Can a 2015 Phone Use eSIM? Here's What You Should Know

Is your trusty 2015 phone still running strong, but you're curious about using eSIM? You’re not alone! As eSIM becomes more popular, many people wonder if their older devices can support this technology. In this blog, we'll answer the big question: Can a 2015 phone use eSIM? Plus, we’ll help you figure out how to check if your device can support eSIM and what you can do if it doesn't.

Let’s dive in!

What is eSIM and Why Is It Popular?

Before we answer if your 2015 phone can use eSIM, let’s quickly cover what eSIM is and why it’s so great.

eSIM stands for "embedded SIM," a small chip built directly into your phone that replaces the traditional SIM card. The biggest benefits of eSIM include:

No physical SIM card needed: You can switch carriers or mobile plans without swapping out a physical card.

Convenience for travel: You can easily add local data plans when traveling abroad, saving you from needing to find and insert a physical SIM.

Multiple profiles: With eSIM, you can store multiple carrier profiles on one device.

Sounds great, right? But can a 2015 phone use eSIM?

The Evolution of eSIM Compatibility in Smartphones

eSIM became more common in smartphones around 2017, with major brands starting to integrate it into their models. However, it didn’t become a mainstream feature until later, which is why most devices from 2015 don’t support eSIM.

Phones in 2015, like the iPhone 6S and Samsung Galaxy S6, were still using traditional SIM cards. These phones were designed long before eSIM technology had really taken off, and the hardware required to support eSIM just wasn’t available at the time.

So, why wasn’t eSIM available in 2015? The technology was still evolving, and many carriers hadn’t yet adopted it. The industry was also focused on perfecting 4G LTE, so eSIM just wasn’t prioritized in older devices.

Can a 2015 Phone Use eSIM? Key Considerations

So, can a 2015 phone use eSIM? The simple answer is: No, most 2015 phones cannot use eSIM. Here’s why:

Lack of hardware support: Phones from 2015 were designed with traditional SIM slots and don’t have the embedded eSIM chip.

Software limitations: Even if your 2015 phone has the necessary hardware, older software won’t be compatible with eSIM functionality.

However, there are exceptions. For example, the iPhone 6S and earlier models don’t support eSIM, but some rare devices from that time may have had experimental or limited eSIM functionality. But in most cases, if you have a 2015 phone, it’s highly unlikely that it supports eSIM.

Phones Released in 2015 and eSIM Support

Let’s take a look at some popular phones from 2015 and their eSIM compatibility:

iPhone 6S and earlier: These models do not support eSIM. Apple didn’t start adding eSIM to iPhones until the iPhone XS series (released in 2018).

Samsung Galaxy S6 and earlier: Like Apple, Samsung didn’t introduce eSIM in their Galaxy lineup until the Galaxy S20 series.

Other 2015 devices: Most Android phones released in 2015 also do not support eSIM.

As you can see, 2015 phones were built before eSIM was widely adopted, so it’s unlikely they have this feature.

What If Your 2015 Phone Doesn’t Support eSIM?

Don’t worry! Even if your 2015 phone doesn’t support eSIM, you can still enjoy mobile service with a physical SIM card. But if you’re keen on using eSIM, here are your options:

Use dual-SIM capabilities: Some 2015 phones have dual-SIM features, meaning you can use two physical SIM cards at the same time for more flexibility.

Upgrade to a newer device: If eSIM is something you really want, upgrading to a phone that supports it might be your best option. Popular phones like the iPhone 12, Google Pixel 5, or Samsung Galaxy S21 all support eSIM.

Software updates: While it’s unlikely, some older phones may receive software updates that add eSIM support. But for a 2015 phone, don’t count on this happening.

Most devices from 2015, like the iPhone 6S or Samsung Galaxy S6, weren’t designed with eSIM in mind. However, if you're interested in using eSIM, upgrading to a newer phone with eSIM support is the best way to go.

Ready to ditch the physical SIM card? Check out a newer device that supports eSIM, and enjoy the convenience it offers—especially when traveling or switching carriers. Happy eSIM-ing!