iPhone 12 Models in Dual SIM Mode May Not Run at 5G Speeds, At Least Initially [Update: Confirmed]

[Voyageur]

I have the habit of expecting to get what I am paying for, otherwise this whole marketing strategy built on 5G is a scam.

For many people in other countries, such kind of restrictions are common practice. Many new features come to users, sometimes after several years, if at all. And often this happens through Apple's fault. However, everyone always pays full price and even more than the US domestic price.
Based on this, I don't think this is a tragedy.

 

[iGeneo]

Do you even realize how much a Quality of Life improvement it is to not to have to carry 2 phones around with you?

It isn’t that Dual SIM doesn’t work, it’s that it makes one of the reasons to upgrade to the 12 totally negated.

Yes, crippling the functions of your device by virtue of using your new phone the exact same way you’re using your current phone is, absolutely, a deal breaker.

I’ve been using dual sim well for over a year... i know the drill well

 

[Mr. Dee]

For those complaining, how are you surviving on LTE and 4G now?

 

[mariusignorello]

It seems like many on here shouldn’t have purchased a 12 if they don’t need 5G. Only on MacRumors will you find people ridiculing the latest tech when that’s exactly what this forum is for discussing.

Honestly, if you don’t want, need or like 5G, please keep quiet. It’s getting VERY annoying listening to the whining. And for those of us who want it, leave us alone.

And yeah we want to use our phones to the maximum capability they can handle. That’s what we bought them for. Get over it.

For many of us, Dual SIM is a must have, especially if that second line is for business. The fact that it disables 5G is an issue, albeit hopefully a temporary one if they issue a software update.

 

[phatspider]

Guys, firstly this is software related, and is a product of the code built in to change to LTE when 5G is not needed.

If you only use one sim for data exclusively, and have “Allow Cellular Data Switching” off, 5G will work fine. It’s only an issue if you allow it to switch automatically.

For sure? If so that would be fine for me as I use voice both sims but data only from one. But everything I’m reading suggests you won’t even pick up a 5G signal if you have two active sims in your phone

 

[AppleMango]

I absolutely agree that dual sim was and is a game changer. I use it every day and it made a big difference to me and my work and private life.
But I am not sure that this article is really giving all the details and if there is not a Software update down the line.

5G is not a game changer for me yet, even though I am using both the “best networks” - it’s not enough for me to upgrade from an 11 Pro without hesitation and as always there will be hiccups here and there. So I am reluctant to say it is “deliberate crippling“.

I will hold out and see what the reviews say and some user experiences and then take it from there.

 

[Majed Alhelal]

I hope you’re kidding. This is unacceptable. 😔. Are you sure an update coming up later next year? Is this story confirmed?

 

[iGeneo]

I absolutely agree that dual sim was and is a game changer. I use it every day and it made a big difference to me and my work and private life.
But I am not sure that this article is really giving all the details and if there is not a Software update down the line.

5G is not a game changer for me yet, even though I am using both the “best networks” - it’s not enough for me to upgrade from an 11 Pro without hesitation and as always there will be hiccups here and there. So I am reluctant to say it is “deliberate crippling“.

I will hold out and see what the reviews say and some user experiences and then take it from there.

Appreciate the rational view 👍

 

[G30FF]

For sure? If so that would be fine for me as I use voice both sims but data only from one. But everything I’m reading suggests you won’t even pick up a 5G signal if you have two active sims in your phone

Well I was dismayed by the news too because I use dual SIM and only reason I was going to move from an 11 to a 12 pro max was screen size and 5G. I have a family member who works for Apple CS and that’s what they told me so I’m going to go ahead with my order on Nov 6th...Ofcourse by then there will already be people that should be able to confirm firsthand

 

[mariusignorello]

Guys, firstly this is software related, and is a product of the code built in to change to LTE when 5G is not needed.

If you only use one sim for data exclusively, and have “Allow Cellular Data Switching” off, 5G will work fine. It’s only an issue if you allow it to switch automatically.

Ok, we’re on to something then. My second line is just for voice and text.

But...if you make a phone call on your primary line and it switches to the second line’s data...we’re back to square one. I guess we have to go back to no data while on a call?

