Apple is a leading company in the tech world, and was the first to release an iPhone that works solely with eSIM technology. What was initially planned for the iPhone 15 was surprisingly implemented with the launch of the iPhone 14 in the U.S.
It’s clear that in the future, even in India, there will soon be Apple phones with a virtual sim only. Other mobile companies are expected to follow Apple’s lead and transition to eSIM-only technology.

What is eSIM Technology?
eSIM, short for Embedded Subscriber Identity Module, is a significant advancement in telecommunications. Unlike traditional physical SIM cards, eSIM is embedded directly into the device’s hardware during manufacturing, eliminating the need for a physical card.
Advantages of eSIM in the iPhone 14
- With this technology, Apple allows you to use two numbers simultaneously. For those who want to separate a personal/private line from a work line, you can now do so.
- You can connect to providers without needing to physically go to a store or obtain a SIM card. This can be done easily and conveniently from your mobile phone at home.
- One of Apple’s reasons for promoting this technology is to reduce unnecessary plastic production. iPhones will now be ‘greener’ and more environmentally friendly.
- Storage of up to six different eSIM accounts on the phone, with two active simultaneously. This means you can connect to a variety of providers, both domestically and abroad, and decide which to use based on the most cost-effective contract you have for browsing, texting, and/or calls.
- No need to be a SIM card technician anymore! Gone are the days of searching for a pin at home, ejecting the ‘SIM tray,’ inserting and swapping SIM cards, and looking for the SIM card on the carpet. Everything is done digitally from the mobile device.
- Without the SIM tray, the iPhone is much more dust-resistant and water-resistant, thereby extending the phone’s lifespan.
- The embedded eSIM makes it easier to locate the phone if it’s lost.
- If the phone is stolen, it can be blocked easily.
Check best Airalo eSIM packages >>
Disadvantages of eSIM in the iPhone 14
- Consumers now need to take a ‘learning leap’ to understand this technological advancement.
- Consumers need to perform more actions themselves when setting up the eSIM on the phone and when traveling abroad. For this, eSIM India has several blogs with detailed tutorials, including short instructional videos.
- The advantage is locating the phone, but on the other hand, if the phone, for example, is sent to a repair lab, there are currently no sufficient protocols to protect the privacy of the information stored on the eSIM.
For the full list of eSIM compatible devices >>
Guide for iPhone 14 Owners – How to Install and Use SIM and eSIM Simultaneously
- Check Compatibility: Ensure your iPhone 14 model supports dual SIM functionality with one physical SIM card and one eSIM.
- Insert the Physical SIM Card: Locate the SIM card tray on your iPhone and insert the physical SIM card (plastic) into the SIM card slot.
- Activate the eSIM: Use a QR code or activation app to activate the eSIM on your iPhone.
- Set Dual SIM Settings: Go to “Settings” on your iPhone, then choose “Cellular” or “Mobile Data,” depending on your region and iPhone model. From there, you can manage how you want to use your dual SIM, such as determining which SIM to use for calls, data, or messages.
- Switch Between SIM Cards: To switch between the physical SIM and the eSIM, you can usually do this in the control center or directly within the phone and messaging apps. All you need to do is select the desired SIM for the specific task you want to perform.
Guide to Using iPhone 14 with eSIM Only
Check Compatibility
Ensure your iPhone 14 model supports eSIM functionality. Not all iPhone models have this feature.
Contact the Provider
Contact a cellular provider that supports eSIM activation. They will provide you with a QR code or an activation app to set up the eSIM.
Access eSIM Settings
Go to “Settings” on your iPhone and choose “Cellular” or “Mobile Data,” depending on your region and iPhone model.
Add eSIM
Tap on “Add Cellular Plan” or “Add Data Plan” and scan the QR code provided by your provider, or enter the details manually through the activation app.
Set as Primary or Secondary
After activating the eSIM, you can choose to use it as the primary or secondary line for calls, data, or messages.