eSIM-Only iPhones: Which Models Support It and How to Use eSIM in Germany

Imagine this: You just bought a refurbished iPhone 15 Pro. It arrives, it looks pristine, and you’re ready to pop in your Telekom or Vodafone physical SIM card. You look at the side of the iPhone, and your heart sinks.

There is no hole. No tray. No slot.

Did you buy a dud? Did Apple make a manufacturing error?

No. You likely bought a US iPhone model. Since 2022, Apple has been waging a war against the physical SIM card, but the battle lines are drawn differently depending on where you live. In Germany, we still love our physical cards. In the US, they are ancient history.

If you are shopping for a refurbished iPhone in 2025, this distinction matters more than ever. Here is the engineering reality behind eSIM technology, which iPhone models support eSIM only, and why – despite the panic – it might actually be better for you. Every modern iPhone from the iPhone XR onward is eSIM compatible.

The "US vs. Germany" Split: What Happened?

For a long time, an iPhone was an iPhone, regardless of where you bought it. But that changed recently.

When did iPhone become eSIM only?

The shift happened in September 2022 with the launch of the iPhone 14 lineup. But here is the catch: Apple only removed the physical SIM tray for models sold in the United States.

If you bought an iPhone 14, iPhone 15, or iPhone 16 in Germany, France, or the UK, you still got a physical nano-SIM tray (plus eSIM support). Apple knows the European market is fragmented. We swap carriers, we cross borders, and many of us aren't ready to let go of the little plastic chip yet.

Why US iPhone eSIM only?

It wasn’t just to annoy you. From an engineering standpoint, the physical SIM card slot is a dinosaur.

1. Space Efficiency: The mechanism takes up valuable internal real estate. Removing it allows for slightly larger batteries or better haptics for your iPhone.
2. Water Resistance: One less hole in the chassis means one less entry point for water and dust.
3. Carrier Power: US carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T) were ready for the switch and support eSIM technology well. German carriers are getting there, but the transition is slower.

Which iPhone Models Support eSIM Only?

This is the most common question we get at Remobile. The answer depends entirely on the iPhone model year and the region of origin.

If you are buying a standard European iPhone model, you generally don't need to worry yet. But if you are buying refurbished, you might encounter "US Imports." These are often cheaper, but they come with the eSIM-only restriction.

The Bottom Line: If you buy an iPhone 14 or newer that was originally sold in the USA, it will not have a physical SIM card tray.

Note for Remobile Customers: We explicitly label our iphones. If a device is a US import (eSIM only), it is marked on the product page. Always check the specs before you checkout.

Why You Should Stop Worrying and Love the eSIM

I get it. Change is annoying. But as someone who looks at iPhone hardware all day, I can tell you that eSIM technology is objectively superior.

1. Theft Protection: If a thief steals your iPhone with a physical SIM card, the first thing they do is pop the card out to kill the connection. With an eSIM, the profile is digital. They can't remove it. As long as the battery has power, your "Find My" location tracking has a better chance of staying active via the cellular network.

2. Instant Switching and Dual SIM: Every iPhone since the iPhone XS, iPhone XR, and iPhone XS Max is eSIM compatible. You can store multiple eSIM profiles – usually eight or more – on a single iPhone. Starting with the iPhone 13 and later, your iPhone can support two active eSIMs at once. This dual SIM functionality means you can have a work number and a personal number loaded up and can easily use dual SIM features. You just toggle them on and off in settings. This eSIM support is huge for travelers.

3. No Fiddling with Paperclips: We have all lost that tiny metal tool. With eSIM technology, you never have to search for a paperclip at the airport again.

If you are debating between compatible iPhones, check our guide on refurbished vs. new iPhones to see how hardware variations like this factor into the value. For example, the older iPhone 11 series and iPhone 12 Pro still offer great performance and are eSIM compatible.

How to Set Up an eSIM in Germany

If you end up with an eSIM-only iPhone (or just want to switch your German iPhone model to eSIM to free up the slot), the process is simple. Setting up an eSIM requires your carrier to support the technology.

Major German carriers like Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and O2 fully support eSIM. Discount carriers (like Congstar or ALDI TALK) mostly support eSIM now too, but check their FAQs first.

The "QR Code" Method (Standard)

1. Request the eSIM: Log into your carrier's customer portal (Kundencenter) and request an eSIM profile.
2. Get the Code: They will display a QR code on your computer screen or send a letter.
3. Scan: On your iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM (or "Add Cellular Plan").
4. Action: Scan the code. Your phone will download the profile and activate the eSIM. This eSIM activation process takes minutes.

The "Carrier Transfer" Method (iOS 16+)

If you are upgrading from an older iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 to a newer iPhone 15 or iPhone 16, Apple allows you to transfer the phone number via Bluetooth during setup. This relies on the eSIM quick transfer feature.

1. Place your old iPhone near the new iPhone.
2. Follow the "Transfer from nearby iPhone" prompt.
3. Verification codes will appear on both screens.
4. Note: Your German carrier supports "eSIM Quick Transfer" must be the case for this to work seamlessly.

Travel Hack: How to Use Data-Only eSIM on iPhone

This is the "killer app" for eSIMs.

In the past, traveling outside the EU meant expensive roaming or hunting for a local SIM shop at the airport. Now, you can use Data-Only eSIMs. These are temporary profiles that give you a data plan in a foreign country (like the USA, Turkey, or Switzerland) without touching your main German number.

How to use data only eSIM on iPhone:

1. Download an App: Use an eSIM provider like Airalo, Nomad, or Holafly.
2. Buy a Plan: Purchase a data plan for the USA (for example).
3. Install: The app installs the one esim automatically.
4. Configure:

• Set your Main (German) line for Voice & SMS (so you still get bank SMS codes).
• Set your Travel (eSIM) line for Cellular Data.
• Crucial: Turn off "Data Roaming" on your German line to avoid fees.

This saves battery life and money – two things we know are critical. The iPhone SE (2nd Gen and later) is particularly popular for travel due to its portability and eSIM compatibility.

Should You Buy an eSIM-Only Model?

If you live in Germany, you have a choice. The complete list of modern iphones will support esim technology.

Buy a Standard EU Model if:

• You frequently swap your physical sim card between different phones (e.g., an Android work phone and a personal iPhone).
• Your carrier supports traditional sim functionality only.
• You are buying for someone less tech-savvy. (Check our guide on the best iPhone for seniors if simplicity is your goal).

Buy a US (eSIM-only) Import if:

• You want to save money (US imports are often cheaper on the refurbished market).
• You travel often and prefer digital management.
• You are comfortable setting up an esim and using eSIM compatibility to its full potential.

At Remobile, we verify every iPhone device. Whether it is a US import iPhone 15 or a standard German iPhone 16 model, we test the connectivity to ensure it works on local networks. The iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 Pro models offer a flexible hybrid option.

The future is wireless. The headphone jack disappeared, and we survived. The charging port might be next. The physical SIM card tray is just the latest casualty in Apple’s quest for the sealed, perfect slab of glass. Don't be afraid of it.

Ready to upgrade your iPhone? Check out our current stock of refurbished iPhones and look for the iPhone model specs to see which one fits your lifestyle.