The iPhone 16 series continues Apple\“s trend of offering dual SIM capabilities through a combination of eSIM technology and physical nano-SIM cards in most global markets. However, in the Indian market specifically, Apple has made special considerations to accommodate local preferences and telecom infrastructure.
For Indian consumers, the iPhone 16 models available through authorized retailers and Apple\“s official India store feature a dedicated physical SIM card slot alongside eSIM support. This dual approach caters to the widespread use of multiple SIM cards among Indian users, who often maintain separate numbers for personal and business use, or utilize different carriers for better coverage and pricing.
Major Indian telecom providers including Jio, Airtel, and Vi （Vodafone Idea） have fully supported both the physical SIM and eSIM functionality on iPhone 16 devices. Local electronics retailers like Reliance Digital, Croma, and Vijay Sales prominently highlight the dual SIM capability as a key selling point for Indian customers.
The physical SIM slot in Indian variant iPhone 16 units supports the standard nano-SIM format, compatible with all major Indian mobile networks. Meanwhile, the eSIM functionality allows users to digitally activate additional lines without visiting physical stores, providing greater flexibility for travelers and those who frequently switch between service providers. |
