iPhone XS Max Chinese SIM card tray

[lewdvig]

Looking at my XS Max sim tray, it is thicker than the iPhone X tray. I’m wondering if the Chinese dual sim tray would fit and maybe even work on the other versions.

I’m not happy with how Apple deployed dual sim. I already have two plans, don’t need to buy another via Apple’s eSim partners.

Failing this, my other option would be to get the Chinese version if they support my local cellular bands.

 

[BugeyeSTI]

I doubt it will work considering your phone has an embedded sim(e-sim) where the Chinese version doesn’t so there must be hardware differences. I don’t think anyone has tried so I have no evidence that it won’t work, just speculation. Apparently, the Hong Kong version is a world phone and works in the states(not sure what country you’re in).. Another possible issue would be if you had a warranty issue and needed a replacement device, not sure Apple stores outside of Hong Kong could provide a replacement with the dual nano sim configuration..

 

[Azathoth123]

If your carrier(s) support eSIM, could you not just have one existing account assigned to the eSIM?

 

[BugeyeSTI]

If your carrier(s) support eSIM, could you not just have one existing account assigned to the eSIM?

Depends where he’s located (I’m sure it’s not the south pole). In the states, e-sim won’t be available from any carrier until early next year..

 

[Lyn2012]

Virtually no carriers worldwide seem to be supporting eSim on the phones, only Apple Watch and iPad. Really Apple, this should all have been worked out before the new phone’s went on sale. (I know, Apple doesn’t read these forums - I’ve already left feedback for Apple.)

 

[BugeyeSTI]

Virtually no carriers worldwide seem to be supporting eSim on the phones, only Apple Watch and iPad. Really Apple, this should all have been worked out before the new phone’s went on sale. (I know, Apple doesn’t read these forums - I’ve already left feedback for Apple.)

I’m going to have to say it’s on the carriers for the reasons you listed. It’s already available and working on the Apple Watch and iPad so it shouldn’t be an issue with the iPhone. The reasons they have given for the slow rollout are pretty minor and ridiculous. I think they are reluctant because it would make it very easy for customers to switch providers without needing to get a physical sim card..

 

[Azathoth123]

eSIM support will happen in time. Carriers understandably won’t invest in building out a large network until a supportable feature is actually deployed. Same when the original iPhone launched, no one had enough bandwidth for it, but once they understood that they could sell bandwidth as a product, it happened as quickly as they could do it.

Like the original iPhone, as soon as someone supports eSIM that becomes a competitive advantage and they’ll all have to support it.

 

[DaveyVigs]

Looking at my XS Max sim tray, it is thicker than the iPhone X tray. I’m wondering if the Chinese dual sim tray would fit and maybe even work on the other versions.

I highly doubt it. It’s not just the tray, the phone would have to have the components inside to read both SIMs. My guess is the Chinese version has the dual reading contacts whereas all others have one reading contact.
I don’t have an XS so look inside yours with a flash light to see if there are two contact points for SIM cards. I didn’t check my XR for this before I returned it but will check when my new one arrives.

https://support.apple.com/en-hk/HT209086

 

[JPack]

Won't work. I bought an HK/China version and tried the SIM tray on a local Max (A1921). The rear SIM position doesn't get detected.

If the dual-SIM tray did work for the rest of the world, Apple wouldn't have bothered with two different trays.

 

[cruisin]

Even if the Chinese tray fits, the internal SIM reader is modular based on teardowns and so they can choose which part to install in the factory. So it would seem that you need the Chinese phone or a carrier with eSIM support.