Yes, the iPhone XS has eSIM. The iPhone XS was released in September 2018. Nearly six years later, in 2024, it remains a popular choice for those seeking an affordable yet capable device. When it first launched, Apple announced that the XS, XS Max, and XR iPhones would include eSIMs, sparking interest in this new technology. In this article, we’ll explore the eSIM capabilities of the iPhone XS and guide you on how to set it up. For other iPhone models, please refer to iPhone eSIM compatibility.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a software-based digital SIM card that allows you to activate a cellular plan without having to insert a physical nano-SIM card. eSIMs provide more flexibility and convenience compared to regular SIM cards.
If you’re curious about the convenience and flexibility of eSIM technology, check out “What is an eSIM? Benefits and Device Support” for a deeper dive into how this digital SIM card can transform your mobile experience.
iPhone XS eSIM Compatibility
The good news is that yes, the iPhone XS does indeed support eSIM technology. Apple first introduced eSIM support with the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR models.
So you can activate service with an eSIM cellular plan on your iPhone XS rather than using a standard nano-SIM card. This is useful if you want to have two separate lines or data plans active at the same time using dual SIM mode.
Some key things to keep in mind regarding eSIM capabilities on iPhone XS:
- Supports one eSIM line and one nano-SIM line simultaneously
- eSIM line can be used for cellular data and phone calls
- Setting up eSIM requires carrier support and compatible plan
- eSIM makes switching carriers and plans easy
So in summary – yes, the iPhone XS is eSIM-compatible and supports activating one line via eSIM in addition to your regular nano-SIM card.
Important Note: In some regions, such as China, the iPhone XS series does not support eSIM due to local policies. Be sure to check your region’s specific regulations and carrier support before attempting to activate eSIM on your device.
How to Activate eSIM on iPhone XS
If you want to try out an eSIM data plan on your iPhone XS, here is the process to get it set up:
- Contact carrier – First, contact your cell provider and confirm that they offer eSIM support. Make sure to ask about compatible rate plans.
- Get eSIM QR code – If your carrier supports iPhone XS eSIM activation, they will either email you a QR code or provide one in your online account. This QR code contains all the necessary details for activating your cellular plan.
- Scan QR code – Next, go into Settings > Cellular on your iPhone XS. Tap “Add Cellular Plan” then scan or enter the eSIM QR code provided by your carrier.
- Follow activation steps – After scanning in your QR code, follow the prompts to finish activating your iPhone XS eSIM. Make sure to complete any required steps like verification through email or SMS.
- Configure cellular settings – Once activation finishes, you can go back into Cellular settings to configure features like enabling/disabling your plans, setting a primary line for data, adding contacts for each line, and more.
And that’s it! With those steps complete, you now have an eSIM cellular plan ready to use in addition to your nano-SIM on your iPhone XS. Switching plans or carriers is now a simple process since everything is configured through software rather than physical SIM cards.
Key Benefits of iPhone XS eSIM
There are a few great reasons you may want to start using an eSIM plan on your iPhone XS rather than just a standard nano-SIM:
- Dual SIM functionality – eSIM means dual SIM so you can have two lines active at once for separate numbers or data plans.
- Easy carrier switching – Change cell providers instantly without needing to obtain new SIM cards.
- No physical SIM management – Reduced hardware means less possibility of damage and itʼs great if you have an unlocked device.
- Flexible plans – Some carriers offer eSIM-exclusive plans with more flexibility than standard options.
Conclusion
The iPhone XS was one of the first iPhone models to come with built-in eSIM support. This allows you to easily activate a secondary cellular line by scanning in an eSIM QR code provided by your carrier.
Having dual SIM, thanks to eSIM, is very convenient for managing personal and business lines. And not having to use physical SIM cards means it’s easy to swap carriers or plans anytime.
So, in summary, yes, the iPhone XS is eSIM compatible. Be sure to check with Asian eSIM for details on availability and any special promotions or discounts that may apply.
English 
Japanese 
Indonesian 
German