Disconnected iPhones

[Rob C]

As I am on the waiting list for a 17 Pro, I still have the time to consider whether to go ahead and trade in my current 13 Mini or keep it as a spare - almost sacrificial - camera.

In other words, once the SIM card has been removed and the 'phone disconnected from the network, is it possible to use the camera and then download to the computer via cord? I currently send snaps from 'phone to computer via email - I almost never shoot more than about four images on any day, and so emailing them individually is no hassle, far less trouble than it was trying to do it via cables, which took ages, and for some unknown reason, refused to let me select the folder to which I wanted them sent, insisting on an old one, thus causing more frustrating work later on. Clearly, once the old 'phone's off the network, I don't expect to be able to email anything with it.

I still have an ancient Samsung which I kept because I prefer the calculator, and use it for doing the domestic accounts in the office: satisfying clicks! I have just tried to see if its camera still works, and yes, it does, but I can't attempt to download the pics because I long ago disconnected the Samsung thing you had to download in order to do that. I imagine that my iPhone 13 Mini will also continue to work as a camera, and with downloadable files... am I mistaken?

[Manoli]

Like it or not, you've entered into the Apple eco-system <grin>.

Suggest you do a Google search :
'can windows 10 connect to iCloud?'

Yes, Windows 10 can connect to iCloud by downloading the free iCloud for Windows app from the Microsoft Store. After installation, you can sign in with your Apple ID to access iCloud Photos and Shared Albums, iCloud Drive for file access, and sync calendars, contacts, and passwords with Outlook and your PC's browsers.

[...]

iCloud Photos
: View your photos and videos in the Microsoft Photos app and create Shared Albums.

iCloud Drive
: Access files and folders stored in iCloud Drive directly from File Explorer.

Calendars and Contacts
: Sync your Apple calendars and contacts with Outlook.

So the briefest of answers:
Your phone will interconnect with your PC.
You'll upload your photos to iCloud (automatically) and then presumably drag & drop from File Explorer on your PC

[Rob C]

Thanks for that route, but here’s the thing: I have avoided getting involved with the Apple world as much as possible. I never use the iCloud nor even the free version of cloud that my Telefonica service provides. I get the largest file possible into the ‘phone, send it to the computer via email (avoiding using the wire route instead) in its full size, and then empty the ‘phone of all images other than some family snaps I get sent. I want all the independence I can have and nothing, knowingly, in any cloud. Any snaps that matter I keep in the website.

I don’t even internet bank because I sat down and read my bank’s terms and conditions, which pretty much left the impression that unless my electronic security systems are as good as theirs, should I get screwed, it’s then my own fault. Hell, the banks themselves get screwed every day! Control freak? Certainly, as much as possible!

[degrub]

The newer iPhones do not have physical sim slots. ALL eSIM.

[Manoli]

The newer iPhones do not have physical sim slots. ALL eSIM.

... in the USA. The EU ones have both eSIM and nano SIM.

[Manoli]

I imagine that my iPhone 13 Mini will also continue to work as a camera, and with downloadable files... am I mistaken?

No, you're not.

[Rob C]

No, you're not.

Great! Issue resolved.

[BobShaw]

I don't think that you say what computer you have but the Image Capture app on a Mac does everything that you want to do and more.

[Chris Kern]

In other words, once the SIM card has been removed and the 'phone disconnected from the network, is it possible to use the camera and then download to the computer via cord?

When the cellular service is terminated, all you lose are the functions that are inherently dependent on the cellular network infrastructure, such as voice calls and text messages.  Everything else will continue to work as it did before over WiFi.  You can use the camera and send yourself images via electronic mail whenever and wherever you have access to WiFi.  You are losing one wireless connection method (cell service), but another one remains fully functional (WiFi).

[francois]

On top of that, depending on your settings, you can get calls on your iPhone 13 if your iPhone 17 is on the same WiFi network. I use it all the time at home, especially when I don't find my newer iPhone (with a valid SIM or eSIM).