Last week, it was revealed that tech giants Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Apple Inc. have been discussing with global telecommunication service providers about a new electronic subscriber identity module (eSIM) technology standard.
The new eSIM technology is expected to provide consumers with the ability to switch between mobile carriers without replacing any SIM cards. It is also revealed that this technology could be implemented sometime by next year, if more telecom firms plan to support it.
Recently, new reports say the first device ever to support this new eSIM technology could be Apple's upcoming iPhone 7 smartphone. However, the iPhone 7 hasn't been unveiled yet and Apple hasn't confirmed anything in regards to this technology.
Here's what Anne Bouverot, chief executive at GSMA, had to say, "With the majority of operators on board, the plan is to finalize the technical architecture that will be used in the development of an end-to-end remote SIM solution for consumer devices, with delivery anticipated by 2016."
Last year, the US-based company Apple had already launched the iPad Air 2 device with its own SIM technology, enabling users to switch between service providers in the U.S. and the U.K.
In addition, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that Apple might also plan to ship its new devices with its Apple SIM technology this year, marking the first step towards eSIM.
One of the advantages of the new eSIM technology is that it will allow consumers to easily sign up and change subscription plans using their own devices. Geek Snack reports that the new standard will benefit both the industry and consumers due to its versatility and "greener" technology.
According to a recent report by The Next Web, companies that have already approved the new move include AT&T, Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat, and Telefónica, among others.
