Convert to eSIM option showing as option on iPhone

[MarkPit_1592564]

I've got an iPhone XR running iOS 18.1.1 with a Smarty SIM and noticed for the first time there is now an option showing as:

"Convert  to eSIM". (This is under Settings, Mobile Service)

Has anyone actually tried this and succeeded?

I don't actually want to do it with this specific SIM, but if the method works I would consider getting an additional SIM and converting it to eSIM.

I had always read that Smarty don't support eSIMs, so not sure if that has changed, or if this is some Apple/iPhone wizadry, or if it just wouldn't work at all...

[MSF]

@MarkPit_1592564 Currently, Smarty does not support Esim. You can certainly successfully add other Esims to an iPhone quite easily. I have one that I use when outside EU and therefore unable torah with my Smarty plan.

I don't suppose there's anything to stop you getting a second sim from another network, converting it to Esim if they accept that, and then putting your smarty sim back into the tray again.

[MarkPit_1592564]

Yes, but that doesn't explain why the option to "Convert to eSIM" has appeared for the Smarty SIM. That option isn't there for example with a Talkmobile SIM.

I've investigated a bit more and I believe the iPhone is now identifying the Smarty SIM as a Three SIM. If I click through to actually do the conversion it ends up taking me to a Three login page (which won't help).

I'm wondering if the appearance of the option is related to the merger (and sharing of) the Three and Vodafone networks. 

Anyway, bottom line is, that although the option is visible, it doesn't seem possible to actually do the conversion.

[MSF]

@MarkPit_1592564 I agree with you - the phone may be identifying the sim as a Three sim. I do notice that when I look at Settings>Mobile Service>SIMs, my Smarty sim shows as THREE but with Network Selection showing as Smarty.

Well spotted!