Over the past few days, reports have sprung up claiming that Apple is pushing heavily for the adoption of a miniaturized sim card standard. About a year ago, Apple had filed a proposal for the adoption of a smaller SIM card standard than the micro-SIM currently used in the iPhone 4S and iPad.
It seems that other phone manufacturers are now pushing for the same, but with disagreements with Apple’s implementation. Specifically, Nokia objects to Apple’s use of a “drawer” to protect the nano-SIM card. This is a similar design to what Apple currently uses in their iPhone and iPad products. Regardless, it seems Apple has the backing of most European carriers.
A second report, this time from FOSS Patents, claims that they have seen a letter sent from Apple to European Telecommunications Standards Institutes (ETSI) wherein the company has committed to a royalty-free license to their nano-SIM design patents. They also requested that others holding patents regarding this technology also offer royalty-free agreements, to better ease the adoption of the technology.
It goes without saying, that Apple is pushing for a smaller SIM standard, so that they can continue to make smaller, thinner, and lighter products. Removing the structures needed to hold a larger SIM card standard, take up space Apple believes they can use for other things. Perhaps a bigger battery? Who knows. The thing we do know, is that Apple and others have been pushing for this for awhile now.
Continue reading:
- Everything New Apple Just Announced (Septembe
- Apple Watch Pre-Order
- Apple Research Kit launches with 5 Apps
- Apple TV now only $69
TAGS: iPad, iPhone, license, Patent, SIM Card
