The short answer? It depends on where you live.
Apple‘s decision to ditch the physical SIM card slot in their US-based iPhone 14 models was a significant move, pushing users towards the digital eSIM technology. However, this change didn’t affect all global markets.
So, what about the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro?
- US residents: Sorry, no physical SIM for you. Apple has continued this trend with the iPhone 16 series, meaning you’ll need to rely on eSIMs for cellular connectivity.
- Rest of the world: Most regions will still have the option of a physical SIM card slot. This allows you to use a traditional SIM card alongside an eSIM, providing more flexibility for dual-SIM setups.
- Mainland China: A unique situation exists in China. iPhone 16 models sold there will support dual physical SIM cards, giving users the option to use two physical SIMs without needing an eSIM.
| Region | iPhone 16 (all models) |
|---|---|
| United States (U.S.) | Dual e-SIM |
| China | Dual physical SIM |
| Rest of the world | Dual e-SIM / e-SIM + nano SIM |
So, if you’re outside the US and China, your iPhone 16 or 16 Pro will likely have a SIM card slot. However, if you’re in the US, you’ll need to embrace the eSIM-only future.
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