Apple, Samsung in talks for SIM-less phones

This could be another death blow for the SIM card as we know it: at least two tech giants are into talks with telecom operators to adopt an e-SIM or embeddable SIM card.

 

A report on 9to5mac.com said Apple is no longer alone in advocating the e-SIM, as it is being joined by otherwise bitter rival Samsung.

 

It said the idea is to have the software-based, carrier-switchable but user-inaccessible SIM card built into the phone or device.

 

"Plans for the e-SIM haven’t been finalized yet, but the group working on the standard hopes to have it rolled out sometime in 2016, likely in time to appear in the next-gen iPhone, as predicted," it said.

 

With this development, this tech could become a real standard across iPhone and Android devices, it said.

 

Earlier, Apple introduced its own take on the SIM card in its newest iPad. Its SIM allowed users to choose among three cell carriers and switch service.

 

For now, the report said the talks involved some US and European carrier.

 

On the other hand, the report cited an article on the Financial Times indicating the e-SIM may not replace the Apple SIM, but work alongside it. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News