Samsung and Apple in advanced talks to join e-SIM launch

One of the things we do when we get a new smartphone is to check whether it will accept the SIM card used in the previous device. Current SIM cards are ‘locked’ to a specific carrier and sometimes a different sized SIM card than previously used is required by the new device. Those requirements could become unnecessary when the e-SIM becomes available in the relative near future though.

The e-SIM is an electronic SIM that removes the need for a physical SIM card to be present in the device, this would mean that consumers could switch between carriers with much less hassle, theoretically at least. Of course, for the e-SIM to make it to the consumer would require many, if not most, of the world’s top handset makers to be on board. Both Apple and Samsung are believed to be in advanced talks to join the e-SIM standard.

The mobile telecom industry association, GSMA, is apparently close to announcing an agreement for an e-SIM standard that would be implemented on mobile phones.

“We have got everyone back on one point, with Apple and Samsung agreeing to be part of that specification,” said Ms Bouverot, Chief Executive of the GSMA. “We have been working with them and others to create an industry solution for machines and will agree a solution for consumer electronics.”

Major carriers such as AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, Etisalat, Hutchison Whampoa, Orange, Telefonica, and Vodafone are expected to support the e-SIM plans, with all parties heading for a common architecture. The e-SIM is expected to be made available in 2016 at the earliest.

Source: Financial Times 

Come comment on this article: Samsung and Apple in advanced talks to join e-SIM launch