Carrier Dual SIM Strategy

[0970373]

What will be the best way to use the Dual SIM for travel?

1) Get your primary phone plan on the embedded SIM and leave the real SIM tray available for local travel sims?

2) Keep your primary number on a physical SIM and dynamically subscribe to different carriers while traveling on the embedded SIM?

I guess it kind of depends on how many carriers will offer easy to subscribe to short term plans on the embedded SIM. Option 1 would give access to all international carriers, but would require a visit to a local store to set up a plan. Option 2 could be the easiest, but may have limited (or no) local carriers and plans might be more expensive than the real SIM options. Any ideas how this will shake out?

In my case, I travel quite often to various parts of the world. To the UK for work but also other countries in the EU, Asia, S. America etc for personal travel. I have a Three UK SIM that I keep active (since before tmo's free roaming) and have it on my 2nd phone. I hate having to carry 2 phones. So I will use the eSIM with my main number under TMobile since they support it and the physical SIM for when I travel. Three does not support eSIMs and it is not yet wide spread. Only EE in the UK supports it.

Both TMO and Three have international roaming included in their plans so for the most part, I'm safe there. Being able to keep my US # active is important since that is the main way friends & family contact me. In the UK, TMO data roaming is slow, but fine. So I still top up the Three SIM for fast data when overseas since it is relatively cheap - currently I swap the SIM out between phones depending on the country I'm in. Cheaper phones calls in the UK this way also.

So if your main carrier supports eSIM, use it. When traveling, it's really easy to pick up a SIM and pop it in. Except France. Why do you need my passport, France??

If you don't really travel often or only to places that support the eSIM and don't need to keep the number, eSIM should be easy to activate if it works the same way the Apple SIMs in iPad do (I'm assuming this was part of their testing for eSIM compatibility).

Did any of this make sense to anyone other than me?

 

[Vermifuge]

2 physical SIM trays would have allowed much more flexibility and I was disappointed to find out that "2 SIM cards" are actually a built-in "eSIM" (no tray) and a single traditional SIM card tray. What happens if I live in the USA (and have another dedicated phone) and use this new phone ONLY for travel? Can I have the eSIM setup for Germany while the real SIM is setup for another country? Also, need to find out more about which companies will lock your eSIM and/or the real SIM, and for how long. This should be resolved in the next few weeks....

The Chinese version has a tray that fits two physical sims

 

[StuMcBill]

Do we know that its eSim thats being enabled via a software update, or will eSim or physical sim work tomorrow (not both), with the ability to use both sims unlocked via the software update?

 

[Vermifuge]

Do we know that its eSim thats being enabled via a software update, or will eSim or physical sim work tomorrow (not both), with the ability to use both sims unlocked via the software update?

the eSIM is supped to be unlocked later probably with 12.1

 

[StuMcBill]

the eSIM is supped to be unlocked later probably with 12.1

I have just read that dual sim will be unlocked, nothing about eSim being unlocked.

 

[Vermifuge]

I have just read that dual sim will be unlocked, nothing about eSim being unlocked.

https://www.macrumors.com/2018/09/12/esim-2018-iphones-coming-later/

 

[StuMcBill]

https://www.macrumors.com/2018/09/12/esim-2018-iphones-coming-later/

I don't see anything on the Apple Support document saying that eSim will be activated later? Maybe I'm interpreting it incorrectly?

 

[Vermifuge]

I don't see anything on the Apple Support document saying that eSim will be activated later? Maybe I'm interpreting it incorrectly?

https://www.apple.com/iphone-xs/specs/

 

[StuMcBill]

https://www.apple.com/iphone-xs/specs/

I stand corrected!

Thanks.

 

[tx4app]

I'm often out of the country for a month or more at a time. I will pick up a local sim card for data only. Places like Japan don't allow tourists without a local address to get a phone number. So while the data sim will let me iMessage and FaceTime from one of my email addresses, I loose the ability to use and receive txts/calls via my phone number at home.

I imagine this dual sim solution will allow me to use the data plan but not give up my phone number even if i'm only using iMessages and thats a HUGE deal for me!

Are you sure the Dual SIM features will allow you to do that? From my read of Apple's site https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209044, with dual SIM you have two options:

1) one line has voice+SMS+Data+iMessage+FaceTime, and the other line provides only voice+SMS.
2) one line has voice+SMS+iMessage+FaceTime, and the other line provides data only.

I find option #2 confusing to me. After all, iMessage and FaceTime operate over data. Does that imply for option #2 that iMessage and FaceTime would only operate over WiFi on one line (with voice and SMS)?

When I travel internationally, I'd like to pick up a SIM that allows me to get a local # for voice+SMS+data, but keep my iMessage # active for the other line, but it doesn't seem like this combo is supported, right?

As for your plan to use email addresses for iMessage (and FaceTime), I think when I tried that on my iPhone with single SIM that when I changed out the SIM to a local one, then not only did of course the new local # get associated with iMessage, but the former alternate email addresses I had for iMessage didn't work either. But that was a few years ago, so I cannot remember for sure.

 

[pippakay]

i travel a fair bit internationally as well, and for the past few years have carried an older phone (currently my iPhone 6) that i use to pop in a local sim whenever i'm in another country. i use it typically for data only, and really hope i'm able to transfer my regular sim to esim once the update comes through. it'd be nice to travel with only one phone!

it makes the most sense to me to have at&t be my esim and hardwired to the phone, as they theoretically support esim, and then get a local sim when i travel...hopefully i'll be able to switch the phone over once it's supported. it is unlocked...i'll be curious to see how complicated the carriers make it to get that hooked up.

 

[Vermifuge]

Are you sure the Dual SIM features will allow you to do that? From my read of Apple's site https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209044, with dual SIM you have two options:

1) one line has voice+SMS+Data+iMessage+FaceTime, and the other line provides only voice+SMS.
2) one line has voice+SMS+iMessage+FaceTime, and the other line provides data only.

I find option #2 confusing to me. After all, iMessage and FaceTime operate over data. Does that imply for option #2 that iMessage and FaceTime would only operate over WiFi on one line (with voice and SMS)?

When I travel internationally, I'd like to pick up a SIM that allows me to get a local # for voice+SMS+data, but keep my iMessage # active for the other line, but it doesn't seem like this combo is supported, right?

"Use Secondary for cellular data only: You might want to select this option if you're traveling internationally and you want to keep Primary for voice, SMS, iMessage, and FaceTime. This will allow you to use Secondary for data."

As for your plan to use email addresses for iMessage (and FaceTime), I think when I tried that on my iPhone with single SIM that when I changed out the SIM to a local one, then not only did of course the new local # get associated with iMessage, but the former alternate email addresses I had for iMessage didn't work either. But that was a few years ago, so I cannot remember for sure.

Done this several times in the last 12 months. in fact i have been doing this since 2015
[doublepost=1538867162][/doublepost]

i travel a fair bit internationally as well, and for the past few years have carried an older phone (currently my iPhone 6) that i use to pop in a local sim whenever i'm in another country. i use it typically for data only, and really hope i'm able to transfer my regular sim to esim once the update comes through. it'd be nice to travel with only one phone!

it makes the most sense to me to have at&t be my esim and hardwired to the phone, as they theoretically support esim, and then get a local sim when i travel...hopefully i'll be able to switch the phone over once it's supported. it is unlocked...i'll be curious to see how complicated the carriers make it to get that hooked up.

Gig Sky has my attention. If they deliver on their promise, it's an enticing reason to keep the sim for my primary line and use Gig Sky for travel data.

 

[0970373]

When I travel internationally, I'd like to pick up a SIM that allows me to get a local # for voice+SMS+data, but keep my iMessage # active for the other line, but it doesn't seem like this combo is supported, right?

As for your plan to use email addresses for iMessage (and FaceTime), I think when I tried that on my iPhone with single SIM that when I changed out the SIM to a local one, then not only did of course the new local # get associated with iMessage, but the former alternate email addresses I had for iMessage didn't work either. But that was a few years ago, so I cannot remember for sure.

