AT&T launches eSim support for iPhone XS and XR, Verizon coming Dec. 7

One of the new features in the latest crop of iPhones -- the XS, the XS Max and the XR, to be specific -- is the ability to use eSIM to activate another line on your phone without need for a second SIM card. 

Now with the release of iOS 12.1.1 on Wednesday, the feature is up and running for AT&T users. And a spokesperson for Verizon now confirms to CNET that starting Dec. 7, the feature is coming to its users, too.

"Now that Apple has released its 12.1.1 software update for iPhone, we will support eSIM capabilities on all 2018 Apple iPhones beginning tomorrow," the spokesperson says.

eSIM is the software-based version of the traditional plastic chip that identifies you to your carrier. Apple's iOS 12.1 update brought eSIM to the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR in October, but AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile all said at the time they were still working to support the software.

On a support page, AT&T touted the ease of using two numbers on a phone and described how its Dual Sim approach will work for users. You'll be able to choose which number you want to send text messages from when you're composing your message, and you can receive messages for both numbers at any time.

If you're on a call and another call comes in through the same line, you'll get a notification about it. If a call comes in through your other line, it'll go straight to voicemail. If you're using data while on a call, you'll have to use data for the number that you're using at the time.

AT&T doesn't charge for a SIM Card/eSIM Card for device upgrades or new lines of service (new line or add-a-line), an AT&T spokesperson said.

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