iPhone SE (1st generation) at a glance
- eSIM
- No
- SIM tray
- Right side, nano-SIM
- 5G
- No, 4G LTE only
- Newest iOS
- iOS 15
Why the iPhone SE (1st generation) has no eSIM
Apple names the iPhone XS, XS Max, XR or later as the requirement for eSIM. The iPhone SE (1st generation) came out in 2016, and its tech specs list a nano-SIM only. The newest iOS on Apple’s compatibility lists for it is iOS 15.
What to do instead
| How it works with the iPhone SE (1st generation) | |
|---|---|
| Local SIM | Buy a nano-SIM after you land and put it in the tray of the iPhone SE (1st generation). |
| Second device | Install a travel eSIM on a phone or tablet with eSIM and share it by hotspot: hotspot guide. |
| Roaming | Your own SIM keeps working. Check the terms first: how to avoid roaming charges. |
| Upgrade | Every iPhone from the XS on has an eSIM: which iPhones have eSIM. |
A local SIM only works if the iPhone SE (1st generation) is unlocked. Open Settings → General → About and read Carrier Lock: “No SIM restrictions” means it is.
Got a second device with eSIM?
A phone, tablet or hotspot device with eSIM can carry a travel plan and share it with your iPhone SE (1st generation). Choose your destination and install the plan there.
Questions and answers
What is the oldest iPhone with eSIM?
The iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR, all from 2018, according to Apple.
Updated 24 Oct 2026 · checked against our live catalogue
How we check our data · Prices and plans come live from our catalogue; facts come from official sources, listed where we use them.
