The embedded SIM (eSIM) functionality in the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, a feature that will enable dual line support in the latest flagship iPhone, can be found in the latest iOS 12.1 beta.
As Apple has outlined in its support document, Dual SIM functionality allows users with two phone lines to use both lines on the same phone. Although the eSIM settings are present in iOS 12.1, you’ll need to gather a QR code or additional information from your carrier before you can put it to use.
To view the new eSIM settings in iOS, you’ll need to be running the 12.1 beta on your iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max. Once you’ve installed the beta, it’s just a matter of heading over to Settings → Cellular to find details related to eSIM set up.
Inside the Cellular settings panel, you’ll see carrier details for your current line assigned to the removable nano SIM inside the phone. Beneath the current line details, you’ll find a link that says Add Cellular Plan. Tapping this link will prompt you to scan a QR code provided by your carrier, which will contain details of all of the necessary settings to enable the line.
Users also have the option of entering details manually via the link at the bottom of the Scan QR Code page. Required manual details include the SM-DP+ Address, Activation Code, and an optional confirmation code. T-Mobile, my cellular provider, is one of several carriers set to support eSIM functionality on the latest iPhones beginning this fall. Just to be sure, I reached out to T-Mobile customer care to check the status of its eSIM support for the iPhone XS, and was told that it’s not yet ready.
Iphone-ticker.de reports that some Deutsche Telekom users are already able to take advantage of the dual SIM support in iOS 12.1. Signal bars for both SIM cards are displayed when invoking Control Center. iMessage and FaceTime will have preferences for establishing which of the two lines will be associated with these services. Priority for a specific line will be able to be established on a per-contact basis, and you can set iOS to automatically use the last number used in communication with a certain contact. Contacts will need to be reassigned if a SIM is removed or no longer has service.
DSDS support
iPhone XS uses Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS), which means you’ll have two phone numbers enabled on a single device, and whichever phone number receives a call is the one that will become the active line. Once you have both lines enabled on your iPhone XS, you’ll be able to give each line a name to make them easily identifiable.
So far three of the major US carriers — Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile — have pledged support for eSIM. Exactly when support will officially roll out among these carriers is anyone’s guess, but the rollout will likely occur after the official launch of iOS 12.1.
Other carries listed during Apple’s iPhone XS event include: Truphone, EE, Bell, Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom, Jio, Airtel, and GigSky.
For China, Apple has produced a version of the iPhone XS that can accommodate two nano SIM cards since eSIM support is lacking in that territory. This version is exclusively available in China.
Once we’re able to test out eSIM functionality on the iPhone XS, we’ll be back with a post to show how to set it up along with a review of its functionality.
Are you planning on taking advantage of the iPhone XS dual SIM capabilities? Why, or why not?
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