Hi everyone,
I'm interested in upgrading from the 13 mini to the base model iPhone 17. However, with more countries being forced with ESim, I'm running into a big problem.
I got my US number in 2019, and since then have only changed from the first gen SE to the 13 mini, only needing me to plug the Sim card into the phone. I've never upgraded to ESIM. I also travel to China from time to time, and a physical Sim is more commonly used there.
I don't want a US phone with no Sim tray, but I don't want a Chinese phone either, because there's no FaceTime audio or Apple Intelligence support.
How can I upgrade? How long should I wait before looking at my upgrade options?
Thank you very much!
Comments
Phone from Europe
Do I understand your dilemma correctly? You want to get a new phone but with the ability to hold a physical SIM?
Couldn't you get an iPhone from Europe then and pay with a credit card or any other payment method that allows to pay in foreign currencies?
Correct
That's my situation I'm facing. I want a phone with physical sim plus facetime audio and AI support, so neither a US nor Chinese phone. Your idea is great, who knows, maybe there might be a European phone out there for me to grab in dollars instead of paying for customs / exchange rates, ETC?
PAying European iPhone in USD
I think that this is not possible except you buy an used iPhone 17 model later this/next year from someone who bought it in Europe.
Phone company
Believe you still can use the iPhone without what you need. Check on Nov with your phone company and let them know about your situation. I know Verizon always have deal for iPhone. Unless you going to live in China. PS heard the basic 17 is much better than the air. When you go to China, you can get a plan that will help you.
Thank you
I'll call Mint Mobile and see what they say about it.
Seeking clarification
Hi,
Isn't Apple Intelligence, and FaceTime audio, just software features? You say a Chinese phone won't have them, but isn't that just because of its region?
What I am asking here, is that if you got yourself a Chinese phone, but had your region set up for US, or wherever you live, won't you have access to all of the software features, compatible for that device, based on its selected region?
Genuinely asking here.
TIA.
It won't work
Hi Brian
No, that won't work. My first iPhone, the original SE, was a Chinese phone. Regardless my region or physical location, FaceTime audio is disabled for a phone bought and sold in Mainland China. This is hardware level limitation. That's why I'm rather picky. I need physical sim, and all features usable.
Hope this helps.
Fair enough
Thanks for clarifying that.
Hopeless, for now
I just called Mint Mobile, my service provider. They told me that iPhone 14 and up are ESIM only. Due to my situation, this won't be for me. I guess I'll have to play the waiting game.
David Lai
I am sure Apple will be having iPhones with what you need. Is there someone who you trust in China to look for the phone after the new is out?
Regarding China
I found someone who could buy the Hong Kong variant, which has everything I need. But that person is in Mainland China. This means, having to purchase it from Hong Kong, ship it to Mainland China, and then after it gets to him, ship it to the US. This would involve extra steps, with more uncertainties and extra money. I think maybe the best way to avoid such complications is just simply to wait? Unless there's a better way, but I don't know now.
David Lai
I watch videos of Flossy Carter, he uses a web page to get phones from China but do not know if is for iPhone also. When he does his review on phones and takes long for the America version, he gets the Chinese version. Mostly for android phones.
Replying to Holger Fiallo
Thanks for the info. I've heard of his videos, mainly on speakers and headphones. I don't know he also reviews phones. I'll have to do some research on my part! Thanks!
David Lai
Yes, iPhones, and android phones. Any type of tech, cases, batteries and so on. He is direct and to the point.
Do my Homework
Thanks, Holger Fiallo. I'll research his videos more carefully, then.
12 countries ESIM Only
According to an article I just read, the following 12 countries' phones are ESIM only. I have to avoid them at all cost!
Bahrain, Canada, Guam, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the U.S., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Thanks for the country listing
I was planning to buy a US phone because of the increased battery capacity, but hearing that Kuwaiti phones will be eSIM only was an unexpected but welcome surprise, I know it’s not directly related, but I wanted to thank you.
Reply
No problem. I found that in an article as I was googling about this yesterday. For me, this means, a list of countries I need to avoid buying from.
iPhone Air
You might have a situation where the iPhone Air will be the answer. It is eSIM only. And it will be sold in China, eventually. Apple is still waiting on China regulatory approval. Monitor tech news sites, I'd expect Apple to get that sorted out in a month or two. What I read is eSIM is allowed in China but the phone/manufacturer has to get special approval.
Re: iPhone Air
Wow, if that is not a marketing strategy to boost sales for that particular device, I don't know what is. 😅
Brian
Agree.
Re: iPhone Air
Exactly! And I, for one, won't be contributing to the sales of this iPhone, thanks very much! :)
That said, I read recently that yes, China is starting to adopt ESIM, but with their own characteristics. They want GPS monitoring as a part of customer identification, if I understand it correctly. Also, the bigger cut (for me) is, national exclusivity. That is, only phones purchased in Mainland China can activate the ESIM network there, and phones bought elsewhere can't use their network.
So, in the end, physical SIM still rules.
David Lai
If you ever decide what to do, if you do not mind let us know. Hope you find what you need. Long live cats.
Yes, I will
I'm still playing the "waiting game." It's a question of time before I upgrade, I'm sure.
Update
A friend is visiting me soon, and offered to help me with my iPhone upgrade. So, I just paid for an iPhone that will come to me from Spain. If all goes well, I'll receive it when he visits me next week. Hopefully I can use this phone both in the US and China and that there are no limitations.
David Lai
Please let us know if everything goes well. Here is hoping.