Apple this week distributed iOS 12.1 and with it turned on the dual-SIM capability of the iPhone Xs, Xs Max, and Xr.
Each of these newer iPhones includes a slot for physical SIM cards as well as an embedded eSIM. The eSIM can be used to change carriers at will.
Despite the feature’s availability from Apple, U.S. carriers aren’t supporting it just yet. A check of Apple’s web site shows that AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless will add the capability “later this year.”
AT&T says it is still working with Apple to add the feature, T-Mobile says it is still finalizing the software, and Verizon has confirmed that the eSIM causes coverage issues.
Sprint has publicly said it will support the dual-SIM and eSIM functionality of the newer iPhones, but the company has not said when that might be.
This all means U.S. consumers hoping to take advantage of the new iPhones’ dual-SIM capabilities will have to wait a bit longer
