What is a JV chip?
A JV chip — also sold as a Gevey, Heicard, or unlock SIM — is a paper-thin chip that sits underneath your iPhone’s physical SIM card. JV (non-PTA / factory-locked) iPhones are imported into Pakistan at a much lower price than PTA-approved units, but they are locked to a foreign carrier. The JV chip sends the right unlock codes to the phone so it accepts any Pakistani SIM — Jazz, Zong, Telenor or Ufone — for calls, SMS and mobile data.
If you’ve bought a cheap JV iPhone and it shows “SIM Not Supported” or “No SIM”, a JV chip is the standard, low-cost fix.
How much should you pay in Pakistan?
The market has been softening — the average price has dropped about 8% over the last six months to roughly Rs 2,300. Expect to pay:
- Rs 1,500 – 2,000 for basic/unbranded chips (fine for older models)
- Rs 2,200 – 2,700 for branded Gevey/Heicard chips (most reliable)
- Rs 3,000 – 3,500 for the latest version supporting the iPhone 15 series
Repair shops often fit the chip for free when you buy from them, and bulk pricing is available for shops buying 10+ units.
What to check before you buy
- Match the version to your iPhone model and iOS — the wrong chip version is the #1 cause of “No SIM” errors.
- Prefer branded chips (Gevey / Heicard) — cheap clones are the most common complaint.
- Ask for a 7-day checking warranty, which most reputable sellers offer.
- Buy from a seller who fits it for you if you’re not comfortable opening the SIM tray.
JV chip vs other options
- JV chip — cheapest, works on most models, but tied to chip quality and iOS updates.
- PTA approval (paying tax) — permanent and update-proof, but expensive.
- eSIM workarounds — limited and model-dependent.
For most buyers of a non-PTA iPhone, the JV chip remains the best value way to get the phone working on a local network today.