How to Activate an eSIM on Apple iPhone 18 Pro in France: A Step-by-Step Guide

It’s September, and the launch of the new iPhone is around the corner.

Rumors say that the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone 18 Pro Max might be available for purchase from stores on Friday, September 18.

Unlike its predecessors, the base model of the device isn’t expected to hit the stores until 2027.

Regardless, one important piece of news is that European versions of the iPhone 18 might follow their American counterparts, i.e., moving completely to an eSIM-only design.

This means that the new iPhone 18 Pro may not come with a physical SIM card slot. If you’re upgrading to the iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max, then you might want to switch to an eSIM.

New to eSIMs and not sure how to activate an eSIM on your new iPhone? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you out. The sections below explore how to activate an eSIM on an iPhone. Continue reading.

How to Activate an eSIM on an iPhone

Since the topic is about eSIMs on iPhones, you’re not going to run into compatibility issues. All iPhones that were released after the iPhone XS and XR support eSIMs.

If the iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max is going to be your first eSIM device, then follow these steps to get your eSIM up and running.

What You’ll Need:

• An active plan from a mobile provider
• A stable internet connection

Step-by-Step Instructions to Activate an eSIM on an iPhone

Step 1: Connect to a source of internet.

Step 2: Look for the activation QR code from your network provider. You normally get this via email when you purchase a new eSIM plan. Some operators also have the QR code in the accounts/customer section.

Step 3: Scan the QR code using your iPhone’s camera. You can also use the Code Scanner app.

Step 4: Follow the prompts that appear to complete the eSIM activation process.

Some French telecom operators may require installing their app to activate an eSIM on iPhones. Also, depending on the operator, you may be required to register your eSIM before you can start using its benefits.

Alternatively, you can transfer your eSIM from an old iPhone to the latest one. Make sure you have Bluetooth/Wi-Fi enabled on both devices. The devices should also be kept side by side.

Here’s how you can transfer your eSIM from one iPhone to another.  

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your new iPhone. 

Step 2: Tap Cellular. 

Step 3: Tap Add eSIM. 

Step 4: Tap Transfer from a nearby phone option. 

Step 5: Tap Continue when the prompt appears on your old iPhone. 

Step 6: A verification code will be displayed on your new iPhone. Enter the code in your old device. 

Step 7: Select the number to be transferred and tap Continue. 

Step 8: Tap Transfer number. 

Step 9: Authorize the transfer by double-tapping the side button on the old iPhone. 

Step 10: Enter your PIN on the new phone and tap Continue on your old phone to complete the process. 

A point to note is that the activation and transfer steps are applicable to iPhones with iOS versions 26 and below. The iPhone 18 models are rumored to have iOS 27. There are many suggested changes for iOS 27, but a change in the eSIM installation isn’t one of them. So, these steps may work for the new iPhones unless iOS 27 introduces some new method for eSIM installation. 

Final Thoughts

News about the latest iPhones has stirred up quite a storm in tech circles. This might also be the first time that Apple is launching the base model and Pro and Pro Max models separately. 

There are also rumors that there might be news about Apple’s first-ever foldable iPhone. 

All this exciting news aside, one important point to note is that eSIMs are becoming mainstream. A piece of technology that was (and still is) relied upon heavily by tourists is being adopted by the average smartphone user as well. This improvement might just be the push required to make eSIM the new norm. 

Regardless, you now know how to activate an eSIM on an iPhone, and potentially the iPhone 18, the iPhone 18 Pro, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max. This information will be quite useful in your eSIM journey.