You'll be able to receive SMS & calls on both lines regardless of which data plan is active. You will have both numbers available on iMessage/FaceTime as well as long as you have activated them on both lines AND signed into iCloud. That is exactly how this is supposed to work. I have 2 phones (UK & UK) and I can get iMessages on my UK phone to my US phone. You'll be fine as long as the SIM or eSIM is active and signed into your iCloud account which syncs them.

 

[Vermifuge]

You'll be able to receive SMS & calls on both lines regardless of which data plan is active. You will have both numbers available on iMessage/FaceTime as well as long as you have activated them on both lines AND signed into iCloud. That is exactly how this is supposed to work. I have 2 phones (UK & UK) and I can get iMessages on my UK phone to my US phone. You'll be fine as long as the SIM or eSIM is active and signed into your iCloud account which syncs them.

I hate to nitpick but have you read the link above?

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209044

It certainly says you can run SMS from both but not iMessages. This could be a mistake, or just an omitted detail but going by the letter of the law it doesn't seem that it's possible with iMessages.

 

[0970373]

I hate to nitpick but have you read the link above?

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209044

It certainly says you can run SMS from both but not iMessages. This could be a mistake, or just an omitted detail but going by the letter of the law it doesn't seem that it's possible with iMessages.

As someone who has been using 2 numbers on iMessage for a few years, I know how it works. iMessage phone numbers and emails are registered on the Apple iCloud Server side. It's why it's blue - to differentiate it from YOUR CARRIER, which is what SMS & MMS are. It's like saying you can only get email on the 1 computer you first set it up on.

I get iMessages & FaceTime from my UK# on my US phone. It is absolutely possible because these are synced via iCloud and so it absolutely does not matter what you are using for data transmission - Primary data, Secondary data or WiFI.

What is very clear is that most ppl don't understand that SMS/MMS/Call Phone calls and iCloud/iMessage/Face Time are 2 different protocols.

 

[Vermifuge]

As someone who has been using 2 numbers on iMessage for a few years, I know how it works. iMessage phone numbers and emails are registered on the Apple Server side. It's why it's blue - to differentiate it from YOUR CARRIER, which is what SMS & MMS are.

I get iMessages & FaceTime from my UK# on my US phone. It is absolutely possible because these are synced via iCloud and so it absolutely does not matter what you are using for data transmission - Primary data, Secondary data or WiFI.

What is very clear is that most ppl don't understand that SMS/MMS/Call Phone calls and iCloud/iMessage/Face Time are 2 different protocols.

In your use case are you are using the same account from two different phones? how are you merging them? I'm not doubting you. But just trying to clarify to we can all provide the best information possible in response to questions on these forums.

 

[Luba]

In https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209044 under Set up your cellular plan with eSIM

"One of your cellular plans uses a nano-SIM and the other (or others) uses an eSIM." This sounds like you can store many cellular plans on the eSIM and activate the one you want. Only two (dual) would be activate at any time, but you can load on the eSIM many plans.
[doublepost=1538870532][/doublepost]

In https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209044 under Set up your cellular plan with eSIM

"One of your cellular plans uses a nano-SIM and the other (or others) uses an eSIM." This sounds like you can store many cellular plans on the eSIM and activate the one you want. Only two (dual) would be activate at any time, but you can load on the eSIM many plans.

Going to answer my own question. . "You can store more than one eSIM in your iPhone, but you can use only one at a time. You can switch eSIMs by tapping Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans and tapping the plan you want to use. Then tap Turn On This Line."

 

[0970373]

In your use case are you are using the same account from two different phones? how are you merging them? I'm not doubting you. But just trying to clarify to we can all provide the best information possible in response to questions on these forums.

You just have to be signed into the same iCloud account on both devices. And when both SIMs are activated on a singular device, it will work the same way. It's why I can send & receive iMessages on 2 Macs and 2 iPads. It's why you can use emails for iMessages. Think of them like emails & aliases and it will be easier to understand.

