iSIMs are the latest evolution of SIM card technology
Just when you thought SIM cards couldn’t get more evolved than the eSIM, a new SIM solution has appeared on our radar. The Integrated SIM, or iSIM, is now being hailed as the future of mobile network technology.
While this new technology isn’t yet available to consumers, we expect its rollout over the next couple of years. But what exactly is the iSIM and how is it different from the eSIM? Who can benefit the most from the iSIM, and when will it be available?
This article answers all relevant questions about the iSIM to get you up to speed. Read on to find out.
What is an iSIM and how is it different from an eSIM?
iSIMs (Integrated SIMs) and eSIMs (Embedded SIMs) are both digital SIMs that are integrated into devices and eliminate the need for physical SIM cards. Both have their own benefits and limitations, and the choice between the two often depends on specific use cases and requirements.
The digital nature of both the iSIM and eSIM make them quite similar. However, while eSIMs have digital functionality, they are physical in nature and thus have to be embedded into the device by soldering them onto its circuit board.
iSIMs, on the other hand, are more digital both in their physical nature and their functionality. Yes, they can be seen visually, but iSIMs have a dedicated space on the device’s SoC. They are technically part of the device’s chip, making them more of a “soft” SIM than eSIMs. This requires less space, making them ideal for the most miniature devices.
In essence, your traditional SIM card, an eSIM, and and iSIM all serve the same purpose – to connect and communicate through mobile networks. However, with each new evolution comes ne benefits, and that stands true with iSIM technology. The iSIM is a more advanced variance of an eSIM – it requires less space and demands less energy.
9 key benefits of the iSIM
iSIM technology fits perfectly into mobile devices and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. While integrated SIMs will also benefit consumers, enterprises have the most to gain.
Here’s are 10 benefits of the iSIM:
- 1. Cost savings:
Unlike physical SIM cards, iSIMS don’t need to be produced, shippped, and stored, thereby reducing costs for manufacturers, carriers, and end-users. - 2. Convenience:
The time and effort needed for device activation and management are significantly reduced thanks to the ability to remotely manage iSIMs. This is especially helpful for IoT devices because it can save a lot of time and effort to remotely manage and turn on devices. - 3. Space savings:
The presence of physical SIM cards can be an issue for compact devices as it takes up valuable space. With an iSIM, this space is saved, enabling device manufacturers to create more compact and visually appealing devices. - 4. Less power:
In addition to its space saving nature, iSIMs also consume very little power. An iSIM uses around 70% less power than eSIMs. - 5. Improved security:
The integration of secure elements within iSIMs strengthens device security, making it more challenging for malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to a device’s network. This results in an additional layer of protection. - 6. Better device design:
The need for a physical SIM card slot can be eliminated, allowing device designers to create more compact devices with an improved appearance. This is particularly significant in the consumer market, where the appearance of the device often has equal importance to its functionality. - 7. Reduced electronic consumption and waste:
Traditional SIM cards often go unused when a user switches carriers or upgrades their device, leading to an increase in electronic waste. The integration of iSIMs eliminates the need to replace physical SIM cards, thus helping to reduce the growing problem of e-waste. - 8. Enhanced device performance:
iSIMs offer improved network performance and faster data speeds compared to traditional SIM cards, making them suitable for high-speed IoT applications where quick and reliable connectivity is a must. - 9. Increased flexibility:
The ability to remotely activate and configure devices with iSIMs opens up new possibilities, including connected devices and machine-to-machine communication. This simplifies the scaling and management of large numbers of interconnected devices. - 10. Enhanced network scalability:
iSIMs allow network operators to effortlessly add and remove devices from their network, making it simpler to accommodate changes in demand. This is especially significant for IoT applications, where the number of connected devices is projected to surge in the near future.
Final words – When will iSIM devices be available?
While the iSIM hype isn’t yet rampant in the consumer space, industry players are well aware of the technology. This will change in the next few years when we begin to see iSIMs built into consumer devices. When will that be? Well, we don’t know exactly when, but Counterpoint Research predicts that by 2024, over 480 million consumer devices will use iSIM technology.
But for enterprises that will benefit most from this technology, we expect the iSIM to roll out much earlier.