With the launch of the iPhones XS, XS Max and XR, Apple introduced, for the first time, Dual SIM technology (support for two chips) in its devices. As we know, this novelty works from eSIM (except in China), which is nothing more than an electronic line, which has the same features / functions as a physical chip.
With the feature enabled, starting with iOS 12.1, on new iPhones, several operators abroad launched support for the technology, including some virtual operators, such as Truphone and GigSky. With the exception of these companies, which offer data plans for Brazil, no other operator supported the iPhones eSIM in the country – until now.
THE MacMagazine was informed, first hand, that the clear will support eSIM for iPhones (and other smartphones) in Brazil later this week. An operator page about the e-chip is now available and provides some information about that service.
In the middle of last year, Claro was the first (and only, currently) operator to offer a cellular plan for the Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) and later. With the novelty, the company will be the first to integrate smartphones and smartwatches with eSIM technology in Brazil.
The e-chip is a facility of Claro that allows to activate our services and functionalities of the cellular network in your smartphone or smartwatch with eSIM.
Claro also highlights some advantages of using an electronic chip. Among them, it is possible to share the same number and data package of a line and, as it cannot be removed, this contributes to the location of the device in case of loss or theft, since it will remain connected to the network (unless someone switch off the device).
For the moment, there is no information on specific plan values ​​for eSIM; nevertheless, this is already a major advance for the implementation of this technology in Brazil.
We will update this article as soon as we receive more details from Claro.
Update, for Rafael Fischmann Mar 28, 2019 at 17:20
One day after the MacMagazine, Claro just released a press release confirming the news – the so-called “Claro e-Chip”. The official launch will take place tomorrow, Friday (3/29).
“Claro Brasil has several initiatives aimed at the connectivity of things. And eSIM technology is a protagonist in enabling remote activation of compatible devices, without needing the physical chip distribution logistics. Claro was a pioneer in the use of this technology in Brazil through Claro Sync and, with the arrival of Claro e-Chip, it now allows the activation of the mobile line without the need for the traditional chip ”, declared Márcio Carvalho, marketing director at Claro Brasil . “We are launching the e-Chip service immediately after the functionality is available on the first smartphones compatible with the technology in the country.”
Claro e-Chip will be available initially in the operator’s own stores, and later in other service channels. His commercial policies will be the same as for physical chips, that is, it will be possible to contract prepaid, postpaid or control plans without problems.
Activation will also be quite simple. When purchasing the e-Chip, the customer will receive a QR code that will allow the download of the Claro cellular network access profile to their device.
Obviously, Claro e-Chip will be compatible not only with recent iPhones that support Dual SIM (XS, XS Max and XR), but also with Android devices that have already incorporated eSIM technology.
