New iPhones in the UAE will not have this key feature

Apple device enthusiasts in the UAE won't be able to access a key feature in the latest iPhones, at least for now.

Apple had announced the new iPhone XS and XS Max are equipped with dual-SIM capabilities, one using a physical SIM and the second an eSIM. China-only versions of the smartphones use two physical SIMs.

The UAE's telecommunication service providers du and etisalat told Khaleej Times they are working closely with Apple to introduce this service to the UAE market "as soon as possible".

"eSIM/dual handsets will not be available in the UAE and the iPhone XR will be available for pre-order from October 19 and will be launched on October 26," du said. Etisalat issued a similar statement.

"We are currently working with Apple to make this available in the near future on the new iPhones. Pre-order for the new smartphones started on September 14."

The countries presently providing the eSIM service are Austria, Canada, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, India, Spain, the UK, and the US.

However, tech enthusiasts in the UAE are hoping the eSIM technology would find its way to the UAE.

Kevin Sebastian, consulting editor with PC Magazine, said: "I believe Apple tends to start trends, and I certainly expect providers here to start supporting it in the years to come. In the UAE, there isn't a wide demand for the technology yet, but once people understand its benefits, it should gain popularity."

eSIM is a global specification by the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) which enables remote SIM provisioning of any mobile device. The technology allows consumers to store multiple operator profiles on a device simultaneously, and switch between them remotely, though only one can be used at a time.

eSIMs is expected to replace the physical, plastic SIM card all current smartphones use with a virtual embedded equivalent that cannot be removed. Manufacturers and operators can enable consumers to select the operator of their choice and then download that operator's SIM application to any device. The carrier will need to support the eSIM technology.

The use of eSIMS makes it easier to extend mobile connectivity to devices such as tablets, smartwatches, fitness bands, portable health systems and various other devices.