Qualcomm, the leading technology company that integrated cellular connectivity technology into its Snapdragon processors, has taken a step further by adding iSIM to its latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processors. The iSIM, or integrated subscriber identification module, is the next generation of eSIM technology, which is gradually phasing out physical SIM cards across the industry.
The collaboration between Qualcomm and French technology company Thales has resulted in the world's first commercially-available iSIM to be certified by the GSMA, an industry organization that develops and implements standards for cellular connectivity. The iSIM has been designed to eliminate the need for a dedicated chip, unlike the eSIM which exists as a separate chip, taking up valuable space.
The new iSIM has received security certification from the GSMA, which is a crucial aspect for non-removable SIMs that can be imported and exported digitally. The design includes a tamper-resistant element in the SoC, which houses the iSIM credentials, providing an extra layer of security.
Qualcomm expects the iSIM to quickly gain market share, and predicts that 300 million iSIM-enabled devices will be in use by 2027, representing 19% of global eSIM shipments. The iSIM, if shipped in a production device using a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, will function in the same way as eSIM from a user perspective. Users will need a carrier that supports eSIM provisioning, and then they can add the iSIM using Android's existing eSIM system.
Most mobile processors are SoCs, or systems on a chip, containing peripherals like a graphics processor and a cellular radio, bundled into one chip for size and battery efficiency. The iSIM is integrated into the SoC, and provides an additional layer of security as well as removing the need for a separate chip.
The integration of iSIM technology into Snapdragon processors is a significant move for Qualcomm, and is expected to revolutionize the industry. The iSIM technology is likely to replace eSIMs, becoming the norm in the coming years.
The iSIM will make it easier for manufacturers to design and produce devices, as it removes the need for a separate chip, and also provides additional security features, which are essential in the digital age.
The iSIM is a game-changer, and the certification from the GSMA is proof of its potential. It is expected that other companies will follow suit, adopting the iSIM technology in their processors, making it the industry standard.
Final Words
Qualcomm's integration of iSIM technology into its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processors is a significant development, which is expected to revolutionize the industry.
The iSIM, which eliminates the need for a separate chip and provides additional security features, is expected to replace eSIMs and become the norm in the coming years.
The certification from the GSMA is proof of its potential, and it is expected that other companies will follow suit, making the iSIM the industry standard.