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When I received my unlocked iPhone SE 2022, the phone guided me through a setup process that transferred my data from the old to the new device without moving over the sim card.
I didn't understand how the transfer was possible without a sim card, and later installed the sim card anyway, thinking it might be necessary or at least offer some kind of safety. The device then showed that I had two IDs using the same number and designated a travel and a personal differentiation.
I decided to call Apple Support for clarification, learned that the data was transferred to what is called an "eSim card", and I ultimately learned why it was okay to remove the old sim card.
I now understand the advantages of the eSim, and that my phone is unlocked, meaning it is not carrier-specific. The eSim will take advantage of 5G, ensure the device is accessing the latest speed when the old one is phased out, and will allow me to carry over data and switch devices and carriers seamlessly in the future.
I also confirmed that the new iPhone SE 2022 can take advantage of full-5G, but has only one antenna so it cannot access the higher end of 5G.
Not all carriers support eSim, in which case the sim must be transferred, and possibly upgraded through the carrier to take advantage of new capabilities such as 5G.
Here's a support article detailing use of a dual sim setup and possible advantages using the combination of eSim and sim card:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209044
