Operators indicate that iOS 12.1 will be released Tuesday with the launch of eSIM

Apple will hold its latest media event of the year on Tuesday, Oct. 30, which should feature new models of iPad Pro and replace the MacBook Air notebook lineup. Several signs also suggest the launch of iOS 12.1 the same day, probably a few hours after the end of the event.

Several different sources told us that they were preparing for the launch of iOS 12.1 on October 30th, which would coincide with the deployment of eSIM support for iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR …

The new iPhones include an electronic SIM card allowing dual SIM functionality for the first time in an iPhone (the iPhones of China do not use eSIM, but these SKUs have a SIM tray containing two physical SIM cards. )

Users will be able to add another line to their existing iPhone, giving the device two phone numbers for calls and SMS, and take advantage of the different data sets offered by each package. iPhone XS and iPhone XR incorporate a technology called Dual-SIM Dual Standby, which means that both phone numbers are active simultaneously. The iPhone will actively answer calls from both numbers automatically.

ESIM features were not available for the first iPhone XS last month, but they are included in iOS 12.1. Several carriers in the United States and Europe have informed us that they have to start the deployment of eSIM contracts starting on Tuesday, users being able to download iOS 12.1 the same day. Bharti Airtel India also seems to be preparing for a launch on October 30:

Hey Nilesh! Please note that the Esim feature for iPhone XS Max will be available starting October 30th when Apple launches iOS 12.1. Thank you, Anmol P

– Bharti Airtel India (@Airtel_Presence) October 28, 2018

We also believe that Apple stores are receiving special QR code sheets before Tuesday's launch. To configure eSIM, an Apple user simply scans a special QR code with his iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max or iPhone XR. This automatically populates the necessary account information and activates the electronic SIM card. Some operator applications also allow customers to register through the application.

Apple has also updated its iOS 12 user manual with iOS 12.1 feature recognition, another clue that a public release of iOS 12.1 is imminent.

Even if you do not care about dual SIM functionality, iOS 12.1 offers you many new features. More than 70 new emoji, Live Depth Control for iPhone XS / XR allow you to adjust the blur of Portrait mode on the fly in the camera viewfinder and add FaceTime group. Group FaceTime allows end-to-end encrypted group video chat with up to 32 people at a time, with the same simplicity and elegance as a FaceTime 1: 1 call. Group FaceTime requires an iPhone 6 or newer device due to performance limitations of older devices.

We also expect the new iPad Pro hardware to ship with iOS 12.1, allowing features such as unlocking landscape facial identities and Memoji syncing to share the same set of custom Animoji between your iOS devices.