Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
eSIM.net! It uses O2’s service. I just found out when I was researching & asking some friends today as I doubt Three is going to move to eSIM soon enough so my payg account may have to be retired after all these years. EE & Vodaphone still only offer it for post-paid.

This is a good thread to follow: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/list-of-esim-providers-prepaid-vs-postpaid.2169371/

SHHH! people will think you don't know what you're talking about, especially when they see that their countries in question are on that list. :rolleyes:

BL.
 
  • Haha
Reactions: NYCValkyrie
So for people who can't get prepaid e-sims, keep your current phone. If you're trading it in for one of the 14's, buy an SE or cheap android phone to use overseas. The solution sucks but this situation is temporary. I'm personally keeping my 13 until those telecom companies dragging their feet can catch up.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ian87w
SHHH! people will think you don't know what you're talking about, especially when they see that their countries in question are on that list. :rolleyes:

BL.
Just because the country is on the list doesn't mean they offer everything you would need. Most of those only offer data. You're not getting a phone number with that. So you shush with your misinformation.
 
SHHH! people will think you don't know what you're talking about, especially when they see that their countries in question are on that list. :rolleyes:

BL.
Get a life.

You have been proved wrong over and over again.

Clueless at its best
 
I disagree with any further premiums. Yes, Apple should offer both versions. And that would also provide them with a clear answer as what people really want.
I would definitely pay $50 more to have that feature.
Apple did that before, when they were selling unlocked phones for +$50 over the carrier SIM locked ones.
 
I am pretty sure in 2-3 weeks. When people start to travel with their new US iPhone and realize their phone is a brick overseas.

**** will hit the roof

Taiwan will probably be the first to blow up due to quarantine requirement.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Konrad
So for people who can't get prepaid e-sims, keep your current phone. If you're trading it in for one of the 14's, buy an SE or cheap android phone to use overseas. The solution sucks but this situation is temporary. I'm personally keeping my 13 until those telecom companies dragging their feet can catch up.

Chuckle 😂
Just how long is "temporary"? ;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: bobcomer
I find it telling they launched this esim only phone in the US where CDMA was dominant for a decade and a half and where people were content with being screwed by their home-telcos' roaming fees while travelling.
 
  • Like
Reactions: cageface and Konrad
SHHH! people will think you don't know what you're talking about, especially when they see that their countries in question are on that list. :rolleyes:

BL.

Thing is, I also travel a lot and would have preferred a physical tray option. But I also knew this day was coming eventually. I have been following eSIM development since it rolled out specifically because I traveled so much (a little less now due to to pandemic).

Was I a touch annoyed at it, yes, as it is harder in certain countries but I also know I have workarounds in place that work -for me-. And I have always had a spare backup (currently an SE2) which may be getting use in some places.

But if I was really bothered, I would simply not upgrade to the 14. This is also an option. The handful of very angry people choose to be angry. I’ve started ignoring them (best feature of this forum) at this point because I’m not into their dark energy & vitriol but do want to help people who genuinely need a workable solution. The outliers can go figure it out for themselves.

At the end of it, eSIM is the way of the future and everyone will have it available inside of 3 years to some degree. I remember when getting a local prepaid SIM was hard! Or when locked phones were a thing. Lol. So things do change.
 
Last edited:
Thing is, I also travel a lot and would have preferred a physical tray option. But I also knew this day was coming eventually. I have been following eSIM development since it rolled out specifically because I traveled so much (a little less now due to to pandemic).

Was I a touch annoyed at it, yes, as it is harder in certain countries but I also know I have workarounds in place that work -for me-. And I have always had a spare backup (currently an SE2) which may be getting use in some places.

But if I was really bothered, I would simply not upgrade to the 14. This is also an option. The handful of very angry people choose to be angry. I’ve started ignoring them at this point because I’m not into their dark energy & vitriol but do want to help people who genuinely need a workable solution. The outliers can go figure it out for themselves.

