How to Set Up Your New iPhone (2025)

Photograph: Simon Hill

A Quick Word on eSIM

Apple has supported eSIM technology since the iPhone XS. It’s basically an electronic SIM card instead of the tiny, physical chip you insert into your phone for cellular connectivity. The iPhone 14 series was the first to completely get rid of the physical SIM card slot (in the US). That means the only way to set up a cellular connection in the US is with an eSIM.

If you’re unfamiliar with the process, don’t worry, it’s very easy. During setup, you’ll be asked if…