Google is expected to launch new Lite versions of the Pixel 3 sometime soon. But later in the year, the company will likely launch the new Pixel 4 line sometime around October. Although it is still very early for Pixel 4 leaks, there’s already some information about Google’s next-gen Pixel handsets.

XDA Developers recently noticed a new commit to AOSP’s source code, revealing some interesting details about the Pixel 4. A Googler noted that the 2019 Pixel 4 will have dual SIM functionality in Android Q.

The dual SIM support is interesting for a couple of reasons. First, the Pixel 2 and 3 devices already have dual SIM support — in fact, they support DSSS or Dual SIM, Single Standby which allows users to provision two different SIMs but only use one. And with the Pixel 4, Google could be introducing DSDS or Dual SIM, Dual Standby, which allows users to receive calls and texts on both the SIMs, as long as one of them isn’t already in use. There is also DSDA or Dual SIM, Dual Active, which requires two different radios and allows the SIMs to be used simultaneously — but the smartphone industry mostly uses DSDS for dual SIM support on handsets.

It’s not clear if Google is planning to use DSDA or DSDS for the Pixel 4, though the former is probably more likely. Interestingly, the same commit stated that the dual SIM capability can be enabled on Pixel 3 devices, even though it’s only for dogfooding. So technically speaking, Google may be able to introduce real Dual SIM, Dual Active support for the Pixel 3 with a software update if the company wanted to.

With Apple providing dual SIM support on the latest iPhones in some regions and most Android phones offering the same, it’s no surprise to see Google introducing actual dual SIM support on the upcoming Pixel  4. It will be interesting to see if the dual SIM support will be available in all regions, though.

Tagged with Android Q, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL