Apple made maneuvers to float the idea of completely removing SIM cards from future generations of SmartPhones in an effort to cut unnecessary fat from future generations of the iPhone. E-SIMS would completely eradicate the need for physical SIM cards in phones but the Telecoms informed Apple that it would be impractical to do so.
All of us told [Apple] it was a bad idea because the SIM card is a critical piece of the security and authentication process. It would be very difficult for a telco or carrier to manage the customer relationship. I think that they understood this point. We had a very constructive exchange and dialogue with them
Richard then spoke of Apple’s fresh attempts to reduce the size of SIM cards in future generations of the iPhone by introducing a micro-SIM which is much smaller in size than the current form.
We are going to work with them in order to standardize a new format of SIM which takes into account our needs with security and authentication and also is compatible with their wishes in terms of size.”
“I understood that the next iPhone would be smaller and thinner and they are definitely seeking some space
It is widely rumored that the next generation of iPhone will inherit the same design as the iPhone 4 but a smaller and thinner iPhone would require some level of design reconstruction. It was recently reported that the 5th generation of iPhone would use curved glass for the display and is rumored to arrive in October, according to an AT&T rep.
(Via Cult of Mac)