Apple patent reveals it hasn't dropped the idea to make switching carriers a breeze
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We've all heard the rumors that the next iPhone will feature a world radio by Qualcomm, combining both GSM and CDMA frequencies. Apple's idea was to allegedly put a programmable SIM card inside the iPhone, and to make switching carriers a breeze via an app. We can imagine how that could have raised the hair on carriers' necks, since then everyone will be able to switch carriers quickly on the go, comparison-shopping for the best deal while abroad, for instance, instead of paying the ugly roaming charges.
Still, it seems that Apple might implement this idea under one form or another, or maybe it is just trying to protect its intellectual rights over it. Last year, Cupertino has filed a patent called "Method and Apparatus for Using a Wireless Communication Device with Multiple Service Providers" (boy, who's coming up with those titles?), and it was made public just recently.
Such an open SIM module would make great sense for the rumored affordable iPhone, relying heavily on iCloud, which is supposedly mulled to reign in on the huge prepaid crowd, especially in emerging markets.
source: AppleInsider
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10 Comments
1. dandirk posted on 12 Aug 2011, 06:29 0 2
Great feature! If only every phone could be used on any network.
Maybe the carriers would actually use their service to compete with each other. We all know most have horrible support and lame tiered plan policies (aka tethering)
2. PeterIfromsweden posted on 12 Aug 2011, 06:45 0 0
Oh boy, if Apple put this in the iPhone 5, there will be an operator boycott coming.
3. mambocream posted on 12 Aug 2011, 06:50 3 0
They are probably going to use that to sue every company that makes the dual sim phones that the rest of the world loves.
4. PeterIfromsweden posted on 12 Aug 2011, 08:32 1 0
can't do that...
Apple is stupid with all of their suing stuff.
They should concentrate on making the new iPhone, this changes everything again, again instead of makin lawsuits.
But hey, that is good for me, since the next iphone wont be as good, then samsung will do better.
5. taco50 (banned) posted on 12 Aug 2011, 08:50 2 1
This would be great for the consumer and yet we have to trolls that are still talking s**t. Peter why would a worse iPhone be good for you? A better iPhone will make other phone makers step it up to compete just like every other iPhone has made manufacturers try harder.
8. PeterIfromsweden posted on 12 Aug 2011, 09:18 3 0
come to think of it, actually you are right here for once Taco.
Making a really good iphone, makes other companies step it up.
Same thing with Samsung, when Samsung makes a really good phone, apple steps it up as well.
So actually it is good for me if the next iphone is good.
But i'm not sure if the next iphone will be any better than the Galaxy S2 in terms of hardware (or the upcoming Wave 3 ; ))
6. HTCiscool posted on 12 Aug 2011, 08:57 2 0
I think all phones should feature dual radio that works on CDMA and GSM frequencies, this is a great innovation!
7. M0nkeyBr posted on 12 Aug 2011, 09:00 0 0
If it DEPENDS on the cloud and there are no more real unlimited plans D: scared face
9. fairly_mismatched (unregistered) posted on 12 Aug 2011, 12:18 0 0
A worldphone that switches it's carrier ID via an app? Nice but not something I see that should be patentable.
Also, if this is still for GSM/CDMA then it looks like LTE isn't quite in Apple's iPhone short term future yet then.
10. gallitoking posted on 12 Aug 2011, 12:25 0 1
it will make my traveling to other countries.. a breeze
