iPhone 12 Pro Is the dual-sim 5G fixable in software?

[StuMcBill]

I’m just wondering if Apple is going to be able to fix the lack of 5G while using Dual-sim in software, or if it’s a hardware limitation.

I was listening to a podcast and it intimated that it was a hardware limitation with the Qualcomm x55 modem.

If this is correct, I’m going to be a bit annoyed that I can’t use 5G on my phone of which the main selling point in the presentation was 5G?

I feel this should have been communicated pretty clearly from Apple if this limitation is permanent?

Stu

 

[JPack]

Probably a software limitation, given 5G works in the dual physical SIM model in China. My guess is Apple made a decision to prioritize features for certain markets and will come back to it for eSIM eventually.

 

[wickkedd]

Probably a software limitation, given 5G works in the dual physical SIM model in China. My guess is Apple made a decision to prioritize features for certain markets and will come back to it for eSIM eventually.

Are we sure about that it works on dual sim in China? The reason I bring this up is because on the Samsung side, it seems the Snapdragon Galaxy Note 20 ultra sold in overseas markets has the same limitation, while the exynos model doesn't. Snapdragon Note 20 ultra users are struggling to get 5g when using 2 sims. I see that all over xda developers.

 

[JPack]

Are we sure about that it works on dual sim in China? The reason I bring this up is because on the Samsung side, it seems the Snapdragon Galaxy Note 20 ultra sold in overseas markets has the same limitation, while the exynos model doesn't. Snapdragon Note 20 ultra users are struggling to get 5g when using 2 sims. I see that all over xda developers.

Yes, because every Chinese review says it works. Apple also says explicitly it works on their support page.

Use 5G with your iPhone - Apple Support

iPhone 12 models or later work with the 5G cellular networks of certain carriers. Learn how to use 5G cellular service.

support.apple.com

 

[wickkedd]

Yes, because every Chinese review says it works. Apple also says explicitly it works on their support page.

Use 5G with your iPhone - Apple Support

iPhone 12 models or later work with the 5G cellular networks of certain carriers. Learn how to use 5G cellular service.

support.apple.com

I just went through that support page and totally missed that. I guess it works there, so it should work here soon as well. Fingers crossed! Thanks for clarifying

 

[oneteam]

Apple will enable with a software update. it was on the front page of macrumors

https://www.macrumors.com/2020/10/19/5g-dual-sim-mode-software-update-planned/

 

[StuMcBill]

Apple will enable with a software update. it was on the front page of macrumors

https://www.macrumors.com/2020/10/19/5g-dual-sim-mode-software-update-planned/

I haven’t seen anything official from Apple though?

 

[ZipZap]

Probably a software limitation, given 5G works in the dual physical SIM model in China. My guess is Apple made a decision to prioritize features for certain markets and will come back to it for eSIM eventually.

Really, if they have it working in one market then they have deliberately blocked it in another. I suspect they are playing footsie with the carriers. Same with the so-called 30 discount for some carriers. You will pay a $30 upgrade fee with those carriers so = no discount.

 

[lordhamster]

OnePlus 8T has the same limitation noted on their product pages, but users who manually upgraded to Android 11 are reporting 5G works now while dual-sim mode is active. Since that product uses the same modem, i'm confident it is fixable.

 

[JPack]

Really, if they have it working in one market then they have deliberately blocked it in another. I suspect they are playing footsie with the carriers. Same with the so-called 30 discount for some carriers. You will pay a $30 upgrade fee with those carriers so = no discount.

Dual-SIM probably requires extensive testing by Qualcomm and with carriers. Unlike other parts of the world, 5G is a must-have feature in China due to extensive and mature 5G deployments. I don't think Apple or Qualcomm deliberately blocked the feature outside China, it's just not as high priority.