iPhone 9: New Apple handset could support multiple SIM cards, latest iOS update suggests

The feature gives two phone numbers and two accounts

The new iPhone X is displayed during an Apple special event at the Steve Jobs Theatre on the Apple Park campus on September 12, 2017 in Cupertino, California (Getty)

The next iPhone could have the option to have two SIM cards, according to leaked code.

Clues suggesting that the new handset will include the feature have been found in the latest update to Apple's beta operating system.

Support for a second SIM card has been long-rumoured for the iPhone, but has never arrived. Offering such a feature would allow customers to use two numbers or accounts in the one phone – allowing people to use business and personal numbers, for instance, or a different account while at home or travelling.

The details were revealed by blog 9to5mac, which found clues in the latest iOS beta update – number five, which was just pushed out to Apple developers – that made reference to a "second SIM" and even an additional SIM tray.

It would be far from the first time that Apple's beta software has revealed key features or products before they were released. Last year, for instance, firmware for the HomePod speaker accidentally spoiled the look of the iPhone X as well as a whole host of features that were found inside.

This year, the beta software also seems to suggest that Apple could soon release its wirelessly charging AirPods.

Apple's new iPhones are expected to be announced this September. The line-up is rumoured to include three phones: an update to the iPhone X, an iPhone X Plus that will include all of the same features in a bigger design, and a cheaper handset that will lie somewhere in the middle and miss out on some of the key upgrades.