At the end of it, eSIM is the way of the future and everyone will have it available inside of 3 years to some degree. I remember when getting a local prepaid SIM was hard! Or when locked phones were a thing. Lol. So things do change.

I think people like you are so full of yourself that you think you know everything.

No one is complaining about esim as a technology. What bothered most people in similar situation with prepaid esim is painful and there is no need for Apple to make life miserable. The mere fact a physical SIM card exist just north of border and not making it available in US is beyond stupid.

I already carry 2 iPhones around and 3 MacBook around- I don’t want and don’t need 3rd iPhone. Not to mention, work iPhone is provisioned and 2FA. So without prepaid esim, my work iPhone will be a brick if I use US version.

It simply doesn’t work nor as apple exec say it’s easy and done for safety reason.

In majority of cases- people like us have much stronger ethic and do much better job segregation from personal and work. There is simply no work around in this situation other than go out of country and buy a international iPhone.

What is more bother some, majority of consumers are clueless about esim vs physical sim. Also clueless that a lot of place they go won’t have prepaid esim.

You ain’t helping those consumers. You are simply trying to justify the coolaid you have been drinking for way too long.
 
Thing is, I also travel a lot and would have preferred a physical tray option. But I also knew this day was coming eventually. I have been following eSIM development since it rolled out specifically because I traveled so much (a little less now due to to pandemic).

Was I a touch annoyed at it, yes, as it is harder in certain countries but I also know I have workarounds in place that work -for me-. And I have always had a spare backup (currently an SE2) which may be getting use in some places.

But if I was really bothered, I would simply not upgrade to the 14. This is also an option. The handful of very angry people choose to be angry. I’ve started ignoring them at this point because I’m not into their dark energy & vitriol but do want to help people who genuinely need a workable solution. The outliers can go figure it out for themselves.

At the end of it, eSIM is the way of the future and everyone will have it available inside of 3 years to some degree. I remember when getting a local prepaid SIM was hard! Or when locked phones were a thing. Lol. So things do change.
I'm mostly in agreement until the gaslighting began. The complaints here have been valid with very specific examples provided. Just because some people have "workarounds" to this issue doesn't mean it applies to everyone.

We don't live, and travel to the same countries and use the same telecom companies. This isn't hard.
 
So for people who can't get prepaid e-sims, keep your current phone. If you're trading it in for one of the 14's, buy an SE or cheap android phone to use overseas. The solution sucks but this situation is temporary. I'm personally keeping my 13 until those telecom companies dragging their feet can catch up.

Honestly, this has always been what we’ve done in the past. We kept our old iPhones (completed contract so unlockable) and used that when we traveled. Anyway, there’s not much difference between the iPhone 13 and 14 so for us, the 13 is an easy choice to make should we need to upgrade older iPhones right now.

The future is a bit of a concern though. Here’s hoping Philippine telcos start supporting eSIM on prepaid and doesn’t require a visit to a customer service location to activate. It’s far less convenient for us to switch to Android for travel.
 
I have a wide collection of SIM cards and passports with extra pages that beg to differ but go on and just keep complaining about the additional $10 you have to spend to use your $1000 iPhone in another country.

Or just don’t upgrade. Or keep the 12 or 13 for when you travel. My goodness.
I don't live in America, so the issues don't impact me personally. I'm disappointed that a fellow traveller like you would have such an opinion, though. :(
 
Honestly, this has always been what we’ve done in the past. We kept our old iPhones (completed contract so unlockable) and used that when we traveled. Anyway, there’s not much difference between the iPhone 13 and 14 so for us, the 13 is an easy choice to make should we need to upgrade older iPhones right now.

The future is a bit of a concern though. Here’s hoping Philippine telcos start supporting eSIM on prepaid and doesn’t require a visit to a customer service location to activate. It’s far less convenient for us to switch to Android for travel.
Yeah I'm concerned with the same 2 companies as well. Hoping it would take at most, 2-3 years. Why is Android not convenient though?
 
