2018 Apple iPhones to support dual-SIM, hints iOS 12 beta
What's the story
Earlier this year, some reports suggested that 2018 iPhones will support dual-SIM cards. And now, Apple's own iOS 12 is lending credence to these reports. The latest version of iOS 12 beta has references to the presence of dual-SIM support, with source code lines mentioning "second SIM status" and a "second SIM tray status". Here's more on this development.
The big change
What do the iOS 12 beta 5 code lines reveal?
The iOS 12 Beta 5 source code has references to "secondSIMStatus", a "secondSIMTrayStatus" and "isDualSimDevice" in the diagnostic reports section. Obviously, all these references indicate that Apple is updating its software to run a future iPhone which will support two SIM cards. And considering iOS 12 will debut with 2018 iPhones, at least one of the three upcoming iPhones will get this feature.
Information
Looks like Apple won't implement e-SIM on its upcoming iPhones
Apple has been long working to use e-SIM on its iPhones - just like it uses on the cellular models of Apple Watch. However, the code "secondSimTrayStatus" reveals the presence of a hardware, suggesting the iPhone will use two physical SIM cards instead of e-SIMs.
Speculations
The 6.5-inch iPhone X Plus may support dual-SIM cards
The 2018 iPhone line up will have three variants: a 5.8-inch iPhone X and 6.5-inch iPhone X Plus, both with OLED displays, and a cheaper 6.1-inch iPhone with an LCD display. However, it is uncertain which variant will support dual SIM cards. That said, considering the second SIM will take up more space, the feature could be iPhone X exclusive.
Courtesy iOS 12
iPhone X Plus to get iPad-like landscape mode: Report
Further, a report, based on a test conducted using iOS 12 Beta 5, suggests the upcoming 6.5-inch iPhone X Plus will feature a screen resolution of 1242x2688 pixels and will support an iPad-like landscape mode. The report adds that several native apps such as Calendar, Messages, and Contacts have been optimized to fit into the landscape mode of the upcoming iPhone X Plus.