Is the Apple iPhone 16 eSIM compatible?

Yes. The Apple iPhone 16 (2024) supports eSIM in its UK version.

Verified against the manufacturer and UK carrier sources. Data last updated 2026-07-23.

The detail and the caveats

UK model keeps nano-SIM tray; US models are eSIM only; mainland China model has no eSIM.

Apple pattern: iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018) and every later iPhone supports eSIM in UK models. iPhone 13 and later (including SE 3rd gen) support two active eSIMs. UK models keep the physical SIM tray on everything except the iPhone Air, which is eSIM only worldwide. Mainland China models have no eSIM except iPhone Air and iPhone 17e.

Dual eSIM: yes, the iPhone 16 runs two active eSIMs at the same time.

Verify your exact unit in 10 seconds

Model level answers have limits, especially with grey imports and regional variants. To test the actual iPhone 16 in your hand:

  1. Open the dialler and dial *#06#.
  2. Look for an EID: a 32 digit number shown alongside the IMEI.
  3. EID present = the phone has eSIM hardware. No EID = no eSIM.

You can also check Settings > General > About for an EID entry.

A separate question

Is the iPhone 16 supported on the ONSIM network? Yes

Whether a phone has eSIM and whether it works on a specific network are different questions. The Apple iPhone 16 is on the ONSIM supported device list, so it works on the ONSIM network. On this handset an ONSIM Landline eSIM is emailed instantly at checkout and is typically live within minutes.

Get an instant eSIM ONSIM supported devices →

ONSIM Landline eSIM: a UK landline number (01, 02, 03 or 08) on your iPhone 16, activation QR code emailed instantly at checkout, typically live in minutes. From £10/user/month + VAT.

Apple iPhone 16 eSIM questions

Does the Apple iPhone 16 support eSIM?

Yes. The Apple iPhone 16 (2024) supports eSIM in its UK version. UK model keeps nano-SIM tray; US models are eSIM only; mainland China model has no eSIM.

How do I check if my Apple iPhone 16 has eSIM?

Dial *#06# on the iPhone 16. If an EID (a 32 digit number) appears alongside the IMEI, your unit has eSIM hardware; no EID means no eSIM. You can also open Settings > General > About and look for an EID entry. This checks your exact handset, which matters for grey imports and regional variants.

Can I use two eSIMs at once on the Apple iPhone 16?

Yes. The iPhone 16 supports two active eSIMs at the same time, so you can run two lines, for example a personal number and a business landline number, without a physical SIM in the tray.

Does the Apple iPhone 16 work with ONSIM?

Yes. The Apple iPhone 16 is on the ONSIM supported device list, so it works on the ONSIM network. On this handset an ONSIM Landline eSIM is emailed instantly at checkout and is typically live within minutes. See the supported devices page for the current list.

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