Is the iPhone 12 Pro Max dual sim slot model is only sold in China and Australia?

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Is the iPhone 12 Pro Max dual sim slot model is only sold in China and Australia?

I have a renewed iPhone 12 Pro Max bought from Amazon in Australia. It came with a dual physical sim slot that I use for my Australian and UK sims. I thought it would be convenient for my wife to have the same option, so I recently bought an iPhone 12 Pro Max (renewed) from Amazon in the UK - described as having a dual sim slot. When it arrived I found the sim slot only took one physical sim. The vendor said the dual sim slot model is only sold in China and Australia. I find that hard to believe. I see you can buy a double sim slot online but I also saw a cautionary note that it will only work in the A2412 model of the iPhone 12 Pro Max. (The model number has a suffix of /A.) The Apple support line avoids the issue and goes on about using esims. I have returned the Amazon UK phone and will buy my wife an Australian one instead. I would be interested to know if others have had the same experience, and whether what I have been told in the UK is correct. While Apple is obviously keen to push esims the reality is that some network providers do not provide them.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Jun 27, 2023 1:54 AM

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Answer 1

Jun 27, 2023 2:06 AM in response to CliveOGW

eSIM on iPhone is not offered in China mainland. In Hong Kong and Macao, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation), and iPhone XS feature eSIM. Learn about using Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards in China mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao.

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Answer 2

Jun 27, 2023 2:08 AM in response to CliveOGW

Please read the SIM Card Section (Australia iPhone Technical Spec)--> iPhone 12 Pro Max - Technical Specifications (AU)

It says:

SIM Card

Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM)

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Answer 3

CliveOGW Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 27, 2023 3:43 AM in response to SravanKrA

To me describing the sim slot as a double sim slot (as was the case on UK Amazon) is indicative of space for two physical sims in the slot. I am unclear why the same phone sold in Australia and the UK should have differently configured sim slots.

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Answer 4

CliveOGW Author

Level 1

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Jun 27, 2023 9:52 AM in response to SravanKrA

I'm not sure of the relevance of that technical information about Australia. All I can say is that my Australian iPhone 12 Pro Max has two slots for physical sims and the model number has the suffix /A indicating that it is the A2412 version that can accommodate two physical sims.

I called in to the Apple store today in Exeter and was told that the two physical sim slot version of the iPhone 12 Pro Max is not available in the UK and that it's only a matter of time before Apple phases out sim slots altogether - as they have apparently already done in the US. All networks will then have to provide e-sims whether they like it or not.

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Answer 5

Niel

Level 10

733,067 points

Jun 27, 2023 1:27 PM in response to CliveOGW

1. The models which support two physical SIM cards are only originally sold in China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

2. The /A suffix isn't a country code and doesn't say anything about what model it is.

(241087)

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Answer 6

CliveOGW Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 27, 2023 11:05 PM in response to Niel

Thanks. I had read that the model number with /A indicated that it was the dual sim model. There was no suggestion that it was a country code.

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Is the iPhone 12 Pro Max dual sim slot model is only sold in China and Australia?

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