some users regarding SIM support in the iPhone 14 range.
If you’re considering buying one of the new iPhone 14 models and are unsure about the dual SIM and eSIM support on offer, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about SIM support on the iPhone 14 series.
US SIM support situation for iPhone 14 series
The US variants of the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are the first iPhones to ship without a physical SIM card slot. The devices rely solely on eSIMs for cellular connectivity. All models offer dual eSIM support, which means you can use two separate cellular connections at the same time. You should also check out the full 4G and 5G band support info to learn more, but rest assured that phones bought in the US will work just fine in the US as long as your carrier supports at least eSIMs.
While the US versions of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus no longer have a SIM card slot, both models offer dual eSIM support.
Unlike the non-Pro variants, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max still have a SIM card slot and offer dual eSIM support.
Other Regions
However, this does not apply to the iPhone 14 series devices sold in other regions. Models sold outside of the US will still have a physical SIM card slot. In addition, the devices offer dual eSIM support, so you can use a physical SIM card and an eSIM. or two eSIMs at the same time.
How to set up an eSIM on the iPhone 14 series
Apple’s support documentation lists two methods for setting up an eSIM on the new iPhone 14 series models – eSIM Network Provider Activation and eSIM Quick Transfer.
If you bought a carrier-activated iPhone, you’ll either get an eSIM at the time of purchase or when you switch from another device on the same network. If it’s the former, all you have to do is turn on your iPhone and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your eSIM.
However, the latter requires you to contact your carrier after setting up your iPhone to transfer your number from your previous phone to your new iPhone. As soon as the network provider transfers your number, you will receive a notification that says “Provider’s mobile data plan is ready to be installed”. Tap the notification and follow the onscreen instructions to set up your eSIM.
If you’re switching from an older iPhone, some carriers support Apple’s eSIM fast transfer feature. You can use it to transfer your physical or eSIM from your older iPhone to the new model.
To do this, select “Transfer from another iPhone” on the “Set up eSIM” page on your new iPhone during the initial setup. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the eSIM. If you want to transfer more than one eSIM from your old iPhone to iPhone 14, you can follow the steps in Apple’s support documentation.
Now that you know everything about SIM support in the iPhone 14 range, which model will you buy? Let us know in the comment section below.
