Double the SIM, Double the Benefits: What iOS 17 Brings to Dual SIM iPhones

Gone are the days when we had to carry two different phones to have two mobile lines with us. Now, a single iPhone is enough. And while it’s true that we can only use two lines simultaneously, we can store multiple lines to be activated and used at any time.

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Managing two or more lines, however, requires us to be more attentive to whom we call and where our messages and calls come from. This is something that has evolved over time. In fact, let’s remember that until a few years ago, it was not possible to use two eSIMs simultaneously. Now, with iOS 17, the system will take it a step further.

More tools to put order between cards and numbers

Thanks to SIM cards, whether physical or virtual, our mobile operator identifies us. With that, we receive calls to that number, make calls from that number, and enjoy the mobile data plan associated with the account. And when we mix multiple cards or lines, the most important thing is always to organize communication around them. This is where the improvements of iOS 17 come into play.

First of all, iOS 17 offers improved support for sorting messages by SIM card. Previously, all messages, regardless of the SIM card they were associated with upon arrival, were mixed in a common inbox. While we could filter messages from unknown senders, for example, it wasn’t always sufficient. We couldn’t differentiate personal messages from those related to work matters, for instance. Now, with iOS 17, messages are sorted by SIM card, allowing us to keep communications from our personal or primary line separate from all the others we use on our iPhone.

Secondly, iOS 17 allows us to set separate ringtones for each SIM card. This feature may seem minor, but it is incredibly useful for quickly identifying which line is receiving a call without having to look at the device’s screen. With this, it’s easier than ever to decide whether we want to answer the call promptly—for example, a work call during business hours—or let it go to voicemail.

This feature is also combined with the ability to choose custom ringtones for specific contacts. By simply listening to the ringtone, we can easily establish the priority of the call.

Last but not least, iOS 17 has implemented the capability to choose a default SIM card when returning a call to an unknown number. This is especially important, as previously, the configuration of which line to use for which contacts only affected those contacts. With an incoming call from an unrecognized number, we can now decide from which SIM card we want to initiate the communication.

It is clear that the management of our phone numbers through SIM cards has been evolving over the years. With the prevalence of multiple email accounts and various forms of online communication, having separate numbers for different purposes is becoming the norm. When we add in the increasing number of devices that have access to the internet, messages, and calls through mobile operators, it is evident that some organization is more than necessary.

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Therefore, while we await the iPhone 15 to potentially bring an end to physical SIM cards, if we are among those who prefer to differentiate between work, personal, and even communication as part of different companies or organizations, iOS 17 brings the changes we have been waiting for. These may seem like small things, but after just a few days with them, it is clear that they make a difference.

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