Qualcomm and Thales have announced the world’s first Integrated SIM (iSIM) card, which is a SIM card that is incorporated directly into a single-chip system. This solution saves even more space inside the device, even in comparison with eSIM. iSIM is expected to be the modern solution, replacing traditional SIM cards and eSIMs.
Arm presented the iSIM idea in 2018, claiming that the transistors required to execute the technology in the SoC will be located on a 1 sq mm space, which is more than 100 times smaller than a traditional nanoSIM card (12.3 x 8.8 mm). Last year, Qualcomm, Thales, and Vodafone demonstrated the Integrated SIM (iSIM) standard on the custom-designed Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 with iSIM has received GSMA security certification, providing the same level of cyber protection as eSIM modules.
The iSIM card eliminates the need for a separate physical space for SIM services inside devices, resulting in smaller designs and less power consumption.
Qualcomm and Thales are glad that their investment in high-security processor hardware has met the security and functionality needed by the GSMA for the UICC Remote Provisioning use case. They believe a tamper-resistant element built into a host processor can enable innovative use cases in many markets and product segments.
With its smaller size, energy efficiency, and security features, iSIM is poised to revolutionize how devices communicate and interact, paving the way for an exciting future of innovation and progress.
