Apple And Samsung Join The Fight To Scrap SIM Cards

SIM cards could soon be a thing of the past with both Apple and Samsung joining the crusade to scrap them in favour of a new ‘e-SIM’.

According to The Financial Times, both of the tech brands are in discussions to develop a new electronic SIM that could be easily switched between different mobile phone companies.

The e-SIM would stay inside the phone, enabling customers to switch mobile phone networks without having to change cards or being locked into one mobile provider.

The tech will be similar to the Apple SIM that made its debut on the Apple iPad Air 2, which enabled users to easily switch networks.

The difference with the new e-SIMs is that they won’t be removable meaning that there will no longer be a need for a SIM card slot on smartphones, potentially freeing up more room for new built-in technology or to make phones even slimmer.

The GSMA - an industry group that represents mobile phone networks - told the FT that ‘the majority of operators’ are keen to push ahead with the new e-SIM.

Companies already on board include Vodafone, T-Mobile and Orange.

However, it’s unlikely that the new SIM will be supported by all of the networks at launch, so some smartphone users may have to wait a little longer.

The e-SIM technology is expected to land some time in 2016.

(Image credit: PA)