The world's largest smartphone makers U.S. tech giant Apple Inc. and South Korean company Samsung Electronics are reportedly in talks to develop new electronic subscriber identity module (SIM) technology with international telecommunications providers.
The Verge reports that the new e-SIM technology will enable consumers to easily "switch between service providers" without having to replace any SIM cards. The report says the new e-SIM will stay inside the devices and won't require users to purchase new SIM cards.
In addition, it is said that the new technology could be available around next year. The new move could also mark the end of the use of traditional SIM cards.
Chief Executive Anne Bouverot of the Groupe Speciale Mobile Association (GSMA) told the Financial Times in regards to the new technology, "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."
Telecom companies that are expected to support the new standard, according to The Next Web, include Spanish broadband and telecom provider Telefónica, United Arab Emirates (U.A.E)-based firm Etisalat, U.S.-based wireless carrier AT&T, British company Vodafone, and French mobile network operator Orange, among others.
The Next Web added that if more companies will plan to support the new e-SIM standard as well, it's possible consumers will see the end of traditional SIM cards. However, the new technology standard is still in its early stages and no formal agreement has been reached yet, said the GSMA association.
Back in 2014, Apple had already unveiled its new SIM technology that doesn't require consumers to replace when switching to other service providers. Apple's new SIM began shipping with the iPad Air 2 last year and lets consumers switch between providers in the U.K. and the U.S.
