Core differences?
The new integrated SIM (iSIM) technology has many advantages over the current eSIM solution, and it could make small devices even smaller.
Qualcomm worked with Vodafone and Thales to make the next generation of iSIM technology, replacing physical SIM cards. It is an improvement in the technology and its use in eSIM. The suggested fix can make room inside smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and pretty much any other gadget that would, in principle, be able to connect to the internet or require the ability to place calls and send texts.
Last year, we talked about how the next generation of the iPhone 14 series wouldn’t have a physical nano-SIM card slot, which made us wonder a few things. Recent news has made people think that the new eSIM-only iPhone 14 series may be optional and that they may also depend on the market, but the question still stands.
Before we move on, we need to know how physical SIM cards, embedded eSIMs, and Integrated SIMs (iSIM) work in the real world. This will help us determine what’s good and bad about each technology. This will help us figure out which solution would work best to free up space on smartphones, smartwatches, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, laptops, and other devices.
SIM card?
SIM is an abbreviation for “Subscriber Identity Module.” It is a tiny chip that holds subscription information about the user. It has a 17-digit code that tells the system about the carrier, the country code of origin, and a unique user ID (via Kwikboost). The SIM card connects the user to the wireless network, which lets them make calls, send text messages, connect to the internet, and do other things. SIM cards can also store contact information, phone numbers, SMS messages, billing information, and even data usage.
eSIM?
eSIM is the same as a physical SIM card in terms of how it works. The “e” stands for “embedded” because the eSIM is a small physical chip built into the phone. A lot of smartwatches and some laptops also use eSIM. The eSIM technology lets users store more than one number on a single device, which can connect virtually to multiple carriers and networks. Most modern smartphones and smartwatches use this technology, which has a chance to become the new standard and eliminate the need for SIM cards.
iSIM?
The advantages of iSIM, essentially a brand-new technology, are identical to those of the eSIM solution. However, the major and most evident advantage of iSIM is that it uses even less space than eSIM because it is built into the mobile chipset and doesn’t need even a modest amount of room within smartphones and other devices. As you might have guessed, the I stands for “integrated,” which is one of the phone’s most important parts.
Theoretically, it might be supported by a new Qualcomm CPU by default, making it simple for consumers to add their SIM card profiles to the gadget. This would offer similar benefits to the eSIM technology, such as giving manufacturers more space to work with to add better vibrator motors, bigger battery cells, more sensors, and so on.
In a recent news article, Qualcomm talked about the main benefits of iSIM technology for smartphones, laptops, smartwatches, and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices and gadgets:
- Simplifies and improves device design and performance by making use of space that was previously wasted.
- Combines the SIM functionality with other important functions like the GPU, CPU, and modem into the device’s main chipset.
- Uses the existing eSIM infrastructure to let the operator set up SIM cards remotely.
- Allows many devices that couldn’t connect to mobile services before because they didn’t have SIM slots.
iSIM could replace eSIM to store and use numerous SIM cards on devices.
How will it affect the end user?
If Qualcomm and other wireless networks can work together and agree to support the technology, it should be as widely used as eSIM in developed countries. The changes would probably make everyday life easier, and switching SIM cards could be a breeze thanks to automated processes that could make it easier to change phone numbers, switch networks, and more. Most high-end smartphones in the last few years already have eSIM built in. This includes the iPhone Xs and later models, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Series and later models, the Google Pixel 3 series and later models, and many more. It’s unclear how long it will be until iSIM is in new smartphones, smartwatches, and other devices, but it could be a few years.
A gadget may be more dust and water-resistant and have greater interior space if it lacks a physical SIM card port. Manufacturers might use the extra room to create more powerful vibrator motors, increase the number of sensors so that users can monitor more actions, and lengthen the battery’s life. Phones may also become thinner, as a result, making them even more portable.
The iSIM technology has the same issues as the eSIM solution, even though it has no significant issues. It could be more difficult to recover the SIM card and phone number if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged. The user would likely need to contact the carrier to deactivate the SIM and set it up on another device. You only need a SIM ejector tool to install and remove actual SIM cards from phones.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I’m excited to see the new iSIM technology, which seems to be a much better and more elegant solution than eSIM. However, it gives small devices even more space and seems to have the same pros and cons as the previous eSIM solution. Even though eSIM wasn’t perfect and still needs a lot of work to make switching more appealing, I can’t wait for it to become the norm in the coming years. Using multiple phone numbers to switch networks will be much easier. Hopefully, the processes will improve along with the technology to make the switch smoother.