Still not a solution if you need a local number for friends and family to contact you.

Yeah you should keep the 13 if your F&F don't always have data. My family all use WhatsApp because we're scattered across the world so the Family chat in WhatsApp is crucial.

I think Globe will provide eSIM eventually. I haven't been back since the pandemic but I miss it. Full disclosure - I actually never buy my prepaid SIM there. Whoever picks me from the airport just gives me one. lol.
 
Yeah I'm concerned with the same 2 companies as well. Hoping it would take at most, 2-3 years. Why is Android not convenient though?

Because all our stuff is on iCloud and we rely quite heavily on iCloud sync (plus SMS forwarding and wifi calling on the iPads). It’s just more convenient to have the “travel phone” work exactly the same as our regular iPhones. Also, it’s not easy for my parents to learn Android.


Yeah you should keep the 13 if your F&F don't always have data. My family all use WhatsApp because we're scattered across the world so the Family chat in WhatsApp is crucial.

We use Facebook Messenger but some of them don’t have always on data so meeting up at the mall, etc, local number with texting is needed. I was actually surprised to find some of my cousins disabling cellular data on their phones and only turning it on when they’re actively surfing the net, etc.

One time, my parents traveled by themselves and one of my cousins disabled cellular data on my parents’ iPhones and told them it would eat up their load. I had to call my parents to reassure them and explain I gave them enough load and signed them up for unli-Globe, unli-txt, 4GB 7-day promo and that I’m keeping track of their usage so it’s okay to keep it always on like they do in the US.


I think Globe will provide eSIM eventually. I haven't been back since the pandemic but I miss it.

I sure hope so. eSIM is great when properly executed/supported.

In the US, eSIM makes it super easy to sign up for a data plan with any of the major carriers directly on the iPad. I believe Mint (T-Mobile MVNO) and Visible (Verizon MVNO) are also easy to sign up for directly on the iPhone although you do need an internet connection for initial setup.

Alas, the support isn’t there yet for regular phone service in other countries. I believe even postpaid users in the PH still need to visit a Globe or Smart location to get eSIM.


Full disclosure - I actually never buy my prepaid SIM there. Whoever picks me from the airport just gives me one. lol.

Lol, yeah, that’s the case for us, too. My cousin buys the SIM cards and gives them to us when they pick us up.
 
  • Love
Reactions: NYCValkyrie
I sure hope so. eSIM is great when properly executed/supported.

In the US, eSIM makes it super easy to sign up for a data plan with any of the major carriers directly on the iPad. I believe Mint (T-Mobile MVNO) and Visible (Verizon MVNO) are also easy to sign up for directly on the iPhone although you do need an internet connection for initial setup.

Alas, the support isn’t there yet for regular phone service in other countries. I believe even postpaid users in the PH still need to visit a Globe or Smart location to get eSIM.

Yeah there are WAAAAY too many US balikbayan who will want to show off their newest phone. lol.
 
Yeah there are WAAAAY too many US balikbayan who will want to show off their newest phone. lol.

Alas, it won’t work unless they just plan on roaming. :p

Personally, I’ve been using iPhone 6 -> 7 -> SE2 -> SE3 so my iPhone always looks old. :p

Back when I was in college, my roommate’s brother got stabbed 7 times by someone robbing their phone (thankfully, he’s OK). I’ve also had my phone stolen a couple of times (pickpocket on jeepney/bus). Hence for me, it’s better to use older or cheaper iPhones while out and about.

The US iPhone 14 dropping SIM trays isn’t really a big issue for me. I’m more concerned about future iPhones (particularly SE) losing the SIM tray while the rest of the world hasn’t caught up yet on eSIM.
 
