Apple introduced eSIM support on iPhone with iPhone XR and iPhone XS in 2018. However, while you can use a regular SIM and an eSIM simultaneously, there was no way to use two eSIMs simultaneously — until now. iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro feature dual eSIM support for the first time.
The new capability was confirmed by Apple on the iPhone 13 specs webpage. There, Apple says that iPhone 13 models support Dual SIM using both regular SIM and eSIM and “Dual eSIM,” as the company calls it. If you check the webpage of the iPhone 12 or previous generations, only combined Dual SIM support is mentioned.
These are the SIM support specifications for iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max:
- Dual SIM (nano‑SIM and eSIM)
- Dual eSIM support
- iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini are not compatible with existing micro-SIM cards.
During the event, Apple also mentioned that iPhone 13 models have support for more 5G bands, which should enable the new faster network in more countries.
Pre-orders of the new iPhone 13 will begin on Friday, September 17, with the official launch coming a week later on September 24. For more information about the iPhone 13 pre-order, check Apple’s website.
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Filipe Espósito
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Filipe Espósito is a Brazilian tech Journalist who started covering Apple news on iHelp BR with some exclusive scoops — including the reveal of the new Apple Watch Series 5 models in titanium and ceramic. He joined 9to5Mac to share even more tech news around the world.
Which iPhones are eSIM compatible? (Full list)
Apple iPhone models with an eSIM:
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE 2 (2020)
Apple iPad models with an eSIM:
- iPad Pro 11" (1st Gen or later)
- iPad Pro 12.9" (3rd Gen or later)
- iPad Air (3rd Gen or later)
- iPad (7th Gen or later)
- iPad mini (5th Gen or later)
Note: devices sold in Mainland China, Macao, and Hong Kong are not equipped with eSIM and therefore are not compatible with Ubigi.
Ubigi is part of the wireless carriers that offer eSIM services listed by Apple.
iPhone & iPad users can add a second line on their device’s eSIM, and switch easily between the two. The term “eSIM” simply means an embedded SIM card. There are no physical SIM cards involved and no physical swapping over required by you. The information on an eSIM is rewritable, meaning you can decide to change your network operator on your iPhone. In fact, you can store up to five virtual SIM cards one eSIM at a time. It is really easy to add to a data plan – connecting iOS devices with eSIMs to a mobile account can be done in minutes. Your iPhone’s eSIM needs to be supported by the network or carrier and enabled by them. Not all networks support eSIM; however, Ubigi is one of the first international network providers that support eSIM for Apple iOS. Downloading Ubigi eSIM for iPhone is free and it takes only a few seconds when you download the Ubigi app. eSIM is great for regular travellers. eSIM should mean that you could go to another country and simply add a roaming eSIM to your handset while retaining access to your primary number. Using a carrier like Ubigi that connects to the local mobile network while abroad can be much cheaper than paying roaming costs to your regular operator. It also enables people to switch operators quickly to get connected if they are in an area with no signal.
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If your device is not listed above, you’ll need to order a regular physical SIM card from Ubigi’s affiliate brand Transatel DataSIM. The all-in-one SIM card fits in any device (smartphone, tablet, laptop, and hotspot), and provides the same great service, data plans and coverage that Ubigi offers.