Does iPhone 18 Pro / 18 Pro Max support eSIM?
Released Sep 2026 — the first China models with eSIM
Yes, but it varies a lot by region. China models (A3715 / A3718) are Apple's first with eSIM in mainland China: dual nano-SIM + dual eSIM (max 2 active, max 2 eSIM profiles stored). US models are eSIM-only with no SIM tray.
By regional variant
| Variant | eSIM support |
|---|
| Mainland China (A3715 / A3718) | Yes: dual nano-SIM + dual eSIM, max 2 active; China Mobile/Unicom/Telecom support eSIM activation (in-store with ID required) |
| United States | eSIM-only, no SIM tray; dual eSIM active |
| Other regions (Europe etc.) | nano-SIM + eSIM, or dual eSIM |
Notes
- China models cannot install non-China carrier eSIMs while in mainland China — install your travel eSIM after leaving the country.
- An eSIM installed abroad keeps working normally after returning to China (cellular data and Wi-Fi Calling both fine) — already-added eSIMs are not geo-fenced (per hands-on testing).
- iPhones bought outside mainland China cannot activate a mainland-China carrier eSIM (that requires a designated China model + in-store activation).
- China models can keep max 2 lines active: dual nano-SIM, dual eSIM, or one of each.
- Dial *#06# — if you see an EID, the hardware supports eSIM.
FAQs
Can the China iPhone 18 Pro use a travel eSIM?
Yes, but only install it after leaving mainland China. Buy the plan in advance on stable Wi-Fi and install on arrival — installing a foreign eSIM while in mainland China will fail. An eSIM installed abroad keeps working after you return home; it is not geo-fenced.
What's the difference vs the China iPhone 17 Pro?
The China 17 Pro is dual physical SIM with no eSIM; the China 18 Pro adds dual eSIM (dual nano-SIM + dual eSIM) — the first China iPhone with eSIM.
Does the US iPhone 18 Pro work in China?
Its eSIM works fine, but it cannot activate a mainland-China carrier eSIM number. Foreign travel eSIMs installed abroad are unaffected.