It is clear that the iPhone 14 has a plethora of exciting features, and custom iPhone 14 cases have become a must-have to best complement and protect its style and features. But before you buy this new iPhone, you might be wondering if it has a SIM card slot.
Let’s get right to it. One of the most noticeable differences between the iPhone 14 models in the United States is the lack of SIM card trays. Instead, Apple has switched to using eSIM to connect you to your network provider. But what is an eSIM and how does it work? We’ve got you covered, so keep reading!
Key Summary
The Apple iPhone 14 series does not have a physical SIM card slot in the United States, but it does in other markets.
What Happened to the Physical SIM Card in the iPhone 14?
Removing physical SIM cards in the iPhone 14 series was one of the most shocking announcements made at Apple’s event. We are accustomed to swapping SIM cards whenever we want to change phones. It was a thoughtless process that was also very effective. The days of SIM swapping are over.
The iPhone 14 series no longer has physical SIM card slots, as announced by Apple. Instead, these new handsets include two eSIM modules that allow you to connect to two networks simultaneously, but only if you register the integrated eSIM with your carriers.
However, there is one crucial consideration to keep in mind. The physical SIM card slot is removed from only US models of the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Other countries’ models include a physical SIM card slot as well as two eSIMs.
Here’s some more fascinating information. These iPhones still have physical dual-SIM card slots in China. The Chinese government does not support eSIM technology.
What Exactly is an eSIM?
eSIM is an acronym that stands for “Embedded SIM” (or Embedded Subscriber Identity Module). These SIM cards are locked into the device and cannot be removed. The subscriber’s carrier account must be registered to the phone, which means it can be configured over the air rather than through physical interaction.
What Other Kinds of Sim Cards Are Available?
- Physical SIM: A physical SIM card is a plastic SIM card that contains information that connects your phone to your carrier subscription. You can remove or replace it whenever you want.
- Dual SIM: Dual-SIM phones have two physical SIM card slots. This enables you to run two networks from a single device. If you want to look at some other options, we have a list of the best dual-SIM phones.
- Dual-eSIM: The iPhone 14 series will have this feature. A dual-eSIM device contains two eSIMs, allowing the user to connect to multiple carrier networks without the need for a physical card.
- Hybrid SIM: Devices that combine physical and eSIM modules are known as hybrid SIM cards. This adds a level of flexibility and choice, allowing you to choose the best technology for you.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of eSIM Technology
What are the Benefits of the iPhone 14 eSIM?
#1. eSIMs generate less waste
eSIM technology appears to be cutting-edge, but is there anything that can improve it? There are a few factors that make it a better option. For starters, physical SIM cards generate more waste. These plastic modules must be replaced regularly, as well as when switching carriers. Furthermore, whenever a new technology, such as 5G, is introduced, you may need to change SIM cards. This implies that eSIM technology is better for the environment!
#2. It’s convenient
Another advantage is convenience. To activate an eSIM, all you need is an internet connection, which you can get through Wi-Fi. This means you may not have to visit a store, have a SIM card shipped to you, or deal with customer service representatives. At least not most of the time, because some carriers make switching phones, even with eSIM, impossible.
#3. It facilitates switching carriers
Furthermore, eSIMs appeal to people who want the freedom to switch between carriers. Because you don’t have to wait for an eSIM, you can always switch carriers with a few taps and activate an account online. You could even try out a different network without leaving your current one and then decide whether to switch. Imagine if competing carriers began offering free trials to see how good their coverage and service are in your area.
#4. Security
Additionally, eSIM modules are more secure. This is due to their inherent nature. An eSIM cannot be physically removed or replaced. It will be much more difficult to activate a phone on another line if it is lost or stolen.
What Are the Drawbacks of iPhone 14 eSIM?
#1. Not all carriers accept eSIM
The disadvantage of eSIM technology is that, while it is becoming more popular, it is still not supported by all carriers. This is especially true outside of the United States. This means that iPhone 14 users in the United States will have a more difficult time getting service while traveling. Of course, you can always roam internationally, but it’s always a good idea to get a local physical SIM card and insert it into your smartphone to take advantage of local pricing.
#2. You may need to contact your carrier more frequently
Another disadvantage of eSIM technology is that it may occasionally necessitate additional assistance from your carrier. You’ll save time getting a SIM card, but switching phones can be more complicated, and you may need to call them. Assume you damage an iPhone. Using a physical SIM card, you simply remove it from the broken iPhone and insert it into the new one. With an eSIM, this is not the case.
