How the double works

One of the new features of the iPhone XS, XS Max, and also the least expensive iPhone Xr is dual-SIM support. Thanks to them, users can use two phone numbers on the same device. Of course, as usual, Apple has implemented this new function in its own way. With the only exception of China, in the rest of the countries, including Spain, we will not be able to use two physical nano-SIMs, but one nano-SIM + eSIM, which greatly limits their use, currently only available with Orange and Vodafone, and having to assume its conditions if we want to enjoy this function. But controversial aside, let's see how dual-SIM works in the new iPhone.

Preparing for dual-SIM

Here's the first catch: Only ten countries support Apple's eSIM (Austria, Canada, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, India, Spain, the UK, and the US). And within them, only a few operators endorse this technology. But what's more, iPhone users will also need an iOS 12 update that will arrive "later this year" as well as the official application of an operator or a special QR code. Anyway, all facilities and advantages, right, Mr. Cook?

Many people will already have a nano-SIM card from their primary carrier, in which case adding a second number implies adding a plan for eSIM. If you use an operator application, the process should be as simple as using that application to buy a plan: in the case of a QR code, you must open the Settings application, touch Mobile data, and then "Add mobile plan " (or similar when we see it in Spain) . Then an option will be displayed to scan your code.

You can use eSIM instead of nano-SIM, either for a single account or several, but you cannot have more than one active eSIM account at the same time. For most people, they point out from AppleInsider, the best option will be to have a primary nano-SIM.

Once you have multiple plans active, you will need to tag them. There are predefined options like "Main", "Secondary", "Business" and "Travel", or you can simply create your own label. To change a label later, you will have to enter the Mobile data menu of the Settings application, touch the number you want to change and then Plan label.

You will also be asked to set a default number, this is crucial as it will be the only one that supports your operator's full range of services. Secondary numbers can normally only send voice messages and SMS.

As an exception, you can limit the secondary number only to the use of data, which can be useful for traveling; This will allow people to call you and send messages to your main number, but you will avoid exorbitant roaming fees by adding a line with a local SIM card. Please note that in addition to voice and text messaging, iMessage and FaceTime will still go to your primary number, which could accumulate data usage.

Making calls

Once everything is ready and working, you can change the number before dialing in the Phone application by touching the current number (its label) directly from the keyboard screen, or pressing the "i" button first when you are browsing your contacts Favorites. Choosing an SMS number is similar, but tap the number after starting a new conversation and selecting a contact.

Changing the iMessage and FaceTime line is more complicated, since you have to go to Settings, Messages and then to iMessage and FaceTime Line. The selected choice is permanent until you change it again.

One last detail. In the iOS 12 status bar, you will normally only see the signal strength of a line, but you can see how the secondary line works by opening the Control Center.

I do not know about you, but I was not convinced, basically by the decision taken by Apple. The Chinese model (two physical nano-SIMs) would have made it easier for all of us to use, being able to choose any operator, including OMVs. Without a doubt, as I have already been able to verify, the e-SIM is a brake for those Android users who, needing two numbers (for example, for work and personal), wanted to return to the iPhone. I have no doubt that Apple will succeed in imposing its criteria, all we have to do is look back to see that the industry is advancing after it (remove the CD player from computers, remove the headphone jack connector, first the micro-SIM, then the nano-SIM, the notch…), but I also have no doubt that it will be an unnecessary delay.