Is iPhone 8 eSIM possible? The short answer is ‘No, iPhone 8 does not support eSIM technology’.
Then, what else can we do?
Traveling in China can be challenging due to its unique internet restrictions, but eSIM technology offers a modern solution for staying connected. Unlike traditional SIM cards, an eSIM is digitally installed, eliminating the need for physical exchange and providing immediate connectivity.
In this comprehensive guide, we emphasize the convenience of eSIMs for international travelers, and if iPhone 8 is eSIM supported, and the best eSIM in China that are subject to Chinese censorship laws even when used abroad.
Benefits of eSIM in China
Major Chinese providers like China Unicom, China Telecom, and China Mobile offer local eSIM options. These options, however, may still adhere to Chinese government censorship. For extensive coverage and cost-effective plans, check out our comprehensive guide on China esim card for different eSIM operators.
With Apple and other smartphone manufacturers’ devices being increasingly equipped with eSIM capabilities, users can conveniently access local eSIM options when traveling to the country.
Advantages of using an eSIM include the immediacy of use upon arrival, no risk of losing a physical card, and dual SIM capabilities or dual SIM functionality, allowing travelers to keep their home number active.
Another major advantage is that eSIM allows you to use apps like Facebook, Gmail, YouTube, WhatsApp, etc., even after returning to China.
| Feature | eSIM | SIM Card |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Digital, integrated into devices | Physical, inserted into devices |
| Setup | Online activation | Physical store activation |
| Phone Number | No +86 Chinese number | Includes +86 Chinese number |
| Device Compatibility | Requires eSIM-compatible devices | Works with most unlocked devices |
| Access to Apps | Limited SMS-based services | Full compatibility with Chinese apps |
| Carrier Profiles | Store multiple carrier profiles | limited to a single carrier profile |
eSIM compatibility: iPhone 8 eSIM
iPhone 8 eSIM Card Support
The iPhone 8 does not support eSIM technology but instead uses a traditional physical SIM card, specifically a nano SIM card. This is important for users who might be looking to utilize eSIM technology, as they would have to consider newer models.
eSIM Technology and Its Benefits
Starting from the iPhone XS and XR models to the later models, Apple introduced support for dual SIMs through the combination of a nano SIM and an eSIM.
iPhone 8 does not have built-in eSIM capabilities. With newer devices, users can enjoy the flexibility of using a eSIM card if a carrier supports it. Users can save both their eSIM and physical SIM contact details, allowing for seamless switching between the two phone numbers directly from the screen.
Recommendations for Upgrading
If users are interested in leveraging eSIM capabilities and eSIM technology, they should consider upgrading to newer iPhone models starting from the iPhone XS and XR onwards.
- eSIM only: The US versions of the iPhone 14 and 15 series have eliminated the SIM card slot and support only eSIM.
- SIM card only: The Chinese Mainland versions of iPhones have physically disabled eSIM functionality, supporting only physical SIM cards. Therefore, these versions do not support eSIM, and you cannot use eSIM functionality even if you travel abroad.
- Supports both eSIM and SIM card: Except for the Chinese Mainland version and the US versions of the iPhone 14 and 15 series, most other versions generally support both eSIM and a SIM card (starting from the iPhone XS and XR onwards).
- European, Korean, Singaporean, Japanese, and Canadian versions: These all support eSIM plus a SIM card. Only some versions from Hong Kong and Macau support both eSIM and SIM card.
Best eSIM for China
Saily is a fast-growing eSIM app created by the team behind NordVPN. It is more secure and reliable in China. While Maya eSIM is cheaper and provides more options.
Need a both secure and cheap eSIM plan? Open the Saily’s website and use the promocode shanghaispecials5 to get 5% discount and extra free data gifts.
