does iphone x support esim

When planning my European backpacking trip last year, I seriously contemplated eSIM for the first time – after all, who wants to carry multiple physical SIM cards across countries? Holding my iPhone X (which I’d splurged on during its 2017 launch), I wondered: “Can this old companion keep up with the digital SIM trend?”

Knowledge Expansion: eSIM (Embedded-SIM) writes carrier information directly onto a chip, eliminating physical SIM slots. Apple first introduced it in 2016 with Apple Watch Series 3, while iPhone XR/XS series in 2018 became the first iPhones with eSIM support. The iPhone X, released in 2017, indeed lacks hardware support.

Compatibility Verification in 3 Steps

  1. Open Settings: Navigate to “Cellular” hoping to see “Add eSIM” option
  2. Search Thoroughly: Scroll repeatedly but only find “Set Up Cellular” and physical SIM management
  3. Final Confirmation: Call carrier support to confirm the model isn’t on their compatibility list (Inner monologue: “Guess I’ve been left behind by technology…”)

2. Unexpected Discovery During Device Transition: eSIM Was Closer Than I Thought

Episode 2: A Friend’s New Phone Leads to Tech Enlightenment

While watching a colleague transfer eSIM to his new iPhone 14, I witnessed the magic: just a few taps in “Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone” seamlessly migrated his eSIM plan. He remarked: “Your iPhone X should retire! New models support dual eSIMs now – just scan a QR code for local plans when traveling!”

Technical Breakdown:

  • Single eSIM Models: iPhone XR/XS/XS Max/11/SE (2nd Gen) support 1 physical SIM + 1 eSIM
  • Dual eSIM Models: iPhone 13/14/15 series and SE (3rd Gen) can use 2 eSIMs simultaneously
  • Transfer Requirements: Requires iOS 13.1+ and same Apple ID on both devices

Feature Comparison: eSIM vs Physical SIM

Feature Physical SIM eSIM
Portability Requires SIM ejector and spare cards Fully digital, impossible to lose
Switching Speed ~5 minutes for card swap + reboot Instant plan switching
Carrier Restrictions Some carrier-locked devices Hardware-agnostic freedom
Durability Oxidized slots may cause issues Chip-level integration, shockproof

3. Operation Mishap: How I Nearly Lost My Physical SIM

Episode 3: A Clumsy User’s Settings Disaster

After reading online claims about “forcing eSIM activation on iPhone X through carrier backend,” curiosity got the better of me:

  1. Mistaken Action: Frantically tapped “Convert to eSIM” in Cellular settings (predictably unresponsive)
  2. Chain Reaction: Accidentally selected “Remove SIM” option, disabling physical SIM
  3. Emergency Fix:
    Rescued with my trusty SIM ejector (Friendly reminder: iPhone X only has physical SIM slot!)

Official Warning: Apple confirms iPhone X only supports single Nano-SIM. Any “forced eSIM activation” guides are misinformation, potentially phishing scams.

4. Tech-Savvy Friend’s Masterclass: Why iPhone X Lacks eSIM

Episode 4: The Hardware Generation Gap

My programmer friend sketched an architecture diagram: “See, iPhone X’s A11 chip with Qualcomm X16 modem predates widespread eUICC standards. The A12 in XR integrated eSIM security modules – that’s a hardware-level difference.”

Key Differences:

  • Modem Chip: Qualcomm X16 lacks eUICC (embedded UICC) support
  • Storage Module: Missing dedicated security chip for eSIM certificates
  • System Access: iOS doesn’t enable eSIM drivers for older models

5. Alternative Solutions: Surviving Without eSIM

Episode 5: The Dual-Device Compromise

Since hardware won’t cooperate, I devised alternatives:

  1. Keep iPhone X: Primary device for domestic use (still love Face ID and form factor)
  2. Purchase Used iPhone XR: Dedicated travel device for eSIM plans (£150 on resale platforms)
  3. Dual-Device Testing: X for calls, XR for hotspot abroad – surprisingly better battery life

Budget Tip: Consider eSIM-capable smartwatches (Apple Watch Series 4+) with “Number Share” functionality for secondary line.

6. Future Upgrade Plans: eSIM and Apple’s Tech Roadmap

Episode 6: Envisioning Next-Gen eSIM Experiences

Researching iPhone 15 revealed US models completely removed physical SIM slots – full eSIM adoption. This reminded me of iPhone X’s controversial Home button removal – Apple’s been paving the digital ecosystem path all along.

Industry Trends:

  • 2023: iPhone 15 US models achieve “port-less” design
  • 2025: EU proposes mandatory eSIM standardization
  • Long-Term: Potential “device-as-SIM” implementation with cross-brand compatibility

Epilogue: Fond Farewell to Legacy Tech, Warm Embrace of Innovation

Though my iPhone X never joined the eSIM revolution, this journey revealed how rapidly mobile technology evolves. Now whenever I watch friends switch networks instantly, I recall my own visits to carrier stores – technology’s beauty lies in continuously breaking limitations.

For Legacy Device Users:

  1. For dual-SIM needs, consider iPhone 13/14 series (best value)
  2. Short-term travel? Rent eSIM-capable portable WiFi
  3. Explore carriers’ “shared number” services for multi-device plans

(Refer to Apple’s official “Support – eSIM” page for YouTube tutorial links)