The upcoming range of iPhones are likely to support dual-SIM functionality and we can’t be more excited to see Apple changing its stance. Well, the news isn’t official yet, so we’ll take it with a pinch of salt, but latest reports this week indicate that a dual-SIM iPhone might not be far away now.
The hints of this feature coming to iPhones have been picked up from a recent codelist for iOS 12 that will be publicly released later this year. iPhone is still one of the few devices in the market to be selling with a single SIM slot, with the Pixel 2 series from Google being another.
Apple has relied on its demand for iPhone in countries like the United States and various parts of Europe, where a phone’s dual-SIM capability is not a widely used feature.
Digging into the matter, guys at 9to5Mac have unearthed these codes for iOS 12 which clearly highlight the software support for a second SIM tray. Whether this support will make it to Apple’s hardware is anybody’s guess for now, but Apple finally switching sides is a refreshing sign.
Dual-SIM support is likely to play a big part in Apple’s expected growth from markets like India, where the Cupertino-based giant has been floundering for the past couple of quarters. The feature could also work in Apple’s favour, especially if it decides to venture into the Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000 smartphone segment in the country.
Recent quarterly results for Apple clearly highlight that growth from developed markets has dwindled. So, what’s the point of relying on them and making products just for them, especially when others like Samsung and OnePlus have shown that dual-SIM phones can be sold in all markets.
Having said that, it’s not going to be only India that can come to Apple’s rescue. There are other markets in the Latin America region that have similar consumer traits. Dual-SIM has become the norm and most phone makers have adopted this standard already.
We don’t know which of the upcoming iPhones will let you use two SIM cards, but it’s time Apple offers it.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)