eSIM
Sep 14, 2018, 7:47 am
#1
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,231
eSIM
I didn't realize the long-awaited eSIM was actually a thing, but apparently it has been supported in a couple of Android phones for a bit now. Apple has jumped on the bandwagon with the new iPhone Xs and Xs Max. I know manufacturers have been trying to get eSIM functionality in their phones for a while, and always heard that the carriers were fighting them. Apparently the carriers finally gave in.
Has anyone used an eSIM in their travels? How's it work?
Here's Apple's discussion of it:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209044
Has anyone used an eSIM in their travels? How's it work?
Here's Apple's discussion of it:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209044
Sep 14, 2018, 8:01 am
#2
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Economy, mostly :(
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 7,801
This is silly, just Apple trying to pass of as innovation what has been available in the rest of the world. The fact it's an "eSIM" is the only novelty, but conversly most carriers won't support it. A ton of high-end and entry-level Android phones already support dual SIM with two physical SIMs, I use two SIMs in my phone all the time.
Sep 14, 2018, 8:12 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,231
They have a list of several carriers that do support it. I am aware that other phones support two physical SIMs. That isn't new, and it's not what I'm talking about.
Apple's entire business model lies in taking smallish innovations that others did a while ago with little fanfare, giving them a slick marketing name and trumpeting them as if they were an amazing breakthrough. But that's also not what they're doing here.
I just thought eSIM was cool.
Apple's entire business model lies in taking smallish innovations that others did a while ago with little fanfare, giving them a slick marketing name and trumpeting them as if they were an amazing breakthrough. But that's also not what they're doing here.
I just thought eSIM was cool.
Sep 14, 2018, 8:47 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA Silver, Bonvoy Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 21,544
It seems like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon support it in the US. For US-based folks, this will probably be helpful, as it will allow you to have your incumbent carrier on the eSIM, then put in any microSIM from another provider. Although, T-Mobile has made it especially easy to do away with the dual SIM concept with their DIGITS app. Now I don't have to forward my TMo number to my Google Voice, and I have three phone numbers on one phone.
Sep 14, 2018, 8:52 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Upper Sternistan
Posts: 10,038
It feels like Apple finally came around to supporting this as roaming charges came way down, but I get that the Chinese market is different in this regard.
I'd really love to see eSIM QR codes available in vending machines when I get off a plane in a foreign country. Haven't noticed one yet. They'll have to be pretty cheap and easy to be worthwhile, though.
I'd really love to see eSIM QR codes available in vending machines when I get off a plane in a foreign country. Haven't noticed one yet. They'll have to be pretty cheap and easy to be worthwhile, though.
Sep 14, 2018, 9:52 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: GE, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 15,507
It seems like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon support it in the US. For US-based folks, this will probably be helpful, as it will allow you to have your incumbent carrier on the eSIM, then put in any microSIM from another provider. Although, T-Mobile has made it especially easy to do away with the dual SIM concept with their DIGITS app. Now I don't have to forward my TMo number to my Google Voice, and I have three phone numbers on one phone.
As for eSIM, hopefully the concept gains traction on Android as well as iOS. Installing a SIM card in a phone isn't exactly a huge hassle but it would be nice not to have to.
Sep 14, 2018, 9:27 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 578
I didn't realize the long-awaited eSIM was actually a thing, but apparently it has been supported in a couple of Android phones for a bit now. Apple has jumped on the bandwagon with the new iPhone Xs and Xs Max. I know manufacturers have been trying to get eSIM functionality in their phones for a while, and always heard that the carriers were fighting them. Apparently the carriers finally gave in.
Has anyone used an eSIM in their travels? How's it work?
Here's Apple's discussion of it:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209044
Has anyone used an eSIM in their travels? How's it work?
Here's Apple's discussion of it:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209044
Sep 15, 2018, 7:23 am
#8
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Long Island, NY
Programs: Marriott Titanium Elite/Lifetime Titanium, Delta Platinum Medallion, Hertz #1 Gold
Posts: 722
At least for eSim, it looks like it'll support multiple profiles(but only one active at a time), which means you still have some flexibility. I think it's going to matter if carriers are gonna let us sign up for prepaid on a eSim(and how easily that is done).
Sep 15, 2018, 5:07 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Pittsburgh
Programs: MR/SPG LT Titanium, AA LT PLT, UA SLV, Avis PreferredPlus
Posts: 31,008
You can use two cellular plans with your iPhone Xs or iPhone Xs Max, a nano-SIM, and an eSIM. An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without having to use a physical nano-SIM. Here's how to set up and use a cellular plan using an eSIM.
Sep 16, 2018, 9:26 am
#11
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 42,199
I wonder if they will sell the physical dual-SIM model in Hong Kong, or will it just be in China? I prefer the dual SIM option, as I assume there is likely no way ATT will support the e-sim in their prepaid plans which is what I use.
Sep 16, 2018, 9:33 am
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,231
Dual SIM support will be available via a free software update later this fall. Use of Dual SIM requires two wireless service lines (which may include restrictions on roaming). Certain restrictions apply to use.
Sep 17, 2018, 11:36 pm
#13
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Detroit; Formerly Dubai
Posts: 3,652
I own an Apple iPhone X and a ZTE Axon 7. I would prefer to have a dual SIM iPhone, but don't want to empower my carrier too much. I have ATT's international unlimited for data. I love Apple's LTE band support. I love a lot of things about the iPhone. I prefer Apple Pay to Android Pay. I prefer the single secure password vault to the app-by-app approach I see in Android.
I don't love how I can't change some of the default apps for third party equivalents. I prefer Android Auto to Car Play and more relevant to this discussion, I like the apps that are country aware and will automatically change dialer settings when I cross a border. I prefer how Android gives the power to me rather than my carrier to make various settings. For example, with ATT I can't play a video with a lightening cable to an HDMI set because ATT has locked out tethering because of my data plan. Are those settings going to lock me out even if I switch data to other SIM in slot 1. I would also prefer to SIM slots to an ESIM, but would really like both.
At least on my Axon, I hate the fact that I can't stream most music through my USB and have to use inferior Bluetooth. My iPhone never seems to lockup. I have been frustrated at times with my Axon. While it is normally not a big deal, when driving it can be a huge deal.
When Apple announced the Xs, I was about to preorder it. I've since decided to wait and see how the implementation goes.
I don't love how I can't change some of the default apps for third party equivalents. I prefer Android Auto to Car Play and more relevant to this discussion, I like the apps that are country aware and will automatically change dialer settings when I cross a border. I prefer how Android gives the power to me rather than my carrier to make various settings. For example, with ATT I can't play a video with a lightening cable to an HDMI set because ATT has locked out tethering because of my data plan. Are those settings going to lock me out even if I switch data to other SIM in slot 1. I would also prefer to SIM slots to an ESIM, but would really like both.
At least on my Axon, I hate the fact that I can't stream most music through my USB and have to use inferior Bluetooth. My iPhone never seems to lockup. I have been frustrated at times with my Axon. While it is normally not a big deal, when driving it can be a huge deal.
When Apple announced the Xs, I was about to preorder it. I've since decided to wait and see how the implementation goes.