iPhone 13 Models Support Dual eSIMs [Updated]

[rikscha]

If I am not mistaken, Apple isn’t offering dual esim support on iPhone 13 minis in Hong Kong
Freaking annoying… why would you remove a feature like that. Idiotic.

dual esim is a big reason to buy a new iphone for me. The travel convenience is great

 

[Kontikonsumi]

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.

I cant wait for the quarantine being over and to get a two phsycial nano-Sim card slot iPhone 13 from Hong Kong!

 

[Kontikonsumi]

If I am not mistaken, Apple isn’t offering dual esim support on iPhone 13 minis in Hong Kong
Freaking annoying… why would you remove a feature like that. Idiotic.

dual esim is a big reason to buy a new iphone for me. The travel convenience is great

I can think of two possilble reasons for the iPhone 13 mini being different than the iPhone 13 (Hong Kong Version):
1) Maybe the Iphone mini is too small for two dual nano sim card slots?
2) They want to offer both varieties on the market in order to satisfy everyone (those who need two dual nano sim cards and those who are fine with two dual esims and one nano slot).

 

[dmelgar]

Question: Can I use a new iPhone 13 by moving my SIM from my prior phone like I always have in the past.
Or does it REQUIRE that AT&T get involved and restrict my ability to move my SIM around?

I also have a Pixel 4a that I can use just by moving the SIM around. I don't want to lose that ability. I'll stay with my iPhone 12 if I can't move it around like I always have.

 

[rikscha]

I can think of two possilble reasons for the iPhone 13 mini being different than the iPhone 13 (Hong Kong Version):
1) Maybe the Iphone mini is too small for two dual nano sim card slots?
2) They want to offer both varieties on the market in order to satisfy everyone (those who need two dual nano sim cards and those who are fine with two dual esims and one nano slot).

I should clarify that dual sim isn’t supported on the minis. They only support esim and a physical one so no reason to limit the mini in functionality actually.

 

[rikscha]

I cant wait for the quarantine being over and to get a two phsycial nano-Sim card slot iPhone 13 from Hong Kong!

Just in case you misread but I am not interested in 2 physical SIM cards but rather the new dual esim support.

Apple HK website says in regards to iPhone 13 / iphone 13 mini

• Dual SIM (nano‑SIM and eSIM)13
• Dual eSIM support13
• Dual SIM (nano‑SIM)13
• iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini are not compatible with existing micro-SIM cards.

13. Dual SIM, dual standby. Data and voice SIM selectable in settings. Use of Dual SIM requires two wireless service plans (which may include restrictions on roaming). Not all carriers support Dual VoLTE. Certain restrictions apply. Use of eSIM requires a wireless service plan (which may include restrictions on switching service providers and roaming, even after contract expiration). Not all carriers support eSIM. Use of eSIM in iPhone may be disabled when purchased from some carriers. See your carrier for details. iPhone 13 mini supports Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM). To learn more, visit support.apple.com/en-hk/HT209086.

Re-reading this, it doesn’t explicitly say it wouldn’t support Dual eSIM, maybe this is a reference to highlight only that Dual SIM (nano-sim and esim) is the only dual sim mode supported while dual esim is supported given that they support two different Dual Sim modes, 1st as 2x physical and 2nd as 1x physical + esim.

How would you guys interpret this information?
EDIT

Apple finally updated their website
according to this, dual esim should be supported on iPhone 13 Minis from Hong Kong. Only country where esim won’t be supported at all is China then.

Using Dual SIM with an eSIM - Apple Support (HK)

Set up and use Dual SIM.

support.apple.com

 

[mikemj23]

deleted

 

[Fearz]

Ok so here is my issue:

i just bought an iPhone 13 Pro Dual (physical) SIMS, so putting in one SIM or both i dont have anywhere to be found in settings “Add cellular plan”…both my sim cards telecom operator companies don't support eSim features but still i should have in Settings -> Cellular the option “Add Cellular Plan” right?

I subscribed with Yesim which provides me with an eSim International data plan, but cant find anywhere to add the plan.

comtacted apple support and im scheduled a call tomorrow mornijg because the agent said I should havw that option available regardless if my telecom operator company support the eSim feature or not…

can anyone here confirm that? Do you see that option available with the iPhone 13 Pro hong kong/singapore dual physical sim model?

my model is MLTE3ZA/A

I tried:

1. Resetting network settings
2. Restarting the phone with 1 SIM or 2 SIMS inserted
3. Yesim provides a QR code which i tried to scan but actually does nothing as i think it should go to the option which i cant find “Add cellular plan”..but nothing happens
4. I cant find Mobile Settings anywhere too

if someone has the phone i would appreciate checking to see if you have that option available…

thank you

 

[vinaygoel2000]

The **only** issue I found, is that my vehicle (‘19 VW) doesn’t recognize my phone when it’s using e-sim. It just says “no sim” on the screen and doesn’t show signal strength. It still works fine with CarPlay.

Your car will recognize the primary line only. Not the secondary. If both lines work on your phone, you should not see the "no sim" message.

 

[vinaygoel2000]

Help. I don’t understand eSim. I am on Verizon and will be ordering a 13 PM. How do you keep your same number and plan.

Just put your new phone next to the old phoine and everything will transfer over include your verizon number. However, I dont think your question is related to this dual sim thread.

 

[vinaygoel2000]

OK but they need to fix the dialer software. We must have a choice when we are about to call someone to select the sim.

You can select from the dialer screen. Just tap "primary" or "personal" at the very top and you will be provided an option to choose "secondary" or "business".

 

[vinaygoel2000]

To answer another member question, you can install three sims but only two can be active at a time. Have to manually switch.

Which one gets disabled - primary or secondary? And what happens when you remove the physical sim - everything starts working as before with dual esims?

 

[vinaygoel2000]

Question: Can I use a new iPhone 13 by moving my SIM from my prior phone like I always have in the past.
Or does it REQUIRE that AT&T get involved and restrict my ability to move my SIM around?

I also have a Pixel 4a that I can use just by moving the SIM around. I don't want to lose that ability. I'll stay with my iPhone 12 if I can't move it around like I always have.

You can move the physical sim as always. Just put in the new phone and it'll start working automatically. Also, if you choose, your new phone (13) can automatically transfer your sim number from old phone as an esim in new phone. The sim card will then become disabled permanently.

 

[chabig]

But can't they just enable Airplane mode to avoid you getting a location or tracking them or wiping it?

Since iOS 15, iPhones can still be tracked in airplane mode and even when turned off.