SIM cards are gone. Mobile processor with communication features introduced

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Qualcomm has created iSIM technology that allows you to embed SIM cards directly into the processor. This will make both conventional SIMs and the eSIM chip unnecessary, and will also allow cellular networks to be integrated into a wide range of devices - laptops, computers, cars, etc. iSIM has been successfully tested, but Qualcomm does not disclose the timing of the appearance of the first processors with its support.

SIM cards will be a thing of the past

Qualcomm, one of the largest developers of processors for smartphones, has demonstrated a new technology to replace conventional SIM cards. It was called iSIM or Integrated SIM (from the English built-in SIM).

The idea of ​​technology is fully disclosed in its name. Qualcomm figured out how to embed the SIM card module directly into the mobile processor.

iSIM development is in a very active stage. Qualcomm has already prepared a prototype processor that accommodates a SIM card.

Qualcomm used the Snapdragon 888 5G processor, its 2021 flagship, for the demo. It's unclear why it hasn't tested the latest technology on its most advanced Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, which replaces last year's Snapdragon 888.

Telecom operator Vodafone took part in the demonstration of the technology . The event was also attended by representatives of Thales , an international industrial group engaged in the production of information systems for the army, as well as for aerospace and marine applications.

As a test subject, Qualcomm used the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G. This is a Samsung clamshell smartphone with a flexible display, which premiered in the summer of 2021. The event itself took place within the walls of the Samsung European Research and Development Center.

At the time of publication of the material, it was not known exactly when Qualcomm would announce a new family of processors with built-in iSIM, and what class of devices would receive this technology. The timing of the appearance of the first gadgets on sale is also not set. It is possible that the innovation will become part of only top-end devices, which are primarily distinguished by their high cost.

Advantages of the new technology

Qualcomm highlights three main advantages of its new development. First of all, iSIM allows you to significantly simplify the internal design of the phone.

The use of iSIM will enable developers to get rid of SIM trays that take up a lot of space in the case of mobile devices. They will be able to give the freed up space for other components - for example, for larger camera matrices or a high-capacity battery.

On the one hand, conventional SIMs are currently being gradually replaced by eSIM technology, which has recently been available in Russia . But the truth is that the eSIM is still a separate physical module, albeit tiny, taking up space in the case and on the circuit board.

The second advantage of iSIM technology is its maximum similarity with eSIM. As the XDA Developers profile resource writes , this means that telecom operators can use the same procedures as with eSIM when working with it. In other words, the transition to iSIM is supposed to be as painless as possible for subscribers and seamless for telecom operators.

Widest range of uses

The third advantage of iSIM is its huge area of ​​application. Integration into the SIM into the central processor opens up the ability to connect to cellular networks and make calls or use the mobile Internet from those devices that were not originally designed for this.

For example, it can be laptops. Most mobile PCs come without SIM support, and users must purchase slow and often cumbersome USB modems to access the Internet over cellular networks .

Microsoft came to the rescue here , in October 2021 it released Windows 11 OC with extended support for Qualcomm ARM processors. And in early December 2021, Qualcomm itself showed its new chip for Windows laptops - Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 with a 5 nm topology. It does not have an iSIM, but Qualcomm may release a corresponding modification of it in the foreseeable future.

iSIM can also be used in tablets, virtual and augmented reality glasses and other devices with ARM processors , including Internet of things devices. Many car media systems are also built on them.

“ iSIM solutions open up great opportunities for mobile operators, free up valuable device space for OEMs, and provide flexibility for device users to take advantage of the full potential of 5G networks ,” said Enrico Salvatori , Senior Vice President Qualcomm and president of the company's European division.