iOS 16 introduces a useful new feature that allows eSIMs to be transferred between iPhones via Bluetooth when setting up cellular service. In the Settings app of an iPhone running iOS 16, tapping “Set up eSIM” brings up an option to transfer the eSIM and its associated phone number from another iPhone via Bluetooth. Apple says that to transfer an eSIM from another iPhone, you must make sure the other iPhone is nearby, unlocked, Bluetooth turned on, and running iOS 16 or later.
The feature appears to be available in several countries, including the US and UK, but it’s only possible to complete Bluetooth transfers for eSIMs issued by carriers that support the feature.
Given that iOS 16 was only announced a few days ago and is still in beta, carrier support may be limited right now. Of course, the iPhone also continues to offer the more traditional option of setting up an eSIM by scanning a QR code provided by the carrier.
An eSIM is a digital SIM card that allows users to activate a mobile number from a carrier without having to use a physical nano-SIM. The iPhone XS and newer models (non-physical dual-SIM models) can use a single eSIM, while all four iPhone 13 models support dual eSIMs.
The first beta version of iOS 16 was made available to developers earlier this week, and the public beta will launch in July. Apple says this new eSIM transfer feature will be available to all users when iOS 16 is released in the fall.
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