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iPhone 13 Models Support Dual eSIMs [Updated]
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eSIM has allowed more competition as there are now completely virtual carriers that can offer services worldwide since all you need is the QR code instead of having to ship a physical SIM.
I believe iOS allows you to move your eSIM to a new iPhone if you upgrade. The catch is that some carriers will surely make it harder than it’s supposed to (especially US carriers), but the tech itself can be seamless.
This is the issue. Like for example AT&T would charge an upgrade fee to move the line to a new phone/SIM.
Whereas if you buy the phone SIM-free and move it yourself, there's no fee.
The fee isn't that much money, but it's the principle of being forced to pay a fee for something that costs the carrier nothing.
Exactly; carriers make it hard to transfer esim to new phones (as they want to charge activation fee every time we get new iphone). Swapping physical sim on the other hand can get around of these stupid activation fees.
For further information about the special Hong Kong dual Nano Sim look to this site. Unlike in Mainland-China the Hong-Kong iPhones dont have any restriction. I wish Apple would sell ipHones with this option in Europe too as we have many pre-paid carriers not offering e-sim.
support.apple.com
Using Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards - Apple Support
In China mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao, certain iPhone models feature Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards. This gives you two phone numbers to make and receive calls and text messages.
Yup. On my 12 Pro max, I use TMobile on the nano(physical) sim, and ATT on eSim. I can even set TMobile as primary for voice and ATT primary for data and vice-versa and also enable auto-switch for data ( i.e. if I'm in a dead spot for ATT, the device switches to TMobile for data )
The ONE thing that 'Samesung' should copy from Apple, it doesn't!! at least for the US market...
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and 20 Ultra support eSIM in U.S. (T-Mobile network)
Years after Google and Apple, Samsung finally gets eSIM working in the US
If you have the Note 20 and T-Mobile, you can finally ditch your plastic SIM card.
arstechnica.com
Rumors are Galaxy S21 might support it in U.S. The Galaxy S20 didn't even thought it had a dual SIM tray.
In fact each eSim is probably a Java Card applet loaded in the (single) secure element of the phone, and the limitation to one eSim is either arbitrary or due to memory shortage in the secure element of previous phones.
iPhone
Discover the iPhone 16e along with iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16, and iPhone 15 — built for Apple Intelligence.www.apple.com
Like previously the Hong Kong IPhone 13 and Pro (not the mini though) support two nano sim trays without any software limitation.
LoL, so Quad Sim but only Two Sim available at one time. Nice.
Yes they can. But then what is the use of an iPhone without any kind of connectivity?
To add to the complication, here in Hong Kong, our iPhone 13 "version" has two physical nano-SIM slots, while the Apple official page has no mention of eSIM support.
Yes, it is great but remember.... they (thiefs) can still switch the Airplane mode ON from the control centre and cut all connections.
Except you can turn off control center access when locked. I forget where this setting is, but I have mine set this way.
It is not in the control centre settings where one would expect it would be (iPhone 11 Pro Max here) And if is not where it should be, you can imagine how many people know about it.
We are talking about a stolen iPhone here. It will be stuck on the lock screen and useless regardless. The question was whether the thief can prevent the owner from tracking it.
I'd put money on UK carriers charging you for the privilege. They are now sneaking in roaming charges abroad for new contracts (I've managed to avoid that one, presumably because I took mine out at a time when the EU forbade such things). So, anything that swings some kind of new contract into play would be a win for the carrier. Easy money.
People concerned about the unauthorized activation of airplane mode are probably and edge case. Those that are interested enough can figure it out. It is kindof meaningless anyway since I may as well just turn the phone off rather than put it in airplane mode.
The anti-theft usecase is a nice side-effect of eSim, but hardly compelling.
Also, just for everyone's information, on the iPhone 12 you were still able to have multiple eSIM (profiles) stored. You were just not able to have them both "on" at the same time. In other words, lets say you had an eSIM from a French carrier, and an eSIM from a Spanish carrier. You could have them both stored on your phone, and turn them on as needed.
right; this is kind of workaround but it would be ideal if carriers allow esim to be transferred to new phone during transfer process (without either calling them or adding activation fees which i doubt they (specially US carriers) will even bother).
Tech we are already paying for the line and if we get new phone directly from apple and its unlocked, they should not be charging activation fee at all but greed goes beyond any explanation!
Not in the US ( N20U ) unfortunately.. TMO's website lists how to activate the eSIM, but the device just doesn't show the SIM Manager option ( confirmed by Samsung as being disabled in the US )Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and 20 Ultra support eSIM in U.S. (T-Mobile network)
Years after Google and Apple, Samsung finally gets eSIM working in the US
If you have the Note 20 and T-Mobile, you can finally ditch your plastic SIM card.
Rumors are Galaxy S21 might support it in U.S. The Galaxy S20 didn't even thought it had a dual SIM tray.
