iPhone 15 Pro Max - eSIM "SIM Not Supported"

Question

iPhone 15 Pro Max - eSIM "SIM Not Supported"

I’m at my wit's end with this frustrating and unresolved issue. My brand-new iPhone 15 Pro Max, which cost $1,200, is unusable due to the persistent "SIM Not Supported" error when trying to activate the eSIM with Boost Mobile.

Here’s what happens immediately after setting up the phone:

1. Select Language

2. Choose Country

3. Quick Setup completes

4. Shows "Activation in Progress"

5. Suddenly, "SIM Not Supported" error appears, and the phone is stuck in SOS mode.

I’ve already visited the Genius Bar, and they confirmed there are no hardware or software issues with the phone. Yet Boost Mobile insists it’s an Apple issue, while Apple Care points fingers at Boost Mobile, leaving me stuck in this unending ping-pong game with no solution.

For a $1,200 phone that doesn’t even have a SIM card slot anymore, this issue is unacceptable. From what I’ve seen in forums, this problem is affecting several other users, yet no one—neither Apple nor Boost Mobile—seems to have a clue about how to address it.

Why is this happening with a premium device? Who is responsible? And why hasn’t this widespread issue been resolved yet?

If anyone has found a solution, please share! This is beyond frustrating, and I’m considering whether sticking with Apple products is even worth it anymore.

Posted on Dec 1, 2024 04:06 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Dec 10, 2024 03:55 PM in response to 5YNY5T3R

I used the warranty period of my phone and visited the Apple Genius Bar, where they eventually agreed that this was a software issue they couldn’t resolve. As a result, they replaced the entire circuit board and internal components of my phone, leaving only the front and back screens from the original device.

This issue seems to be a significant flaw in the model, particularly because it lacks a physical SIM slot. If there had been a physical SIM, the problem could have been resolved more easily. I strongly recommend using your warranty to request a replacement phone if you encounter this issue.

I had to go back and forth between AppleCare and Boost. Boost was adamant that they couldn’t unlock the carrier lock on my phone, while Apple insisted that the carrier unlock was necessary. Finally, I convinced Apple to replace the phone since they couldn’t fix the software issue.

If you’re facing the same problem, you might want to consider pursuing a similar solution. Best of luck, and I hope your issue gets resolved quickly!

Lesson learned is I am paying extra 10$ for apple care

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Answer 2

Dec 10, 2024 04:42 PM in response to Jeff Donald

Both, no luck. I had my issue fixed by replacing phone by Apple. Nothing worked. Either apple should bring back physical sim slot for all model or fix the software bug.

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Answer 3

Jeff Donald

Level 8

41,424 points

Dec 10, 2024 03:54 PM in response to 5YNY5T3R

Apple doesn’t write the firmware or software for the SIM. Boost Mobile needs to reprovision the SIM. If you’re within 14 days and you purchased it from Apple, you can return it for refund or credit. If you purchased it from Boost Mobile you’re subject to their return policy.

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Answer 4

Dec 10, 2024 04:11 PM in response to Jeff Donald

Thank you for your comment, but this issue is not related to SIM provisioning. The problem occurs after completing the third step during activation. If this were a physical SIM device, the issue could have been resolved by simply removing and replacing the SIM. However, with an eSIM-only phone, that option isn’t available, making this issue more complex and tied to the device’s software or activation policies rather than just SIM provisioning.

Boost was able to activate the eSIM on another device without any issues, but it doesn’t work on this one. Please take this matter seriously and work towards a solution. It’s frustrating to face this back-and-forth blame game after spending over $1,200 on a device. Being caught in this ping-pong situation as a customer is incredibly difficult.

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Answer 5

Jeff Donald

Level 8

41,424 points

Dec 10, 2024 04:22 PM in response to ranjith_ashok

It would have been nice to have been told it worked on another iPhone. Is there anything else you want to add so we’re not chasing our tails?

You’ve already resolved your issue or at least you said you did. My comment about provisioning wasn’t even directed towards you. I was responding to 5YNR5T3R and he has not gone through the steps you have.

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Answer 6

Jeff Donald

Level 8

41,424 points

Dec 10, 2024 04:57 PM in response to ranjith_ashok

It’s available in many countries. It’s not available in the US. It does not appear to be a major service issue at this time just based on community members here. The sampling is hardly scientific though.

Apple Support Community is a public discussion forum for fellow Apple users to assist each other and share tips and solutions. Apple hosts the community, but is not a participant and will never read your comment. If you would like to leave feedback for Apple please use the link below.

Product Feedback - Apple

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Answer 7

Jeff Donald

Level 8

41,424 points

Dec 1, 2024 05:15 AM in response to ranjith_ashok

This is most definitely a carrier issue. How have you been communicating with Boost Mobile, in person or online?

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Answer 8

5YNY5T3R

Level 1

8 points

Dec 10, 2024 03:42 PM in response to ranjith_ashok

Same thing has happened to me recently except I paid full price for a 512 GB 16 Pro Max through Boost Mobile and no one is accepting responsibility.

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Answer 9

Kurtosis12

Level 9

74,650 points

Dec 10, 2024 03:55 PM in response to 5YNY5T3R

Boost Mobile is the one who is responsible for unlocking the phone. Apple cannot unlock it. Call Boost Mobile and escalate the call to a supervisor, don't just talk to the clueless front line techs.

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iPhone 15 Pro Max - eSIM "SIM Not Supported"

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