The dual-SIM functionality is a very useful feature in a smartphone. It quickly caught the trend once it introduced in Android mobiles. The feature allows the users to use two different mobile numbers for personal and official purpose in the same device. The dual-SIM card functionality and expandable storage have been missing in Apple iPhone from a long time. However, the latest patent filed by Apple may finally bring the dual-SIM card functionality in future iPhones.
Apple has been granted a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for the dual-SIM technology. Another report on Forbes says that the company had filed a document with China’s State Intellectual Property Office which also expresses dual-SIM card feature in iPhones. The aspects mentioned in the patent describe the system, apparatus and the system to control different antennas on a device having multiple SIMs. The report also talks about the application of two SIM cards and determination of the SIM card priority.
The dual-SIM functionality was rumored to be included in iPhone 7. While that did not happen, the expectations for upcoming Apple mobiles with dual-SIM card slots have increased due to the latest patents. There might be possible development for dual-SIM in iPhones has occurred; however, receiving patents doesn’t essentially mean that Apple will use the technology.
At this moment, concluding that the dual-SIM functionality will be present in the future iPhones is impractical. Apple sells its products in partnership with the telecom carriers in most countries and the inclusion of dual-SIM may affect company’s relations with the telecom carriers. Furthermore, if Apple plans to sell dual-SIM iPhones, then it might launch such iPhones in select markets including India and China where the dual-SIM functionality is a dominant feature in smartphones.
The dual-SIM mobiles have a huge demand in Asian countries, especially India and China. About 90 percent Indian users use dual-SIM smartphone devices, as per Tarun Pathak, Counterpoint Research.
It’s also worth mentioning that the Cupertino-based giant sometimes acquires patents for functionality but never utilizes it on their devices. So, we will have to wait and watch if Apple launches the dual-SIM iPhones in future or not.
Apple is also rumored for developing a new version of 2017’s iPhone, codenamed as ‘Ferrari’. The smartphone was revealed by Chinese tech blog cnBeta and it was spotted by AppleInsider. Apparently, the leaked iPhone Ferrari could be the iPhone 8 which is rumored to be launched in 2017.