Alas, it won’t work unless they just plan on roaming. :p

Personally, I’ve been using iPhone 6 -> 7 -> SE2 -> SE3 so my iPhone always looks old. :p

Back when I was in college, my roommate’s brother got stabbed 7 times by someone robbing their phone (thankfully, he’s OK). I’ve also had my phone stolen a couple of times (pickpocket on jeepney/bus). Hence for me, it’s better to use older or cheaper iPhones while out and about.

The US iPhone 14 dropping SIM trays isn’t really a big issue for me. I’m more concerned about future iPhones (particularly SE) losing the SIM tray while the rest of the world hasn’t caught up yet on eSIM.

Same. Same. I have my SE2 as my backup but thinking of trading it in for the 13 Mini but I like the Touch ID still.

I was in Ormoc helping with some recovery efforts after Yolanda hit and my phone slipped out of my pocket. Find My iPhone was only a couple of years old but thank GOD for it. One of my friends had to help me get it back from one of the local gangs. The bribe cost me 5000 pesos 😭😭
 
  • Like
Reactions: rui no onna


Apple today announced that all iPhone 14 models sold in the U.S. do not have a built-in SIM card tray and instead rely entirely on eSIM technology.

f1662572972.jpg

Tech specs on Apple's website confirm the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max are not compatible with physical SIM cards and instead have dual eSIM support, allowing for multiple cellular plans to be activated on a single device.

An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows users to activate a cellular plan without having to use a physical nano-SIM card. eSIM availability is rapidly expanding, but the technology is still not available in all countries, which explains why iPhone 14 models will remain available with a SIM card tray outside of the U.S. for now.

Apple's website has a list of carriers that support eSIM technology around the world. In the U.S., this includes AT&T, T-Mobile, US Cellular, Verizon, Xfinity Mobile, Boost Mobile, H2O Wireless, Straight Talk, C Spire, and some others.

The new iPhone 14 lineup consists of the 6.1-inch iPhone 14, 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus, 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro, and 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max, with all four devices available to pre-order this Friday, September 9 ahead of a September 16 launch. For more details about the devices, be sure to check out our announcement coverage.

Article Link: Apple Removes SIM Card Tray on All iPhone 14 Models in U.S.
I think it was a big mistake from Apple, not offering a model with a SIM tray, for use overseas. Right at this moment there is thousands of people from outside trying to Pre-order the new Iphone in USA, but they can´t cause in their countries eSIM does not work. They are loosing a lot of sales right now, and getting a lot of disappointed customers.
 
I think it was a big mistake from Apple, not offering a model with a SIM tray, for use overseas. Right at this moment there is thousands of people from outside trying to Pre-order the new Iphone in USA, but they can´t cause in their countries eSIM does not work. They are loosing a lot of sales right now, and getting a lot of disappointed customers.

I don’t think the lost sales from importers are all that significant.

However, I do wish they’d gone for carrier-branded with eSIM only while keeping the SIM tray for the unlocked/SIM-free version.

Customers buying unlocked/SIM-free are more likely to be traveling than those getting their iPhones on 36-month contracts with trade-in promos.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Z1000
I don’t think the lost sales from importers are all that significant.

However, I do wish they’d gone for carrier-branded with eSIM only while keeping the SIM tray for the unlocked/SIM-free version.

Customers buying unlocked/SIM-free are more likely to be traveling than those getting their iPhones on 36-month contracts with trade-in promos.
I agree, they should give any option for unlocked phones buyers.
 
I am not sure why some are suggesting to get a previous generation iPhone when we are clearly here to comment on this disastrous iPhone 14. This is not about your Samsung or 4S, this is specifically about the 14! Fourteen.

Also, all those “list” ideas and rather useless “creative suggestions” don‘t fix a simple problem what one does upon exiting the aircraft in Uzbekistan. Sure, I’ll hire a local goat to swiftly fetch me an e-sim. Or have an ass deliver me QR code.

Next, process the fact that the US is the only market without the sim slot. Yes, because it is so special. Now I
 
  • Like
Reactions: cageface
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.