Apple's latest iPhone XS and XS Max features dual SIM cards for 1st time

Apple’s latest iPhone XS and the larger iPhone XS Max will support dual-SIM cards in China for the first time, Shanghai Daily learned yesterday.

With dual-SIM (subscriber identity module) cards, users can reserve one line for business and another for personal use on one phone. This feature is popular with travelers who fly frequently on business.

China is the world’s biggest market for dual-SIM smartphones with over 90 million units in the second quarter, said researcher Canalys. Nearly 70 percent of the 340 million smartphones sold globally in the second quarter feature dual-SIM technology.

“Dual-SIM is definitely very attractive to the Chinese users,” said Jia Mo, a Canalys analyst based in Shanghai.

It’s already a regular or must-have feature in China, according to industry officials.

China Mobile has also launched a “virtual number” service to meet demand for dual-SIM cards. But the virtual number, which charges users 5 yuan (74 US cents), only supports calls and short message without data traffic.

Apple may need to convince would-be upgraders or Android users that the high prices it charges for the latest iPhones are worth paying, said Jia,

Apple charges above US$1,000 for the models while Huawei’s flagship P20 Pro model starts at 4,699 yuan (US$687).