Upgrading from iPhone X to iPhone 16 and from SIM to eSIM - what do I need to do

[wazzup]

Hi,

I'm considering buying a new iPhone direct from the Apple website which I understand uses an eSIM. 

I currently use an iPhone X and an EE SIM only that I had on a 2 year plan which now expired but have no need to change this.

However I am aware I will need to transfer the SIM to an e-SIM to use this on the new iPhone 16.  I'm a bit out of my depth in trying to work out how this can be done - I've seen lots of information on the EE website but it seems more trained on moving to EE or upgrading from a newer iPhone.

Given my current set-up and the set-up I want to move to, how can I do this? 

Finally, will the charge of using the eSIM be the same monthly charge that I currently pay on my SIM only with EE?

Thanks

Greg

[Matt_124]

The iPhone 16 (purchased in the UK at least, only the US has removed the SIM Tray) has eSIM capability but also supports a physical SIM for the time being, so there is no requirement to move to an eSIM.

In regard to cost, having an eSIM vs a physical SIM is irrelevant when it comes to pricing of deals etc, it is identical across both. The only exception is that eSIM is not available on Pay As You Go.

In conclusion, if you purchase an iPhone 16 (in the UK) just transfer your contents across and put in your existing SIM card and you'll be good to go.

[bristolian]

The eSIM requirement on the iPhone 16 only applies to the US model. If you currently have a physical SIM, then upgrading is far easier than with an eSIM - simply move the SIM from your old phone to your new phone, it takes all of 2-3 minutes.

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/118569 

[wazzup]

That's very helpful, appreciate the information.  Is there any need to move over to the eSIM or would that be part of EE moving customers over using eSIM and then providing customers with the process of how this will be carried out?

So until that happens, just carry on using the existing SIM and all will be good?

[bristolian]

Unless you specifically want to have an electronic SIM, then continue using your physical SIM.

I'm yet to find any advantage of an eSIM other than 2 specific scenarios. 1: Wanting to run a local SIM abroad, without having a spare physical SIM slot, 2: Must have the latest & greatest, regardless of function.

[wazzup]

Thanks bristolian appreciate both posts which makes good sense, thank you for your time and help.

[XRaySpeX]

Your plan & charges don't change when you switch to an eSIM. 

I think you'll find that all Apples on sale in UK are not just eSIM only but will also incorporate a physical SIM slot. So you could just carry on using your existing SIM in it w/out the hassle of switching to eSIM.