A dual-SIM Apple iPhone 2018 is coming sooner than expected. Here’s all you need to know about a 6.1-inch LCD dual-SIM iPhone.
Dual-SIM smartphones are quite popular in many parts of the world, including India and China. Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Huawei are all selling smartphones with dual-SIM capabilities– except for Apple. The Cupertino company has refrained from launching its popular iPhone with dual-SIM support, but that might change this year.
The word on the street is that Apple is keen to include dual-SIM support in one of its 2018 iPhones. Most likely the cheaper 6.1-inch LCD iPhone will gain dual-SIM support, a move aimed at gaining market share from Chinese smartphone players in South East Asia. Here’s what we know about the dual-SIM LCD iPhone.
Apple iPhone 9 with 6.1-inch LCD model to get dual-SIM support
Well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, formerly with KGI Securities, claims that the cheaper 6.1-inch iPhone will come with dual-SIM support. Some reports refer to this as the Apple iPhone 9, while others call it iPhone X2 or even iPhone 11.
Kuo says the launch of a dual-SIM capable iPhone could introduce a new price segment for smartphones. The analyst believes the 6.1-inch LCD iPhone model may be priced anywhere between $650 (or approx Rs 44,629) and $750 (or approx Rs 51,495). Kuo thinks the dual-SIM model will likely to increase Apple’s market share in China.
A new report from Taiwan claims the dual-SIM iPhone is coming, but it’s going to be limited to the Chinese market. Economic Daily News reports the feature will be coming to the cheaper iPhone, and that will be a dual-SIM dual standby (DSDS). This means unlike a dual-SIM dual-active smartphone, the second SIM will be inactive whenever you are making calls on your first network.
Active dual-SIM vs Standby dual-SIM
There are two different types of dual-SIM smartphones available in the market. An active dual-SIM phone has the ability to handle two active SIMs at the same time. This means users will be able to receive calls and texts from both the lines. Then there is something called as the standby dual-SIM smartphone. With such a device, you need to switch between SIMs in order to activate them.
Dual-SIM smartphones are popular for a number of reasons. First, a dual-SIM smartphone is much more convenient rather than carrying two separate devices. And it makes sense to carry a dual-SIM smartphone, if you travel a lot.
One can easily get the local SIM wherever you travel and get connected to the network. Second, a lot of people also buy a dual-SIM smartphone due to patchy or limited cellular connectivity in the country. Now you know why dual-SIM smartphones are gaining popularity in India and China.
Why does Apple want to launch a dual-SIM iPhone?
It’s not hard to guess why Apple plans to launch a dual-SIM iPhone. In India, for instance, Apple’s market share is less than 2 per cent and continues to decline. With the dual-SIM 6.1-inch LCD iPhone model targeted for the Chinese and Indian markets, Apple hopes it increase its market share in the region.
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Whether or not the dual-SIM LCD iPhone comes to the market remains to be seen, but we do know that Apple plans to launch three iPhones this year – a 5.8-inch iPhone X, a 6.5-inch OLED iPhone X Plus, and a 6.1-inch LCD iPhone. All three devices are expected to launch later this year, probably in September.
Anuj Bhatia is a seasoned personal technology writer at indianexpress.com with a career spanning over a decade. Active in the domain since 2011, he has established himself as a distinct voice in tech journalism, specializing in long-form narratives that bridge the gap between complex innovation and consumer lifestyle.
Experience & Career: Anuj has been a key contributor to The Indian Express since late 2016. Prior to his current tenure, he served as a Senior Tech Writer at My Mobile magazine and held a role as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. His professional trajectory reflects a rigorous commitment to technology reporting, backed by a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University.
Expertise & Focus Areas: Anuj’s reporting covers the spectrum of personal technology, characterized by a unique blend of modern analysis and historical context. His key focus areas include:
Core Technology: Comprehensive coverage of smartphones, personal computers, apps, and lifestyle tech.
Deep-Dive Narratives: Specializes in composing longer-form feature articles and explainers that explore the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture.
Global & Local Scope: Reports extensively on major international product launches from industry titans like Apple and Google, while simultaneously covering the ecosystem of indie and home-grown tech startups.
Niche Interests: A dedicated focus on vintage technology and retro gaming, offering readers a nostalgic yet analytical perspective on the evolution of tech.
Authoritativeness & Trust
Anuj is a trusted voice in the industry, recognized for his ability to de-jargonize trending topics and provide context to rapid technological advancements. His authority is reinforced by his on-ground presence at major international tech conferences and his nuanced approach to product reviews. By balancing coverage of the world's most valuable tech brands with emerging startups, he offers a holistic and objective view of the global technology landscape.
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A dual-SIM Apple iPhone 2018 is coming sooner than expected. Here’s all you need to know about a 6.1-inch LCD dual-SIM iPhone.
