When Apple and Samsung go head-to-head in court, it makes headlines. But it's arguably more worrying when they find common ground. According to reports from yesterday, both companies are working on a system to replace the traditional SIM card with an electronic alternative, or e-SIM, which would make switching carriers much easier.
A quarter century of SIM cards
The first commercial SIM card was launched in 1991. Once the European Telecommunications Standards Institute finalized the specification, German company Giesecke & Devrient produced the initial batch of 300 units for Finnish provider Radiolinja (now Elisa), leading to the world's first GSM call in March of that year. Almost a quarter of a century later, the essence of the SIM card remains relatively unchanged. We've seen modifications to its form factor, and they are far from perfect, but its main purpose is still to identify and authorize users on a mobile network. Over time, the SIM has been implemented in other infrastructures, but there are firm plans to develop a replacement that absorbs its functions, eliminating the need for a physical card altogether.
Apple and Samsung push for e-SIM
The novelty would remain a simple wish without two names: Apple and Samsung. Both companies are in "very advanced talks" with the GSMA, so we could be close to seeing a new standardized SIM system. AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Vodafone and Telefónica are some of the providers that will reportedly offer initial support for the new format. Apple already introduced its own vision with "dynamic switching" support in recent iPads, but its compatibility is very limited. Apple has not officially acknowledged any agreement, and there are no plans to discontinue its SIM card, but the fact that it is part of the conversations should speed up development.
What do users gain? The ability to eliminate the operator as the "man in the middle" and request a switch directly from the manufacturer will certainly appeal to many. But something tells me this is a classic "first world problem". Europe and the United States have very stable markets. On the other hand, the "changing the chip" dynamic in Africa, Asia and Latin America has been well received, with prepaid plans gaining huge acceptance. Implementing an e-SIM means a likely device replacement, lower supply, and potentially higher prices than what we already have. The GSMA estimates the e-SIM could be ready by next year. I just hope the transition is smooth, and that both technologies work together for a long time. The priority should always be the user.
