Apple is currently in discussions with the GSMA regarding moving to a standardized embedded SIM card in mobile devices, The Financial Times reports. The GSMA, which is an industry association responsible for developing GSM standards, has been working on an agreement among mobile operators to adopt a standardized embedded SIM card that would allow devices to more easily transition between different mobile networks. While all parties are said to be heading toward this “common architecture,” many of the technical specifications still need to be worked out, and mobile device manufacturers such as Apple would be under no obligation to adopt the new standard.
This initiative is separate from Apple’s own Apple SIM, which debuted last year for the latest iPad models. Those models still require a physical SIM card, but package a generic Apple version that can be activated on any participating carrier. The Apple SIM has received relatively limited adoption, with only a handful of carriers in the U.S.
and one carrier in the U.K. supporting it. While Apple has declined to comment, the GSMA said it is “continuing to work with Apple to secure their support for the initiative” and that the organization is “optimistic” that a formal agreement can be reached.
