iOS 16 Lets You Transfer an eSIM Between iPhones via Bluetooth

[MacRumors]

iOS 16 introduces a useful new feature that allows an eSIM to be transferred between iPhones via Bluetooth while setting up cellular service.

In the Settings app on an iPhone running iOS 16, tapping on "Set up eSIM" brings up an option to transfer an eSIM and its associated phone number from another iPhone via Bluetooth. To transfer an eSIM from another iPhone, Apple says to make sure the other iPhone is nearby, unlocked, has Bluetooth turned on, and is running iOS 16 or later.

The feature appears to be available in multiple countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, but it is only possible to complete Bluetooth transfers of eSIMs issued by carriers that support the feature. Given that iOS 16 was only announced a few days ago and is currently in beta, carrier support may be limited right now.

Apple also continues to provide the more traditional option of setting up an eSIM by scanning a QR code provided by a carrier.

An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan from a carrier without having to use a physical nano-SIM card. A single eSIM is available on the iPhone XS and newer, while all four iPhone 13 models support dual eSIMs.

The first beta of iOS 16 was seeded to developers earlier this week, and a public beta will be available in July. Apple said iOS 16 will be released in the fall, at which point this new eSIM transfer feature will be available to all users.

(Thanks, Carson!)

Article Link: iOS 16 Lets You Transfer an eSIM Between iPhones via Bluetooth

 

[Marswarrior462]

Can I use it to transfer eSIM to set up my next iPad Pro this fall when I buy it or would I have to open up a separate line from my carrier?

 

[noonas_the_mac_head]

Finally - this was a big issue for me when my phone broke..

 

[DMG35]

Is the eSIM bug still present on TMobile that can deactivate your Apple ID?

 

[tfresquezdxs]

Im confused is this different from the already established feature of transferring esim from an old phone and setting up a new one?

 

[0924487]

Can I use it to transfer eSIM to set up my next iPad Pro this fall when I buy it or would I have to open up a separate line from my carrier?

You need 2 SIMs, so if you transfer your phone will stop working. So, you need to open another line, probably piggy back on your main line. Usually, it’s $10 a month for the tablet plan and share main line’s data.

 

[kaycrystal626]

Wow, very nice.

 

[contacos]

sounds good. I remember switching iPhones. It was such a pain! I had to go to 3 different stores and eventually a technician could finally help me out 4 days later to get another eSim working on the new iPhone

 

[robotica]

Which UK carriers are supporting this feature?

 

[BenGieCruz]

Useful if when I get my new phone on IUP.
USELESS if new phone will require activation fee.......

 

[Apple_Robert]

Glad to know if I ever need this feature it is available. iOS 16 keeps getting better every day I check MR.

 

[MrGunny94]

This is amazing! Now I don't have to carry a backup of the eSIM physical QR code in case I break phones.

 

[Marswarrior462]

You need 2 SIMs, so if you transfer your phone will stop working. So, you need to open another line, probably piggy back on your main line. Usually, it’s $10 a month for the tablet plan and share main line’s data.

Looks like I’ll need to open up a separate line for my next iPad. Paying extra for cellular service on top of a multi-thousand dollar upgrade. Ouch!

 

[BGM]

ok, this is a bit of a game changer as it is currently an absolute ball-ache to transer from one handset to another if using an eSIM

i have the option of using my work number on an eSIM, but i keep hesitating on it as i can only imagine what a world of pain i would be in if i need to quickly switch the SIM to another device.

may i *assume* the moving of the SIM is compeltely seperate to backing up and restoring the phone?

/me runs to read article

 

[0924487]

Looks like I’ll need to open up a separate line for my next iPad. Paying extra for cellular service on top of a multi-thousand dollar upgrade. Ouch!

But why would you get the cellular iPad Pro? iPad can seamlessly share the data from your iPhone. The connection is automatic and done in background if they are using the same Apple ID.

 

[switz]

The cellular iPad has it's own data package instead of sharing the iPhone data plan

 

[gsmornot]

But why would you get the cellular iPad Pro? iPad can seamlessly share the data from your iPhone. The connection is automatic and done in background if they are using the same Apple ID.

I assume you do not have a cellular iPad. The connection reliability and ease is not comparable. The only advantage to using hotspot on your phone is cost and its not worth if if you use more than a gig a month.

 

[MrSkoTA]

That’s what’s up!

 

[gsmornot]

Im confused is this different from the already established feature of transferring esim from an old phone and setting up a new one?

Yes, it will let you do it with the phones versus carrier provisioning. If you buy another device today, you setup service with the carrier who will ready the eSIM for your number using the EID info of the new phone. With this, the devices will talk directly and complete the process letting the carrier know versus the other way around.

 

[Marswarrior462]

But why would you get the cellular iPad Pro? iPad can seamlessly share the data from your iPhone. The connection is automatic and done in background if they are using the same Apple ID.

Even with the battery life of my iPhone 13 Pro Max, tethering will nuke my battery. I only bought the Wi-Fi version of my last iPad because of the COVID lockdowns. The worst of COVID is now over and I plan to travel more

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Wow! This is another useful feature. People outside of U.S. would love this.

 

[MrSkoTA]

I assume you do not have a cellular iPad. The connection reliability and ease is not comparable. The only advantage to using hotspot on your phone is cost and its not worth if if you use more than a gig a month.

False (depending on the iPad and iPhone you have). I have 12 pro max and iPad mini 6. Did a speed test with iPad connected to iPhone personal hotspot (because I ran out of cellular data on the iPad) and on T-Mobile’s 5Guc network I got peak 600 down and 90 up with average of 524 and 87.2

 

[xpxp2002]

But why would you get the cellular iPad Pro? iPad can seamlessly share the data from your iPhone. The connection is automatic and done in background if they are using the same Apple ID.

Battery life. The iPad is basically a big mobile hotspot. It will significantly outlast the iPhone's battery, especially if you have to join a phone call while using the hotspot at the same time.

 

[gsmornot]

False (depending on the iPad and iPhone you have). I have 12 pro max and iPad mini 6. Did a speed test with iPad connected to iPhone personal hotspot (because I ran out of cellular data on the iPad) and on T-Mobile’s 5Guc network I got peak 600 down and 90 up with average of 524 and 87.2

No, it's not speed test we're talking about. Its latency of the connection. If you have a fast speed test but its slow to load pages it feels like a slow connection. The only thing I can tell you is try a cellular iPad sometime and see the difference. I have owned both types since the original iPad and there is a difference. Plus, you get a GPS in the cellular model.

Seems you have a cellular iPad since you ran out of data you said. You should be able to tell the difference. I can. I too have the mini 6, the Pro 12.9, and 12 Pro Max. I skipped the 13 this year but will pick up the 14 but still. How about this, I will say my preference is a data plan on my iPad because my personal experience has been superior compared to hotspot use. I have plans on both iPads.

 

[DeltaSVO]

This is amazing! Now I don't have to carry a backup of the eSIM physical QR code in case I break phones.

Take a photo of the QR code, or ask the carrier to send you one via email. I've kept a copy handy that way.