iOS 14.5 enables support for dual SIM 5G globally

It goes without saying that you need an iPhone 12 phone, but if you have two SIMs, you should be able to connect to 5G networks without issues after updating to iOS 14.5

Apple has supported the use of an additional number on your phone via an eSIM (embedded SIM card) for the past two years. (Bloomberg)

The world is far away from achieving a remarkable level of 5G connectivity, including developed countries like the US, where carriers are still rolling out the technology in major cities first. However, phones have supported 5G connectivity a while now, including the latest iPhone 12 series which launched late last year.

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However, the iPhones had a serious challenge to their 5G connectivity capabilities - if you were a dual SIM user. Up until now, if you used a second SIM on your iPhone 12, you would lose 5G connectivity, which is definitely a deal breaker for most people who purchased an iPhone 12 over its predecessors for the improved network connectivity. Apple is looking to change this, with its upcoming iOS 14.5 release which will reportedly enable dual SIM 5G connectivity globally.

iOS 14.5 developer beta:

⌚️ Unlock iPhone with Face ID + Apple Watch if you're wearing a mask. Haptic notification + ability to re-lock

🔒 App Tracking controls

🚨 Hey, Siri, call emergency!

🎮 Latest Xbox/PS controller support

📱 5G global dual-SIM support

— Rene Ritchie (@reneritchie) February 1, 2021

Apple has supported the use of an additional number on your phone via an eSIM (embedded SIM card) for the past two years - it debuted with the arrival of the iPhone Xr and XS series. However, while 4G has worked with “dual standby” mode, the arrival of 5G apparently caused issues, which seem to have been fixed by Apple in an upcoming iOS 14 update.

The update to iOS 14.5, which is currently rolling out in beta form to developers and testers, also contains other critical improvements such as the ability to unlock your phone with your mask on (there's a catch) and Apple's now-famous App Tracking controls. It also brings Xbox and PlayStation controller support and the ability to ask Siri to call for emergency assistance.