They are making such devices for the iPod Touch already, so I don't think he is joking. He is just slightly mistaken is all. I don't think they will make such devices for the iPhone.
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Apple Developing Custom Built-In SIM Card for iPhone?
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They are making such devices for the iPod Touch already, so I don't think he is joking. He is just slightly mistaken is all. I don't think they will make such devices for the iPhone.
Sounds like a good idea, however, you won't be able to swap SIM cards then... Which makes it stupid. I spend 6 months in one country and 6 months in the other, so I have a SIM card for both countries, and I just swap it out at the airport.
A built-in SIM would lock the phone onto a single carrier in a single country, even after your contract runs out, after which you would legally be able to use other carriers' SIM cards, but like this you won't be able to.
The only solution would be if ALL carriers in the world agreed to stop using SIM cards and use an alternative software identification system instead. This would take ages to adopt.
Of course, with the current iPhone, you're locked into using one SIM anyway, so it doesn't really make a difference: you can't change SIM cards even if you can physically take it out. I bought my current Nokia Express Music 5310 without a SIM lock so I have the freedom of using any SIM.
A built-in SIM would lock the phone onto a single carrier in a single country, even after your contract runs out, after which you would legally be able to use other carriers' SIM cards, but like this you won't be able to.
The only solution would be if ALL carriers in the world agreed to stop using SIM cards and use an alternative software identification system instead. This would take ages to adopt.
Of course, with the current iPhone, you're locked into using one SIM anyway, so it doesn't really make a difference: you can't change SIM cards even if you can physically take it out. I bought my current Nokia Express Music 5310 without a SIM lock so I have the freedom of using any SIM.
I have a problem with my phone, instead of swapping my SIM to another phone while I get it worked out, I have to call the carrier, get things moved to a physical sim, then after the problem is fixed call them and get it moved it back?
No thanks. If this makes it into the next iPhone I will not own one.
No thanks. If this makes it into the next iPhone I will not own one.
Let's face it, people like you make up maybe 1% of users. They are not going to design their items solely with users like you in mind. They are going to try to sell the most phones to the most people, regardless of the design. They will not worry about losing 1,000 users if they gain 2,000 in the process.
??? You mean they know what they're doing with handheld computers? They're terrible with phones.
This would be bad why?
The way I read it is that the iPhone may be potentially going carrier-free, meaning YOU get to pick which carrier to use. That, coupled with a nice new dual-service chip, and we're set for international use anywhere.
Sure, switching phones is a pain, but then again, it is on Verizon anyways, and there's always drawbacks. I look at it as two steps forward, one step backward.
The way I read it is that the iPhone may be potentially going carrier-free, meaning YOU get to pick which carrier to use. That, coupled with a nice new dual-service chip, and we're set for international use anywhere.
Sure, switching phones is a pain, but then again, it is on Verizon anyways, and there's always drawbacks. I look at it as two steps forward, one step backward.
Carrier-free? Not in the US.
Oh, so you think the world is ready for $600 iPhones? Think again. Low initial purchase price is an extremely powerful, if misleading, motivation for the average consumer.
Oh, so you think the world is ready for $600 iPhones? Think again. Low initial purchase price is an extremely powerful, if misleading, motivation for the average consumer.
Hmm, unless it is easy to reprogram your SIM to different accounts/networks, I really don't like this idea.
Although if Apple can use that $50b to start a worldwide iPhone network, I'd be up for that... *Not happening though.
Although if Apple can use that $50b to start a worldwide iPhone network, I'd be up for that... *Not happening though.
Agreed. I'd rather have a better GPS or compass, or more storage. But I rarely leave the US so I can understand the complaints of others.
We'd still be offered plans on different carriers, with Apple Stores selling unlocked iPhones at this price.
Could it be for iPad instead of iPhone?
I think a built-in "SIM chip" would be a better idea for iPad than iPhone. So maybe the new chip is really for iPad.
The iPad already uses a different-sized micro-SIM card than iPhone, and traveling between countries and losing 3G connectivity could possibly be less of an issue with iPad. Depends on the user's needs, of course.
