does the esim automatically migrate to the new phone when we upgrade?

The answer is no. The eSIM will not migrate from a backup or setup process. It requires interaction with your carrier in some way to deactivate the previous eSIM and set up the new one. Verizon has no automated process or functionality in their app to do that. Other carriers may have that functionality online or in their app, but based on what I’ve read it seems like they don’t. 😔

Confirming from t-mobile user. Since each eSIM need to be activated so the answer is NO. Your eSIM will on the new phone will need to be activated by the carrier either over the phone or physically visiting them.

Sounds like a pain and the only way around this is to turn your eSIM back to a physical sim right BEFORE you are ready to switch

It depends. Are you getting your phone via your wireless service provider? Then it varies; ask them. If you bought your own, unlocked phone (for example, from Apple), to activate the eSIM you need to give the phone's eSIM IMEI to your wireless provider. The eSIM IMEI is labeled "IMEI2" and is the 4th number (bottom row) on the iPhone box. With that, I was able to do an online activation with my wireless service.

BTW it took me a few Apple support calls and talking to some completely unqualified people to ascertain this basic piece of information, until finally reaching someone who resolved this...

Bought it directly from Apple. It took a half hour call (plus 45 minute wait queue) to get it moved. In Verizon’s case, they don’t have an online/automated way to generate the QR code from their system. It should be as simple as entering the digital SIM IMEI number online, their system provisioning it, email QR code to you, you scan it, their system adds the eSIM, done. Instead you have to hand hold the rep through the process because eSIM is scary. 🤣

Same question. I've got my XS Max and going to the iPhone 11 Pro. The Max is on Verizon eSIM. I keep reading conflicting reports that the eSIM will transfer when migrating and others say the new eSIM IMEI needs to be entered into Verizon's system before this could work. You would think Apple and/or the carriers would be publishing some kind of process since this is going to happen to a lot of people in a few days.