Apple SIM: The big thing that Apple didn’t mention

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 18 Oktober 2014 | 21.43

NEW DELHI: Apple devoted a lot of time during its October 16 presentation to iPads, iMac, OS X and even Safari browser, but it didn't mention — even once — one of the features that may have significant repercussions in the US and European telecom industry.

On its website, the company says that it has introduced a new sim card, called Apple SIM, with iPad Air 2. "The Apple SIM gives you the flexibility to choose from a variety of short-term plans from select carriers in the US and UK right on your iPad. So whenever you need it, you can choose the plan that works best for you — with no long-term commitments. And when you travel, you may also be able to choose a data plan from a local carrier for the duration of your trip," said the company on its website.

Basically, it means that iPad Air 2 buyers will be able to easily check all the plans that carriers are offering in their area and select the one that suits them the best. For example, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile in the US will provide a list of plans on the screen and buyers would be able to select the plan on the screen. Verizon, the third-biggest US telecom operator, is not part of this programme yet. In the UK, only telecom operator EE is part of this programme.

Apple SIM, though good for the consumer, creates a big problem for telecom operators in both the US and the UK, the two biggest markets for the iPhone maker.

In these markets, Apple relies heavily on carrier subsidies to make iPhones cheaper for the masses. For example, a $649 iPhone 6 is sold to consumers for $199 at a two-year contract, wherein the buyer needs to pay the telecom operator a fixed sum for the next 24 months as part of the deal.

At present, smartphone buyers usually don't switch telecom carriers as their phone is tied to the network. However, if Apple SIM comes to iPhones also from next year, then Apple customers will be able to change telecom operators, which will be welcomed by some, like T-Mobile CEO John Legere, who has been trying to lure customers away from rivals like AT&T, Sprint and Verizon through plans like Uncarrier.

However, majority of the telecom operators in the US as well as the UK would oppose the move as it will mean losing customers and further relegate them to being just a back-end service provider. Therefore it is not a surprise that no telecom carrier in the UK except EE was part of this programme. Similarly, Verizon may have skipped it due to the same reason as well.

The full repercussions of Apple SIM's introduction to iPhones will not be available for all to see till at least next year, that too only if iPhones are next in line to have this feature.

Apple SIM, however, will not change the mobile landscape much in India as the phones sold here are carrier independent by default and users already have the choice to change their operator any time.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=iPad Air 2,Apple SIM,Apple

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