First dual-SIM iPhones could be right around the corner
Noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted that 2018 might be the year when we first see an iPhone with space for two SIM cards.
According to Kuo, who works at KGI Securities, two out of the three rumoured 2018 models will have the functionality, reports GSMArena. The same analyst previously predicted that 2018 would see the launch of a new OLED-equipped iPhone X, an iPhone X Plus, and an LCD-equipped model.
Specifically the X Plus and the LCD iPhone are the handsets predicted to have two SIM slots.
Dual-SIM phones aren’t that common in theis part of the world, but they’re considered more essential in developing economies such as South America and Asia. Customers there like to be able to have two SIMs inserted into a phone at once to be able to quickly switch between networks. You might want to do this if there are massive differences in the coverage areas of different networks, or if your tariff gives you a discount for calling or messaging people on the same network.
Related: Apple’s 2018 iPhone 11 line-up looks like it’ll feature three phones
Dual-SIM phones can also be helpful for roaming, where you might leave a second SIM in your phone for travel.
We don’t imagine western customers will see a massive benefit from the rumoured dual SIM iPhones, but the rumour points towards Apple getting much more serious about developing markets, where its premium-priced handsets aren’t as popular as they are elsewhere.
But with that said, a dual-SIM design would be an interesting move from a company that’s so concerned about saving internal space in its phones that it felt compelled to remove the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. Meanwhile SIM cards, even the Nano SIM varients used in most modern smart phones, are one of the bulkiest internal components outside of the phone’s battery.
As this is the word of an analyst, we should take it with a large pinch of salt, but at this point we’re eager for any information we can get about Apple’s upcoming handsets.
Do you think a dual-SIM design is the right move for Apple? Let us know @TrustedReviews.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