 

[mariusignorello]

if it's a deal breaker then just cancel your order, it's like these power users can't use their phone anymore without having 5g

i have never been in a situation where I was thinking damn wish I had 5G

...yet 😏

 

[vmistery]

I will remind people that this is essentially an Apple 1st gen product. If you don't want quirks wait for the what used to be the S year next year. Next year you will get much improved battery, much better cameras, improved 5G and antenna design, 120hz screen as well as the usual spec bump. I should also add, it seems this dual 5G thing is going to be worked on anyway.

 

[KPOM]

Then why releasing a "5G" iPhone with dual sims if the dual sims don't do 5G?

It is a software issue. A fix is coming later this year.

 

[bklement]

Perhaps you should sue

I would have to buy it first to do that. The EU will do it with a nice fine.

 

[KPOM]

how about the wonderful Apple 5G version, doesn't work at all? You know the one they spent 50% of their keynote on?

Did you scroll down to the part that says a fix is coming later this year?

 

[KPOM]

Sub 6 5G here is quite sufficient. I’ve averaged 4-500mbps and sometimes get close to 1gbps. So about 8-20 times better than 4G

I get about 120 mbps from AT&T’s LTE, so those speeds are about 3-8 times better, not 8-20.

 

[Ramchi]

For those complaining, how are you surviving on LTE and 4G now?

By not paying for the 5G devices of course 😂😂😂 the article says you have to either lose one of your SIM cards(I.e. one mobile connection) for 5G or just LTE in both! The later part doesn't require a new 5G mobile.

 

[Euroamerican]

Aha! Y'all are choosing your network wrong!(tm)

I'm feeling a bit of the old "same old, same old..." as just was enjoying my fond recollections last night of the whole "you're holding it wrong" fiasco!

 

[newyorksole]

I can’t believe there are people who are really set on not upgrading because of this article lmaooo you gotta be kidding me.

 

[MayaTlab]

It’s a little difficult for me to swallow the price increase for the 6.1 inches iPhone 12 for something that Not only am I not expecting to be able to use for a while but also for what clearly seems to be a first generation effort.

I’m wondering if Apple wouldn’t have been better off either developing a 4G version of the iPhone 12 (the non-pro ones) and selling the 4G 6.1 at $700 / €800 and the mini at $600 / €700 or dropping 5G altogether for this year for the non-pro versions and wait until they can provide it for cheaper.

 

[JosephAW]

Hopefully all this 5G hype will make my older LTE much faster.

 

[michael31986]

How do other 5G dual phones manage this issue.

 

[tfresquezdxs]

So the current the 11 and xs iPhones supported dual sim dual standby. Meaning only one can be active for data. Some androids with Qualcomm chips support dual volte meaning you can have both active. Wonder if this is a feature, I doubt it though only because if it was, apple would’ve mentioned it at their event. But if the new phone is using Qualcomm chips and not something like mediatek then the iPhone cellular chip is technically capable of that technology.

 

[felixroqu3]

Here comes the “power users” that must have the already sparse 5G coverage at all times. 🙄

I personally use dual sim for international travel, it is a non-issue.

And of course... we will have many that claim it is a “deal breaker”

As a POWER USER 😂 I use my personal and work sim on my phone as I don't want to log around two separate phones. I live in NYC and have excellent 5G coverage. So of course this is unfortunate. This will be especially disappointing for those who have old iPhones that are hanging by a thread and are in actual need of upgrading this cycle. Paying for a 5G phone that will essentially be a 4G phone? Not okay. So, we have a right to be upset at this. Just because its a "non-issue" for you, it doesn't mean the same applies to the next person.

Order is now cancelled, sticking with XS for another year. Disappointing because I was looking forward to some new tech, but since I don’t take many pictures, the iPhone 12 already felt like only a smalll update.

i would not be able to use 5G at all, because I use dual sim 24/7.

I am waiting for the next iPhone with hopefully real 5G (including international UW) support, 120hz and a smaller notch. That will feel much better

So you cancelled your order without waiting to see if Apple will roll out a "hot fix" update to remedy this?

 

[ani4ani]

Did you scroll down to the part that says a fix is coming later this year?

I did indeed; but, the fact remains today the phone does not do what is claimed; I am sure whilst the features that the phone is being sold on, are not working Apple will reduce the price?

Always the same with Apple keynotes; you have to pay attention to what they don't say, e.g. taking 8 months for ECG function to be available on the Apple watch here in the UK, despite it being one of the central features of the keynote.