How dual-SIM (eSIM) works with Apple’s iPhones.

Apple has been on the run since it became a brand well-known to its consumers. It launches smartphones with features that stun us every time; this time, the story isn’t different!

On September 12, when Apple unveiled the new iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, one feature, in particular, piqued the interest of foreign travelers and multi-phone users alike because of the feature of dual SIM. The SIM, or subscriber identity module, is a small silicon chip that keeps your phone number and links you to a cellular network. If the CPU is your phone’s brain, the SIM, or subscriber identity module, is its soul. It’s what distinguishes your phone from others. Apple’s new Dual SIM Dual Standby technology could be a game-changer if you’ve ever wanted two phone lines on one gadget. Having two phone numbers on one phone — one for work and one for personal usage — will be more convenient, making it considerably easy for people who travel frequently.

Until now, iPhones have only had one “plastic” SIM card:

Apple introduced iOS 12.1, which enabled support for its eSIM technology, which lets you activate extra lines, on the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR on October 30. (outside of China). AT&T and Verizon have begun to support eSIM on the latest iPhone repair after an initial delay caused by issues such as “degraded” service and difficulty with visual voicemail. (T-Mobile has stated that the functionality will be available before the end of the year.)

Apple and several top US carriers have smoothed out the kinks of introducing dual-SIM via eSIM after some initial snags due to technical problems. Apple’s support for dual-SIM phones signals a giant step closer to the mainstream for dual-SIM phones, even if it won’t be the deciding factor for most phone consumers this year.

Here’s a rundown of everything we know about Apple’s dual-SIM and eSIM policies and what they mean for the three 2018 iPhones.

What does Apple’s dual-SIM announcement mean?

This means that on the 2018 iPhones, you’ll be able to have two different phone numbers on the same device. On either line, you’ll be able to make and receive calls as well as send and receive texts. Isn’t this a fantastic feature to have on your smartphone?

Why would I want a dual-SIM phone?

There are two significant advantages of having a dual-sim smartphone. You can have two separate phone lines, for example, one for business and one for personal usage, without worrying about carrying two phones. Also, dual SIM makes it easier to install a local plan to your phone internationally to avoid costly international roaming and data charges. These are why people who travel abroad love this feature and can have their phones at their disposal without worrying about mixing professional with personal.

So, will the iPhones have both an eSIM and a plastic SIM?

Yes, this is true! A standard plastic nano-SIM, the familiar hardware-based SIM chip that identifies you to your carrier network, and an eSIM, the newer software-based equal, will include in the new iPhones. And here’s the kicker: the eSIM supports many phone numbers, which you can add, delete, and adjust directly from your iPhone’s settings.

A plastic SIM must be physically removed and replaced. In principle, Apple might phase out the plastic SIM entirely once eSIM technology is widely adopted by operators in the United States and worldwide. For the time being, Apple is covering all bases by including both a plastic SIM and an eSIM in the 2018 iPhones.

plastic SIM

In conclusion, this feature has made the iPhone stand out again. People who have to stay online/or on calls with their clients for professional use should stop worrying now. They can have their ‘me time’ quickly now, with the help of this fantastic feature introduced.