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Comment by clairity | Hacker News Reader

dual eSIM[0] has been available from apple already, but more than that is in question, though they did use the term "multiple eSIMs" in the presentation. i'm bummed about the removal of the sim tray too.

[0]: Using Dual SIM with an eSIM ( https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209044 )

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Thanks, that's good to know.

I was thinking more about how eSIM really limits you and adds carrier control. For example, my partner has a cell plan that allows you a big bucket of data, then lets you link multiple SIMs to that data. The idea is it's for your tablets, watches, etc. But I use a secondary SIM from his plan on my phone to add to my data for free. But there's no way to install an eSIM for this plan on a secondary device as it wasn't an "intended use" to use multiple phones. With a physical SIM, I can use this data on any device I choose.

eSIM is a very nice convenient feature, but not at the expense of a physical SIM.

yah, the move to eSIM is about consolidating control for apple and the carriers at the expense of the consumer. it's also an anti-privacy move (you can buy SIMs anonymously with cash, but not eSIMs), but of course, apple didn't announce that little nugget of information.

Can QR codes for eSIMs be sold like traditional SIMs? I haven't actually gone through the eSIM registration process, but I assumed this should be possible.

doubt they'd support that. it's surely technically possible, but apple & the carriers like to gatekeep the eSIM provisioning process to make you reveal your identity.

It is possible to buy an anonymous eSIM, the only provider I have come across won’t allow outbound SMS or calls though. Inbound SMS and calls as well as data are fully functioning. (Therefore can be used for messaging services that require a verified phone number).

I know that’s not exactly what everyone would want, but for some use cases that may suffice.

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