Apple iOS 12.1 update: Dual-SIM support on iPhone XR, iPhone XS coming soon

Apple hasn’t disclosed iOS 12.1 release date but is expected to be announced at the company’s October 30 event.

Dual-SIM support allows iPhone users to utilise two cellular plans on a single device without constant SIM card swapping. (AP)

Apple has updated its "iPhone User Guide" for the release of its next software update, iOS 12.1. The latest iOS update is set to bring a range of important features which were originally scheduled to be part of iOS 12. Two of the most important new features are Group FaceTime and dual-SIM support on new iPhones.

Group FaceTime, as the name suggests, allows users to make video calls with up to 32 participants. In addition to Group FaceTime, the user guide also notes dual-SIM functionality for iPhone "XR", "XS" and "XS Max" will go live when the iOS point update sees release.

A tentpole feature of Apple's latest smartphones, dual-SIM support allows iPhone users to utilise two cellular plans on a single device without constant SIM card swapping.

Apple's solution relies on "Dual SIM Dual Standby technology", which keeps both a physical SIM and an embedded eSIM -- or a second physical SIM card in China -- addressable simultaneously.

"Available for free through Apple Books, the revised "iPhone User Guide for iOS 12.1" is largely unchanged from a previous version created for iOS 12," Apple Insider reported on Friday.

"There are, however, two major additions that confirm upcoming availability of features teased at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2018 in June and Apple's iPhone unveiling last month," the report added.

Apple has not specified a release date for iOS 12.1, though beta versions have been in testing since mid-September. The update could coincide with a media event next week, where the company is expected to unveil new iPad Pro and Mac hardware.

Apple's "iPhone User Guide" for iOS 12.1 is a free download from iTunes.

(With inputs from IANS)