iPhones and iPads that support two cellular calling plans at once now have the option to let the device pull from both connections when it’s convenient. iPhones and iPads with physical SIM slots released in the last few years can add an extra second as an eSIM. iPhone 13 and later can also use two eSIMs instead of a physical SIM, but iPhone 14 models sold in the US only support his eSIM (use one or two at a time can).
You may use a second SIM in your home region if each network subscription has different features such as free non-local voice calls or data limits based on network coverage. However, if you’re traveling away from your region or country, like I recently did to central Europe, you’ll most likely install a different SIM.
If you have coverage with a major carrier and complement it with a roaming SIM, you can take advantage of the features Apple provides to manage your cellular data usage.of Configuration > Cellular/cellular datayou can Allow Cellular Data SwitchingApple briefly describes this feature as follows: In reality, it works fairly well and is worth getting for what seems to be the optimal experience.
I subscribe to T-Mobile in the US, and their Magenta and higher-tier Magenta Max plans include 256Kbps of unlimited data, which T-Mobile describes as 215+ countries with no roaming charges. is included. (Also includes $0.25 per minute for unlimited text messages and voice calls.) In 11 countries with Magenta plans and all countries with Magenta Max plans, T-Mobile has Also included is a total of 5 GB per monthly billing cycle. My trip covered 3 of the 5 countries I visited. (Sadly, in my billing cycle, instead of using 5 GB one month from T-Mobile and 5 GB the next, I roll all my usage into the same month.)
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Additionally, I purchased a 5 GB eSIM that works across Europe. Wi-Fi was also ubiquitous, with access codes prominently displayed or provided free of charge in hotels, restaurants, museums, and other locations. Relying on Wi-Fi as much as possible reduced the load on cellular data.
Occasionally, when I should be getting 5G rates from T-Mobile, I’ve noticed that cell data service is lagging, probably due to coverage gaps. The same thing happened to me from time to time when switching to a purchased eSIM plan.
Enabling Allow Cellular Data Switching appears to be a definite improvement, providing more consistent coverage at the highest possible data rates without completely exhausting the 5GB pot.
Apple didn’t clarify what it meant by “coverage and availability,” but it was clear that in regions where T-Mobile only offered 256Kbps, it complemented the purchased eSIM. .
On the last day of our trip, we passed through the airport in Montreal. Canada is another country covered by her Magenta 5GB deal from T-Mobile. I checked my usage later and found that I hadn’t used up my T-Mobile data yet, about 4.7GB on his SIM I bought, just before heading home on the last leg. perfect landing.
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