I am looking to find out where one can purchase a dual SIM card new iPhone 16 Pro as obviously the APPLE STORE website does not offer this option. Even though they build them? Not sure that makes sense? Please advise. It needs to be ATT/Verizon dual capability…. It seems on the APPLE STORE direct sales site you can only buy a phone that has ONE cell phone provider option but NOT two. Please advise.
iPad Pro, iPadOS 18
You said that you needed a phone that could support both Verizon and AT&T.
Part 1: Avoiding Carrier Lock
On the U.S. site, if you say that you plan to pay for an iPhone in full, up front, the site says that the new phone will be unlocked. You can connect to a carrier at the time you buy the phone – but you aren't required to do so.
If you finance with Apple Card Monthly Installments or Apple iPhone Payments, you must connect to a carrier – but the site still says that the phone will be unlocked.
If you finance with carrier-specific financing, the wording about the phone being unlocked goes away. It's a pretty safe bet to say that if you finance this way, your phone will be carrier-locked, so you wouldn't want to pay for one this way, given your stated desire for a phone that supports both Verizon and AT&T.
Part 2: Getting Two Lines
Assuming that get an unlocked phone (see above), if you wanted to subscribe to AT&T cellular service and Verizon cellular service at the same time, that shouldn't be a problem. You won't be able to set up service to both carriers on the same page where you order the phone, but I don't think either AT&T or Verizon will turn down your money if you contact them saying "I just bought an unlocked iPhone and want to add a second line."
About eSIM on iPhone - Apple Support
"An eSIM is an industry-standard digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without having to use a physical SIM. You can install eight or more eSIMs on an iPhone and use two phone numbers at the same time."
You said that you needed a phone that could support both Verizon and AT&T.
Part 1: Avoiding Carrier Lock
On the U.S. site, if you say that you plan to pay for an iPhone in full, up front, the site says that the new phone will be unlocked. You can connect to a carrier at the time you buy the phone – but you aren't required to do so.
If you finance with Apple Card Monthly Installments or Apple iPhone Payments, you must connect to a carrier – but the site still says that the phone will be unlocked.
If you finance with carrier-specific financing, the wording about the phone being unlocked goes away. It's a pretty safe bet to say that if you finance this way, your phone will be carrier-locked, so you wouldn't want to pay for one this way, given your stated desire for a phone that supports both Verizon and AT&T.
Part 2: Getting Two Lines
Assuming that get an unlocked phone (see above), if you wanted to subscribe to AT&T cellular service and Verizon cellular service at the same time, that shouldn't be a problem. You won't be able to set up service to both carriers on the same page where you order the phone, but I don't think either AT&T or Verizon will turn down your money if you contact them saying "I just bought an unlocked iPhone and want to add a second line."
About eSIM on iPhone - Apple Support
"An eSIM is an industry-standard digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without having to use a physical SIM. You can install eight or more eSIMs on an iPhone and use two phone numbers at the same time."
MJackson1988 wrote:
I am looking to find out where one can purchase a dual SIM card new iPhone 16 Pro as obviously the APPLE STORE website does not offer this option. Even though they build them? Not sure that makes sense? Please advise. It needs to be ATT/Verizon dual capability…. It seems on the APPLE STORE direct sales site you can only buy a phone that has ONE cell phone provider option but NOT two. Please advise.
You hop on a plane and head to China, Hong Kong or Macau. As Bob posted above if you intend to bring the phone back to the US, it will have no warranty in the US, so if you have an issue requiring warranty support, you'll have to hop on a plane and go back to China.
Still think you need to buy a dual Physical Sim iPhone?
Physical SIM Phasing Out:
Physical SIM cards are gradually being replaced by eSIM technology, which offers several advantages, including convenience, better security, and the ability to store multiple cellular plans on a single device. Many smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, are adopting eSIMs as a standard, especially in newer models.
iPhones in the USA and eSIM Compatibility:
If you are considering purchasing an iPhone in the USA, it's important to note that Apple has fully embraced eSIM technology in recent models. For instance, the iPhone 14 series and newer models sold in the USA, including the iPhone 16 Pro, are exclusively eSIM-only, with no physical SIM card slot. This move encourages a shift toward digital SIM adoption.
Carrier Support for eSIM:
Major carriers like AT&T and Verizon in the USA fully support eSIM. If you currently use a physical SIM with these carriers, you can convert it to an eSIM through their mobile apps, customer support, or in-store assistance. This makes the transition seamless for users.
Unlocked iPhones and eSIM Flexibility:
If you purchase an unlocked iPhone 16 Pro in the USA (not tied to any carrier), you can use it with eSIM plans from multiple carriers worldwide. This is particularly advantageous for frequent travelers, as it allows you to easily switch between carriers without needing a physical SIM card.
Considerations:
Bob Timmons wrote:
The only place in the world to buy a Dual SIM iPhone 16 is China.
Apple does not ship internationally, so you would have to look for an authorized dealer willing to ship the product to you.
Unfortunately, that phone will have no warranty in the U.S., or any other country for that matter.
And it might not support Apple Intelligence for a while.
How to get Apple Intelligence - Apple Support
"Apple Intelligence will not currently work for supported devices purchased in China mainland."
I have no idea whether the phone would be ATT / Verizon compatible, and I doubt that either of these carriers would know either. I am mystified as to why you would want to buy a product like this, but it's your call.
Servant of Cats wrote:
Bob Timmons wrote:
The only place in the world to buy a Dual SIM iPhone 16 is China.
Apple does not ship internationally, so you would have to look for an authorized dealer willing to ship the product to you.
Unfortunately, that phone will have no warranty in the U.S., or any other country for that matter.
And it might not support Apple Intelligence for a while.
How to get Apple Intelligence - Apple Support
"Apple Intelligence will not currently work for supported devices purchased in China mainland."
I have no idea whether the phone would be ATT / Verizon compatible, and I doubt that either of these carriers would know either. I am mystified as to why you would want to buy a product like this, but it's your call.
Not might not. An iPhone manufactured for the China market, WON'T support Apple Intelligence anywhere in the world until the Chinese government approves it for China.
The only place in the world to buy a Dual SIM iPhone 16 is China.
Apple does not ship internationally, so you would have to look for an authorized dealer willing to ship the product to you.
Unfortunately, that phone will have no warranty in the U.S., or any other country for that matter.
I have no idea whether the phone would be ATT / Verizon compatible, and I doubt that either of these carriers would know either. I am mystified as to why you would want to buy a product like this, but it's your call.
Where to purchase iPhone 16 pro DUAL SIM card (Verizon/ATT)
