If you are a regular iPhone user and have been upgrading to the next iPhone model every year, you might already know about this. However, if you’re going to be a first-time iPhone user, this is something that you need to know about SIM card slots. Let’s talk more about it.
Does the iPhone 16 Have Physical SIM Slots?
Looking at how the price differs for the iPhone 16 lineup in the US and other regions, many people would prefer purchasing the US version of the iPhone 16. If you’re a new user, you will need to understand one thing. None of the iPhone 16 models that are being sold in the United States come with a physical SIM slot. Yes, Apple has removed the SIM slots of the US models of the iPhone starting from the iPhone 14 lineups. The US variant of the iPhone 16 lineup lets you store up to 8 eSIMs. However, you can use 2 eSIMs at a time. These function just like a regular SIM card, minus the physical form factor. You will not see a SIM slot on any iPhone 16 model if purchased from the US.
Physical SIM Slot for International iPhone 16 Models
If you live in the US and don’t like the idea of the eSIM-only version of the iPhone 16, your best bet is to get any of the iPhone 16 models from any country out there, including Canada. All the iPhone 16 models have support for one physical SIM and one eSIM. This is a good combination and should have been a standard for the US variants of the iPhone 16 lineup.
Dual Physical SIM iPhone 16 Models
Now, when it comes to certain regions, Apple has no option but to offer their iPhone models with dual physical SIM slots. If this is the type of iPhone that you would like to own, there are a few places that you can get your hands on. Such dual physical SIM models of the iPhone 16 can be purchased from China, Hong Kong, and Macao. This dual SIM variant of the iPhone has been available in these regions starting from the iPhone XR.
5G and Network Band Support
If you plan to buy the international variant of the iPhone 16 these are the following networks that are supported by it.
FDD‑5G NR (Bands n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n14, n20, n25, n26, n28, n29, n30, n66, n70, n71, n75, n76) TDD‑5G NR (Bands n38, n40, n41, n48, n53, n77, n78, n79) FDD‑LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 66) TDD‑LTE (Bands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 53) UMTS/HSPA+/DC‑HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz) GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
Closing Thoughts So yes, the iPhone 16 does come with a physical SIM slot but only outside the United States. In the United States, all iPhones 16 do not come with eSIM options only. Whereas in China, you get access to iPhone 16 models that come with a dual physical SIM slot. So, if you are picky about having SIM slots on your new iPhone 16 purchase, it would be ideal to decide where you would like to purchase your iPhone 16. Should Apple bring the physical SIM slot iPhone models back to the US? Let us know your thoughts down below.
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