iPhone 14 without SIM a problem? Apple shares 14 eSIM benefits while travelling

Apple shared the benefits that the iPhone 14 users will get due to the eSIM while travelling abroad. Here’s what the iPhone maker said.

The new iPhone 14 series comes with eSIM in the US. Know everything about it here. (AFP)

For the first time, since the launch of the first iPhone, Apple has removed the entire physical SIM tray from all iPhone 14 models in the US in favour of the eSIM tech. But amid rising criticism from some fans, Apple has shed light on how an eSIM-enabled iPhone 14 will be beneficial even while travelling abroad. An eSIM is simply a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without having to use a physical SIM. The iPhone maker focused on the idea of an eSIM while claiming that it is more secure than a physical SIM as an eSIM cannot be removed in case your iPhone is lost or stolen. It stamps out the need to obtain, carry, and swap a physical SIM.

Apple says that you can install even eight or more eSIMs on an iPhone and use two phone numbers at the same time. "This could, for example, include one eSIM for your home and another eSIM for the place you're visiting. You can swap which of your stored eSIMs are active simply by changing your selections in Settings. This might be helpful if you travel regularly to the same places,” Apple explained in a new support document. Moreover, the carrier may also provide you with the ability to manage the eSIM plan digitally and add more data whenever needed.

Apple support document also mentioned that the customers wishing to roam internationally with their current carrier, acquire an eSIM from a local carrier while travelling abroad, or buy a prepaid data eSIM from a global service provider. According to Apple, users can use an unlocked iPhone 14 model purchased in the United States to activate it with more than 400 carriers that accept eSIM in 100 markets worldwide. As per Apple, numerous international service providers also provide prepaid eSIM data plans for extended use in various countries.

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How to choose data line and data roaming on iPhone 14 while travelling abroad

• To choose your data line, you will need to go to Settings on your iPhone and then tap Cellular and Cellular (or Mobile) data.
• Apple has confirmed that you can continue to use FaceTime, iMessage, and other apps to make VoIP calls or send messages while you're travelling.
• To turn the data roaming on and off on your iPhone, again go to Settings, then Cellular, and choose the Cellular Data Options. You should note that carrier fees might apply.

iPhone 14 is not the first phone to get eSIM!

If you are unaware of this, then know that iPhone 14 is not the first phone from Apple which features eSIM. The option of eSIM has been available on iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and later models. However, this is the first time that Apple has completely ditched the SIM tray and incorporated eSIM (only for the US market).