eSIMs are found inside newer smartphones and act as alternatives to traditional, physical SIM cards. These small integrated chips allow you to choose and activate a plan from a supporting network without having to actually insert a dedicated SIM. It acts as an entirely digital SIM that’s already installed in your device. And it all comes down to the way your phone interacts with your wireless provider. Starting with the iPhone 14, Apple is ditching the physical SIM card tray. Instead, the latest iPhones will use Posted on May 23, 2021 1:12 PM. eSIM does not use battery any more than a physical SIM does. However, being connected to 2 networks uses more energy than being connected to one network. Your phone is always using energy, whether you are actively using it or not. The phone periodically registers with each of the networks, which uses some energy *iPhones from mainland China and iPhone devices from Hong Kong and Macao (except for iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone SE 2020, and iPhone XS) don’t have eSIM capability. *iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max are not compatible with physical SIM cards Apple iPhone - Dual SIM with an eSIM - View Digital SIM (eSIM) IMEI. The steps below apply to the Apple ® iPhone ® SE (3rd Gen), iPhone XS / XS Max, and newer models. Ensure the software on your device is updated to iOS 12.1 or higher. If needed, refer to Install Device Software Updates. 138,359 points. Nov 6, 2020 6:47 AM in response to Pgt1972. Your new phone should come with a new sim card. In years past I would have said just transfer the sim from your old phone to your new phone and you'd be fine. With these phones having 5G modems, I would recommend using the new sim in the phone. I just ordered iPhone 12 Pro Max and Community Specialist. May 12, 2022 1:33 PM in response to In-terested. Thanks for stopping by the Apple Support Communities, In-terested, The Find My network relies on your iCloud account to manage features, such as locating a missing device or placing it in Lost Mode: Set up Find My on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac - Apple Support. Level 9. 66,142 points. Dec 8, 2020 6:26 PM in response to Karilynns23. There is no special SIM card for the phone. Use your old SIM card if you have T-Mobile. AT&T and Verizon claim you need a 5G sim, though no such thing exists. This will transfer your data stored on the physical SIM onto your embedded eSIM chip. This is available on iPhone, Samsung and the latest Google Pixel models. What happens to my physical SIM after converting to eSIM? After your physical SIM card has its data converted to eSIM it becomes obsolete. Your phone may no longer recognise it. In some of the smaller, more obscure countries a physical local SIM may be a better deal but for Europe, Asia, and other big countries like Australia an eSIM is the way to go for your local data needs. mcd320. • 3 yr. ago. I prefer a physical SIM for my primary line unless my primary line is with Google Fi. sCX5Z.