Apple SIM Card
Oct 17, 2014 | 11:07 am
#1
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Apple SIM Card
The iPad Air 2 has the following tech which I hope will be soon available on the iPhone.
Here's the Neat iPad Feature Apple Didn't Mention
Apple unveils new multi-carrier 'Apple SIM' bundled with new iPads
Here's the Neat iPad Feature Apple Didn't Mention
A preinstalled data-only SIM card has been inserted into the $499 iPad Air 2, and allows users to change carriers at the tap of a finger.
"And when you travel, you may also be able to choose a data plan from a local carrier for the duration of your trip," the company said.
Oct 18, 2014 | 8:07 am
#2
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Boy do I think could be a Trojan Horse. Imagine what it will do when you hand in a country and have the ability to buy a prepaid plan from your iPhone account and have service before you get to the jetway. What is the chance this SIM won't come to the iPhone?
Oct 18, 2014 | 8:56 pm
#5
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It most likely requires a very specific baseband software version, along with software on the device. I suspect that within a few months, it will be a standard feature on all Apple devices - would certainly save a fortune in logistics alone.
Oct 19, 2014 | 12:20 am
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Oct 19, 2014 | 3:00 am
#8
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I'm going to guess that the idea is that they are working to sign up carriers in as many countries as possible so that when you land in a given country you are prompted to stay with your existing carrier at X price point, or take data from the local carrier at Y price point. As such, carriers would sign up and provide service similarly priced (or more or less) to the local prepaid SIM plans and you would be charged using your Apple ID. This should make it much easier to get online upon touchdown.
Oct 19, 2014 | 6:27 am
#9
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I'm going to guess that the idea is that they are working to sign up carriers in as many countries as possible so that when you land in a given country you are prompted to stay with your existing carrier at X price point, or take data from the local carrier at Y price point. As such, carriers would sign up and provide service similarly priced (or more or less) to the local prepaid SIM plans and you would be charged using your Apple ID. This should make it much easier to get online upon touchdown.
Oct 19, 2014 | 6:33 am
#10
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I think one of OP's linked articles stated that the carriers balked at the idea of a virtual sim. However, I'm curious to see if Apple would only stock one version of each of their products. I know the carriers would want their "bloat ware" on the devices. On second thought, on idevices is there carrier bloat ware on the carrier specific models?
Oct 19, 2014 | 7:21 am
#12
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Not necessarily. In the same way that a phone can be set up such that it can only be used with a specific SIM or network, the SIM should be able to be set such that it will only be accepted by a network if it is being used by a device with a specific IMEI or unique device identification number.
Oct 19, 2014 | 1:32 pm
#13
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I think Verizon will be onboard with this soon enough. Historically, more Verizon cellular ipads were sold, I can't see that changing. It's probably just a bit more negotiating and working out the carrier connect kinks to get it rolling with Verizon. What would be REALLY nice is if this would apply internationally as well, so head to europe and just pick t-mobile for a week, or toggle or whomever, wherever you are. THAT would be true nirvana!
Oct 19, 2014 | 3:29 pm
#14
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Not necessarily. In the same way that a phone can be set up such that it can only be used with a specific SIM or network, the SIM should be able to be set such that it will only be accepted by a network if it is being used by a device with a specific IMEI or unique device identification number.
Oct 20, 2014 | 6:36 am
#15
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How does privacy come into this? It ships with a SIM tied to the IMEI. Use it or don't.