Just a silly thought.
I think a built-in "SIM chip" would be a better idea for iPad than iPhone. So maybe the new chip is really for iPad.
The iPad already uses a different-sized micro-SIM card than iPhone, and traveling between countries and losing 3G connectivity could possibly be less of an issue with iPad. Depends on the user's needs, of course.
Just a silly thought.
I agree with baryon...
I have a SIM for Norway, but whenever I go home to England I switch to my UK SIM...
This will be a problem for me.
But if there is a way to keep two or more SIM profiles saved somewhere on the phone and switch between them easily, then it will be a very good idea and make switching "virtual SIM"s much easier
I have a SIM for Norway, but whenever I go home to England I switch to my UK SIM...
This will be a problem for me.
But if there is a way to keep two or more SIM profiles saved somewhere on the phone and switch between them easily, then it will be a very good idea and make switching "virtual SIM"s much easier
Unless they're proposing a built-in SIM plus leaving an empty carrier for a removable SIM card, this is a step backwards.
The SIM separates the identity of the GSM/UMTS user from the identity of the phone, allowing the user to swap phones at need: when upgrading, when using a loaner, etc.
Carriers crippled this swappability by implementing carrier locks. This proposal would take us back to the dark days of the original CDMA or AMPS phones where the identity of the user was bound to a specific phone.
There are few upsides for the consumer. It's a very bad idea.
But what Apple wants isn't always good. Because of the enormous costs involved while travelling abroad (roaming) I use a SIM from Indonesia when I'm there. I don't want to pay 2.50 a minute on a 'roaming' T-Mobile account. They just want to gain even more control. And yes I know, I don't HAVE to use an iPhone. But Apple (and others) say it's the best smart phone in the world so I don't have any options now, do I?
Just Remember
No 2 year contract = No subsidized iPhone = $600 purchase price
I bet Apple would sell less (no matter who the carrier is) if we had to pay the unsubsidized price. I'm sure that Apple and the carriers would still allow a contract price in order to push product.
No 2 year contract = No subsidized iPhone = $600 purchase price
I bet Apple would sell less (no matter who the carrier is) if we had to pay the unsubsidized price. I'm sure that Apple and the carriers would still allow a contract price in order to push product.
What I mean is Apple might have a solution for travelers that we don't know about. But if y'all enjoy getting your panties in a bunch, please continue. I guess that's part of the fun of rumor sites anyway, a place to vent about rumors.
Might as well get it subsidized. There is only one carrier that lowers their plans if you buy a no contract phone and that is T mobile. Every other carrier doesnt lower their plans! Some carriesr try to still put a contract on those off contract phones(I am talking to you sprint)
Apple makes my soul hurt lol
Honestly that is the exact opposite of what it would mean if this happens...... the use of a sim-card is what allows phones to be easily used with different carriers. if you take that away then you're left with only "sanctioned" apple carriers. I did love my iphones (first gen and 3G) while I had them but it's looking more and more like the move to android was the right choice (for me). This is disappointing news. If you are on the fence about switching to android you really should give it a try. I do miss the overall feel of iOS -- Android still has a little way to go in terms of fit and finish..... but I just feel BETTER about supporting android (and I love hacking
) Anyway, my two cents.
Honestly that is the exact opposite of what it would mean if this happens...... the use of a sim-card is what allows phones to be easily used with different carriers. if you take that away then you're left with only "sanctioned" apple carriers. I did love my iphones (first gen and 3G) while I had them but it's looking more and more like the move to android was the right choice (for me). This is disappointing news. If you are on the fence about switching to android you really should give it a try. I do miss the overall feel of iOS -- Android still has a little way to go in terms of fit and finish..... but I just feel BETTER about supporting android (and I love hacking
) Anyway, my two cents.With $999 MacBook Air, I can definitely see a price drop in the next iPhone generation... $499 maybe even $399?
most people i know travel a lot and just pay the 599 straight-up. its much less expensive in the long term.