 

[Vermifuge]

You just have to be signed into the same iCloud account on both devices. And when both SIMs are activated on a singular device, it will work the same way. It's why I can send & receive iMessages on 2 Macs and 2 iPads. It's why you can use emails for iMessages. Think of them like emails & aliases and it will be easier to understand.

Its reports like this that confuse me

https://appleinsider.com/articles/18/09/14/how-dual-sim-works-with-apples-iphone-xs-xs-max

Changing the line for iMessage and FaceTime is more complicated, as you have to go into Settings, Messages, and then iMessage & FaceTime Line. The selected choice is permanent until you reverse it.

 

[0970373]

Its reports like this that confuse me

https://appleinsider.com/articles/18/09/14/how-dual-sim-works-with-apples-iphone-xs-xs-max

The exception is an option to relegate a secondary line to data only, which may be useful for traveling — this will let people call or message you at your main number but avoid exorbitant roaming fees with a local SIM card. Be warned that in addition to voice and SMS, iMessage and FaceTime will still go to your primary, which could rack up data fees.

That just refers to the data line those services are using. Apple has never been good at explaining these things as I assume they feel people are smart enough to figure it out or will eventually be revealed in real life usage.

 

[haruhiko]

I'm from Hong Kong and I'm already with the dual physical SIM version of the XS Max. IMO this version is the best of both worlds. My carrier doesn't even support eSIM and now I popped in my local SIM and a China SIM card inside and I can just travel to mainland China without even thinking about the need to switch SIMs. TBH this is one of the main reason for me to upgrade to the XS Max.

 

[tx4app]

As someone who has been using 2 numbers on iMessage for a few years, I know how it works. iMessage phone numbers and emails are registered on the Apple iCloud Server side. It's why it's blue - to differentiate it from YOUR CARRIER, which is what SMS & MMS are. It's like saying you can only get email on the 1 computer you first set it up on.

I get iMessages & FaceTime from my UK# on my US phone. It is absolutely possible because these are synced via iCloud and so it absolutely does not matter what you are using for data transmission - Primary data, Secondary data or WiFI.

What is very clear is that most ppl don't understand that SMS/MMS/Call Phone calls and iCloud/iMessage/Face Time are 2 different protocols.

It's because I do understand they are different protocols, and because the content at the aforementioned link does not state that iMessage may be used on both lines simultaneously, that there is confusion. This is amplified by the option description:

Use Secondary for cellular data only: You might want to select this option if you're traveling internationally and you want to keep Primary for voice, SMS, iMessage, and FaceTime. This will allow you to use Secondary for data.​

Because iMessage and FaceTime are protocols that operate over the Internet that means those services must rely on either cellular data or WiFi. Unlike the other option, "data" is not explicitly enumerated for the Primary above, but only for the Secondary. The omission of "data" for the primary while at the same time stating support for iMessage and FaceTime has led me to speculate that those messaging facilities might only be supported by WiFi on the primary. You employ the terms "Primary data" and "Secondary data", but nowhere in Apple's link does it state that "data" is supported on dual SIM iPhones simultaneously. In fact, at the top of the page Apple states:

Both of your phone numbers can make and receive voice calls and send and receive SMS and MMS.2 Your iPhone can use one cellular data network at a time.​

 

[0970373]

It's because I do understand they are different protocols, and because the content at the aforementioned link does not state that iMessage may be used on both lines simultaneously, that there is confusion. This is amplified by the option description:

Use Secondary for cellular data only: You might want to select this option if you're traveling internationally and you want to keep Primary for voice, SMS, iMessage, and FaceTime. This will allow you to use Secondary for data.​

Because iMessage and FaceTime are protocols that operate over the Internet that means those services must rely on either cellular data or WiFi. Unlike the other option, "data" is not explicitly enumerated for the Primary above, but only for the Secondary. The omission of "data" for the primary while at the same time stating support for iMessage and FaceTime has led me to speculate that those messaging facilities might only be supported by WiFi on the primary. You employ the terms "Primary data" and "Secondary data", but nowhere in Apple's link does it state that "data" is supported on dual SIM iPhones simultaneously. In fact, at the top of the page Apple states:

Both of your phone numbers can make and receive voice calls and send and receive SMS and MMS.2 Your iPhone can use one cellular data network at a time.​

Thank you for pointing this out. I actually misquoted that line. The playoff game had just started so I was distracted, haha. Data is still via whatever you've chosen, including for iMessage, FaceTime, etc. My point stands there. And yes, only 1 cellular data line can be used at a time.

