US and international editions that support eSIM technology will come with both a physical SIM card and an eSIM. Both can be set up with two completely different plans and are simultaneously enabled on the iPhone, corresponding to different phone numbers.

If you want to switch carriers or plans, you won’t need to exchange a physical SIM card thanks to the eSIM. If you switch jobs or carriers, it will be simpler to use the dual-SIM capabilities and swap out a second number if you have an eSIM.

Apple is releasing a special XS model with slots for two physical SIM cards specifically for China, where the embedded SIM hasn’t yet gained popularity.

What Is An eSim?

The term “eSIM” stands for embedded SIM cards. No physical SIM cards are involved, and you are not required to swap them out physically. An eSIM is a small chip inside your phone that functions similarly to the NFC chip.

Since the data on an eSIM is rewritable, switching operators is as easy as making a phone call. It takes a few minutes to add them to a data plan and connect devices with eSIMs to a mobile account. If you frequently visit another country, you could keep your US SIM in your phone while inserting a cheap local SIM card at your destination. Additionally, it implies that you might use the same phone for your personal and professional numbers.

You can still ignore business calls on weekends because dual SIM phones will let you know which number is being called. The eSIM inside these phones is used for the second SIM support, but the XS and XS Max also have a physical SIM slot. 

Does The iPhone XS Have Dual Sim Capability?  

Apple has announced iPhones with dual SIM capabilities for the first time. The new iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max have this built-in, but it won’t always work as you might expect in most locations.

Apple offers the same labeling and default line options as other Dual SIM products on the market. If you’re traveling and decide to buy a local SIM card specifically for that purpose, the secondary line can be used for data only.

The iPhone will select the same number you used to call each contact. Your default number will be used if you haven’t called before. However, you can choose which subscription to use for a specific contact.

As you can see, the iPhones only have one physical SIM slot. Just that an eSIM has been added as an enhancement. You can utilize the Dual SIM feature if at least one of the carriers you plan to use supports the eSIM standard. You’re out of luck if not.

The good news is that more carriers should begin realizing the importance of eSIM. The bad news is that only 14 networks across ten countries currently support this standard, including Austria, Canada, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, India, Spain, the Czech Republic, the UK, and the US. In addition to these countries, global service providers GigSky and Truphone also support eSIM. 

Moreover, Apple displayed a list of carriers that will eventually support dual SIM, including well-known providers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. The XS will support it following a free update to iOS 12 sometime in the fall.

None of the above applies if you purchase an iPhone XS Max in China, Hong Kong, or Macau. There, Apple will offer a special SKU of its largest handset, complete with a proper Dual SIM setup. In the slot, the two cards will be stacked on top of each other.

Both systems use Dual SIM Dual Standby, which allows you to make and receive calls on both lines at the same time. However, if one number is on a call, incoming calls on the other will be routed to voicemail. Furthermore, if you are on a voice call that is not your designated data number, data will not work while you are on the call.

How Do the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max Use eSIM?

A free software update will make dual SIM support available. Dual SIM usage necessitates two wireless service plans (which may include restrictions on roaming). There are some limitations on use.

The phone will accept your primary SIM card usually. But by using a virtual “eSIM,” you can also get a second phone number. Your iPhone will now have new options that allow you to sign up for a second eSIM plan.

• If You Have a QR Code 

1. Go to Settings > Cellular if you have a QR code.
2. Select Add Cellular Plan.
3. Scanning the QR code provided by your carrier with your iPhone may prompt you to enter an activation code.

• Activate eSim Using Carrier App: 

1. Visit the App Store and download a carrier’s app.
2. To purchase a cellular plan, use the app.
3. In Settings > Cellular, you should also label your plans. Change the label of the number by tapping it. Then, choose a new label on the Cellular Plan Label screen or enter a custom label.

Benefits Of Having a Dual Sim Capability

There are numerous reasons why users would want dual SIM support. You could have one number for business calls and another for personal calls, or you could have a data roaming SIM to use in another country.

You could even have separate voice and data plans, such as reserving one line on the same phone for business and another for personal use or using prepaid cards. It can also load SIM cards from regional carriers while travelling.

Final Thoughts 

Apple has announced iPhones with Dual SIM functionality for the first time. The new iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max have this built-in, but it may not be what you expect in most places. However, if your budget is not big enough to buy an iPhone XS, you can find refurbished phones like a refurbished iPhone 12 at a lower price.