Apple’s upcoming iOS update, announced at the latest Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), will also reportedly bring a new feature that has yet to be announced publicly. This feature applies to eSIM, the Electronic Embedded SIM on iPhone, which is available on iPhone worldwide. While switching between the two new iPhones required users to re-register their eSIMs, a new update spotted by Macrumors in the iOS 16 developer beta suggests users will be able to transfer their eSIM settings using Bluetooth.
eSIM feature in iOS 16: how it might work
According to a Macrumors report , iOS 16 will offer users the ability to transfer eSIM settings to their new iPhone during new device setup. This feature can be a simple step-by-step process and make eSIM registration easier on new devices.
However, the report also adds that for this feature to work, users will need to wait for network operators to also integrate such settings. With iOS 16 still in developer beta, it’s unclear where support from carriers lies.
It is important to note that even when this feature starts rolling out, it will most likely start from international markets. Internationally, Apple has a significantly larger market share for its iPhones.
Reports on the matter say Apple had a 4.4 percent market share in India at the end of 2021 — even after Indians bought more iPhones than ever before last year. This could be an important driver for implementing Bluetooth-based eSIM migration in India, as most eSIM-enabled devices in India are sold by Apple itself.
According to the official Reliance Jio support page, Apple’s iPhones since the iPhone XR support eSIM. In addition, Samsung’s flagship phones from the Galaxy S20 series onwards, the Galaxy Z series, and the Motorola Razr foldable phones support eSIM. Given the niche offering of eSIM-enabled phones, it remains to be seen how the new iOS 16 feature will be received in India.
Support for Always-On Displays is also expected in iOS 16, but the same could be reserved for the introduction when Apple releases its iPhone 14 line. Reports on the matter say the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max will be released with this feature., though the iPhone 13 Pro series could also get it.