Expanding the quote and reading it more carefully, it actually refers to your outgoing "caller ID." I guess none of us read that very carefully! This is in line with my experiences of 2 lines (both on iMessage).

The below refers to the "Start New Conversations From" section in iMessage settings.

If I want to send a new (not previously threaded) iMessage to someone in the UK, my current choice is to start the thread from my US line. That's what this refers to. BUT if someone from the UK sends an iMessage to my UK #, I can respond from my US phone and it will reply back using my UK# and keeping the thread in tact (rather than coming from some US# they my not know). Anyway, I wish Apple wold fix this as I find it very annoying. I'm hoping that assigning a number/line to a contact fixes this but I guess we'll see.

So I'll reiterate: Both numbers and any email address you've registered to iMessage can be used regardless of what data line or WiFi you are on.

View attachment 792745

 

[kenvip88]

Thank you for pointing this out. I actually misquoted that line. The playoff game had just started so I was distracted, haha. Data is still via whatever you've chosen, including for iMessage, FaceTime, etc. My point stands there. And yes, only 1 cellular data line can be used at a time.

Expanding the quote and reading it more carefully, it actually refers to your outgoing "caller ID." I guess none of us read that very carefully! This is in line with my experiences of 2 lines (both on iMessage).

The below refers to the "Start New Conversations From" section in iMessage settings.

If I want to send a new (not previously threaded) iMessage to someone in the UK, my current choice is to start the thread from my US line. That's what this refers to. BUT if someone from the UK sends an iMessage to my UK #, I can respond from my US phone and it will reply back using my UK# and keeping the thread in tact (rather than coming from some US# they my not know). Anyway, I wish Apple wold fix this as I find it very annoying. I'm hoping that assigning a number/line to a contact fixes this but I guess we'll see.

So I'll reiterate: Both numbers and any email address you've registered to iMessage can be used regardless of what data line or WiFi you are on.


View attachment 792921

View attachment 792745

I own a 2 physical Sim version, so I will try my best to explan (really sorry for my English which is not very good)
- You can only use one Sim for iMessage at one time, if you want to use iMessage by the other Sim, you have to deactive the 1st one first.



- From now let call it Sim1 and Sim2 to be more easier. Sim1 is your old (main) sim. Sim2 is the other
- For every old messages in your phone, it will be set on Sim1. So if you want to message (not iMessage) anyone on Sim2, you have to delete that SMS thread with that one 1st, then choose Sim2 when start a new SMS (not iMessage)



- Or if that person alreay have a thread with you by Sim1, then they text you on Sim2, it will go into the same thread, with a notification that number change to Sim2.



If you need any more information, please tell. I will try my best to display it for you.
Again, sorry for my not so good English

 

[Vermifuge]

I own a 2 physical Sim version, so I will try my best to explan (really sorry for my English which is not very good)
- You can only use one Sim for iMessage at one time, if you want to use iMessage by the other Sim, you have to deactive the 1st one first.

View attachment 792925

- From now let call it Sim1 and Sim2 to be more easier. Sim1 is your old (main) sim. Sim2 is the other
- For every old messages in your phone, it will be set on Sim1. So if you want to message (not iMessage) anyone on Sim2, you have to delete that SMS thread with that one 1st, then choose Sim2 when start a new SMS (not iMessage)

View attachment 792927

- Or if that person alreay have a thread with you by Sim1, then they text you on Sim2, it will go into the same thread, with a notification that number change to Sim2.

View attachment 792929

If you need any more information, please tell. I will try my best to display it for you.
Again, sorry for my not so good English

This is how I interpersted it. I imagine the same would be true when using an sSim.