Qualcomm Demos – World’s first smartphone with Integrated Sim card into SoC

For many years, smartphones depended on a specialized SIM slot to provide users with communications services. It all changed with the arrival of the Google Pixel 2 and iPhone XS, which introduced eSIM capabilities, allowing customers to enjoy telecom services without the need to put a physical SIM card into their smartphones.

However, Qualcomm and other industry titans recently pushed the notion to the next level by demonstrating a smartphone with SIM card functionality directly incorporated into the mobile processor.

Qualcomm Demos with iSIM support

Qualcomm has collaborated with Samsung, Vodafone, and Thales to demonstrate the new SIM technology known as iSIM. While the “e” in eSIM stands for “embedded,” as the system connects to network operators through a dedicated chipset, the I in iSIM stands for “integrated,” as Qualcomm was able to effectively incorporate SIM functionality right into the smartphone’s chipset alongside the CPU, GPU, and modem.

In contrast to eSIM technology, the iSIM system improves system integration of networking services for smartphones. It meets GSMA criteria (based on the ieUICC[1] GSMA specification), improves performance, and expands smartphone memory capacity.

Indeed, Qualcomm outlined the potential advantages that iSIM technology might provide to customers and telecom providers in the future.  According to the American chipmaker, the new SIM technology simplifies and improves device design by eliminating the requirement for a specific SIM slot.

It can also allow carriers to offer remote SIM provisioning by utilizing the current eSIM infrastructure. Furthermore, it opens up the possibility of incorporating SIM functionality into other devices such as laptops, tablets, and IoT devices that previously could not have SIM functionality.

Qualcomm recently demonstrated a proof-of-concept gadget at Samsung’s European R&D labs. To showcase the idea and establish commercial readiness, the firm used the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 powered by a Snapdragon 888 5G SoC with a built-in Secure Processing Unit running the Thales iSIM OS.

For the demonstration, the gadget made advantage of Vodafone’s sophisticated networking capabilities based on existing infrastructure and its remote networking platform. We already know that smartphone manufacturers such as Apple want to do away with the specific SIM slot on their smartphones. While eSIM technology may be beneficial for this, it has drawbacks and limited functionality. As a result, Qualcomm’s innovative iSIM technology may pave the way for smartphones that do not have a dedicated SIM slot.

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