#3. Location Tracking?
Some people are concerned about their privacy. The best way to prevent others from tracking your phone’s location is to remove the SIM card and disable all services. This is not possible with eSIM technology. You could cancel the cellular plan, but we all know that’s not the same.
Will the Absence of a Physical Sim Card Bother You?
Only iPhone 14 models sold in the United States will lack a physical SIM card slot, and most carriers in that country support this technology. This means that most Americans may not notice much of a difference in their daily lives. Users will enjoy the same iOS and service experience they know and love after a shaky activation process.
The only real issue we see is the inconvenience that eSIM technology may cause travelers. Many countries have little to no eSIM support, and a physical SIM card will no longer be an option for US citizens travelling abroad. Of course, this also applies to frequent phone buyers who may want to swap SIM cards at their leisure.
People living outside the United States will not face these issues because their iPhones will have physical SIM card slots. Importing an iPhone 14 from another country is also an option for those in the United States.
Does my carrier support eSIM?
Despite all of its benefits, some people are concerned about the lack of a physical SIM card, which means the iPhone 14 won’t work with carriers that don’t support eSIM.
Fortunately, that’s a fairly short list, and it’s always shrinking. Apple maintains a list of wireless carriers and global service providers that support eSIM. In the United States, this naturally includes AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Turnkey eSIM capabilities are also available from Boost Mobile, Cellcom, Credo Mobile, C Spire, FirstNet, H2O Wireless, Spectrum Mobile, Straight Talk, Strata, Tracfone, US Cellular, and Xfinity Mobile.
This means they can either assign your eSIM to your iPhone when you buy it or you can easily set it up later through customer service. You can even move your eSIM from your old phone to your new iPhone 14 without contacting your carrier with AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, C Spire, and US Cellular.
In the United States, there are 25 additional carriers that support eSIM, though these smaller carriers may require you to use other eSIM activation methods. Nonetheless, with over 40 eSIM-capable carriers in total, you should have no trouble finding one that supports the iPhone 14.
Which iPhone 14 models will be using only eSIM?
Apple’s move to an eSIM-only iPhone 14 is limited to iPhone models sold in the United States (including Puerto Rico). For the rest of the world, this means business as usual.
Each iPhone 14 model comes in five different variations. Which one you get will be determined by where you purchase it. While all models in the United States lack a physical SIM card slot, this is not the case for the iPhone 14 lineup sold in Canada, Mexico, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands. These other North American versions, like the iPhone 13, retain two eSIM cards and a physical SIM card slot.
However, before you go cross-border shopping in the hopes of obtaining an iPhone 14 to use with a physical SIM card, keep in mind that while the other North American models can handle all of the same low-band and mid-band 5G frequencies as the US models, they lack support for the fastest high-band mmWave frequencies used by major US carriers.
mmWave is used in densely populated areas and venues such as concert halls and football stadiums by AT&T’s 5G Plus, Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband, and T-Mobile’s 5G Ultra Capacity networks. Unless you live or work in a large city, the lack of these frequencies is unlikely to affect you, but it is an important tradeoff to consider.
The iPhone 14 North American model is also available in Japan and Saudi Arabia. Apple also sells a distinct set of iPhone 14 models in Russia, a different set in China, Hong Kong, and Macao, and a final set of iPhone 14 models for the rest of the world. Except for those sold in China, which do not use eSIM cards at all, all of these have a physical SIM card slot; instead, Chinese iPhones have two physical SIM card slots.
Nonetheless, this is most likely the start of a new trend.
Is it possible to transfer my eSIM from one iPhone to another?
Yes! This feature is known as eSIM Quick Transfer, and it can be found by going to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
Is it possible to transfer eSIM accounts from Android to iPhone?
Unfortunately, eSIM transfer apps and services are not standard. As a result, Apple’s Quick Transfer service is only available on Apple devices. To switch between Android and iOS devices, you’ll have to rely on your carrier. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with them!
How many eSIM cards can I fit into an iPhone 14?
You can store up to eight eSIMs in one iPhone 14, but only two of them can be active at the same time.
Can I import an iPhone 14 and continue to use a physical SIM card?
Without a doubt! You can always get an iPhone 14 from another country and continue to use a physical SIM card slot. This may end up costing you more, but for some of you, it may be worthwhile.
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