Malcolm Owen
Apple is enabling purchasers of the iPhone XS and iPhone XR to take advantage of eSIM technology to set up two carrier connections, allowing customers to use different plans while roaming or to use two different phone numbers on the same device.
In order to offer dual-SIM support in the iPhone Xs, Apple is taking advantage of the eSIM technology used in the Apple Watch to act as a software-based SIM alongside a physical SIM card. Both are enabled on the iPhone at the same time, correspond to separate phone numbers, and can be set up with two completely different plans.
This can allow users to take advantage of local networks to save on roaming charges, by replacing the physical SIM card while keeping the eSIM for their home carrier. This also enables users to have a business line and a personal line, without needing two mobile devices.
To enable this, Apple has included what it calls Dual SIM Dual Standby technology, which will keep both SIMs functional, but will activate the relevant SIM for an incoming call from one of the two numbers.
Apple is working with a number of carriers to enable the eSIM, including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Vodafone, Bell, and others. To set up the eSIM, the carriers will offer a scannable QR code that can be read by the iPhone's camera, which then configures the eSIM with the required settings.
For China and other countries where eSIM technology will not be widely available, Apple is also producing a regional version of the iPhone XS models that can take two physical SIM cards, which fit on both sides of the SIM tray.
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AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Christine McKee
William Gallagher
Andrew Orr
17 Comments
This is a nice addition, the implementation is clearly a compromise with the carriers to get eSIM accepted by them.
Which makes it funny that on the feature video we had Ive in his deadening tones calling these phones completely uncompromising.
Also, do any other dual sim phones have the one Sim tray like the Chinese iPhone version will have? Btw also a work around compromise as it is clear China did not agree to an eSIM.
I have been sticking to two phones until now since data could not be figured out so far (is this website visit private or professional?) And I like to be able to receive messages on both numbers simulatanously, or generally all notifications. In my dreamworld I can forward all notifications from one number to another. Until then, yes, once for traveling but since my life does not include terminals and highways to the same anmount as it did in the past, I am not sure about a use case personally here. YMMV of course.
Need to know more about iPhones XS Model A1920 & Model A1921 Cellular and Wireless modem, who makes it, Intel or Qualcomm?
This could be very useful for me, especially as any new phone plan I get is likely to have better International roaming than my current one does.
Only problem is Telstra wasn't on the list of supporting carriers. I suppose that's OK, as long as the overseas carrier is, but still...