For a few years now, you have been able to use dual SIM as a practical feature on modern iPhones. However, there is a slight limitation: Apple cell phones do not have a classic dual SIM card slot. This article will give an overview of all iPhones with the feature. We’ll also tell you how it works and what advantages Apple’s implementation has for you.
Do you want to use your iPhone with two contracts and two SIM cards? There are many good reasons for this: For example, if you want to be available for work with a second number, if you have two mobile phone contracts with different networks or data tariffs, or if you are often abroad and need an additional surcharge there.
Apple has also recognized this need, but unlike many Android manufacturers, it does not install a second nano card slot in the phone. To register a second number, you must use eSIM. This is a built-in chip in the iPhone that can digitally store the data of a classic SIM. A second physical SIM card is not necessary.
iPhone With Dual SIM: All Models At A Glance
Here you will find a clear list in advance of which iPhones offer dual SIM as an optional feature and in which form the function is available to you. We have divided the models into the currently existing variants. Find out below whether the second “card slot” is a single eSIM or whether you can also use two completely digital SIM cards.
Dual eSIM or SIM + eSIM:
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14Plus
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
SIM + eSIM:
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
Set Up The Dual SIM Function On The iPhone 14 – This Is How It Works
The eSIM has been around since the iPhone models Xs, Xs Max and iPhone XR and, of course, also in the iPhone 14 as well as the iPhone 14 Plus , the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max . To register the eSIM on your contract, contact your mobile phone provider – all significant providers have detailed instructions online on getting or activating an eSIM.
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Even smaller providers now support the function. However, please inquire in advance whether this is the case with you. Once complete, you can use the eSIM with your iPhone 14 as if it were a classic SIM card in the corresponding slot.
To switch between the SIM cards after registration, you choose the following steps on your iPhone 14 :
- Go to ” Settings “.
- Click on “Cellular “.
- Under “Mobile phone tariffs”, you now select the one you want to use and confirm with ” Activate this line “.
You can assign the two mobile phone tariffs to individual apps or functions from iOS 13. For example, you can specify that you always want to use FaceTime with one number and iMessage with the other number. Necessary: You can be reached on both numbers simultaneously via iPhone dual SIM.
If one mobile phone tariff (depending on the location) offers a higher bandwidth or a better network, you can let your phone try optimally for yourself what it can connect to. But you must allow this beforehand by activating ” Allow mobile data switching ” in the settings.
Dual SIM On The iPhone: This Is How You Assign A Phone Number
You must set one of the two mobile networks as the standard number for making calls. When you call someone from your phone book for the first time, the connection will be made using this default number.
You can also assign one of the two phone numbers to contacts. Your iPhone will then continue to call these people using exactly this phone number in the future. This is particularly useful if, for example, you do not want to call professional contacts from your private number.
Are eSIM Cards The End Of The Standard SIM Card?
You have been able to use iPhones with two mobile phone contracts since 2018 – provided that one of these two contracts is linked to the eSIM in the iPhone and you use a nano-SIM in the corresponding compartment of the iPhone for the second contract. Apple took the next step with the iPhone 13: Dual SIM is possible for the first time without using a physical SIM card.
This applies to all variants of the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 as well as the iPhone SE (2022)): In addition to the existing slot for a nano SIM, these devices also have two eSIMs installed inside the phone – and that will pretty much realistically be standard for most smartphones in a few years. All smartphones from major manufacturers such as Samsung, Google and Co. are already eSIM-enabled. It’s only a matter of time before a physical SIM card is no longer necessary.
In the US, Apple has already omitted the corresponding slot in the iPhone 14 series. Most mobile service providers allow you to switch to an eSIM without problems. However, to be on the safe side, you should inquire in advance whether your provider supports the eSIM option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Dual SIM Mean?
Dual SIM means that you can use two SIM cards in one smartphone at the same time. This can be done via two physical card slots or a built-in chip and a digital SIM (eSIM).
How To Use Two SIM Cards On The iPhone?
With the iPhone, dual SIM differs depending on the model. The card slot and eSIM can be used together, starting with the iPhone XS. Beginning with the iPhone 13, Apple evenT offers Dual-SIM with two eSIMs simultaneously.
Does The iPhone 14 Have Dual SIM?
Yes, the dual SIM is, of course, also supported by the iPhone 14 and its sister models.
