Apple [AAPL] is rumoured to be creating a new SIM card with the SIM card manufacturer, Gemalto.
Not much information is available about this SIM card other than its essentially a blank, meaning carrier free, SIM card that can be programmed in the phone to connect to a specific network and have a number assigned to it.
From what we read over at GigaOM, the new SIM card will have just the IT and networking security details programmed on to it, but will not come carrier specific allowing the same iPhone models to be shipped to any carrier (across Europe) and then be connected on to any network that is compatible.
The flash component will receive the carrier related data via a local connection which could be the PC or a dedicated device, so it can be activated on the network. Gemalto will provide the back-end infrastructure that allows service and number provisioning on the carrier network.
It isn’t know when and if Apple will use this, but if used it will certainly impact how the iPhone is sold and connected to networks. Perhaps Apple is shifting to handle all hardware while networks just provide the plans, meaning you wont be able to pick up an iPhone on the Three network for example, but will be able to get an iPhone direct from Apple and register it on the Three network.
Who knows? Its early days right now.
This would completelty change the way we buy and use phones. It really could make the devices a whole lot more versatile.
Sucurity could be an issue, but..
On the plus, theoretically you could unlock these to any network, possible multiple networks at a time. Maybe even run more than one number on the same handset,more than one tarrif, not just call plans but 3 3G broadband tarrifs, which currnely have more data.