G&D nano-SIM may give iPhones, more an even smaller profile
updated 01:05 pm EST, Fri November 11, 2011
Giesecke and Devrient preps nano-SIM card
Giesecke & Devrient has developed an even smaller SIM card that could be a candidate for Apple and others slimming down their smartphones. The nano-SIM would be a third smaller overall than even a micro SIM card while also being about 15 percent thinner. Its shape could allow for more room for components like batteries and processors, or else let phone makers produce slimmer devices as a whole.
The company hopes to make the nano-SIM a more universal standard by the end of 2011 and could see it in phones as soon as 2012. Adapters will be available for the card to fit into larger-sized SIM slots.
Who will use it is still an unknown. Apple has been pushing for an even smaller SIM card of its own and wants it defined as a European standard. It has already received AT&T backing in the US. Unless Apple has been working with Giesecke & Devrient, it could risk creating competing SIM card formats.
The German-based nano-SIM developer was responsible for the original SIM card and might carry authority.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2009
how small is too small?
These are supposed to be able to be removed and replaced by users, at least in some countries. A micro-SIM is 12mm x 15mm (180 sq-mm) so a nano-SIM, at a third overall smaller would only be around 120 sq-mm or ~10mm x 12mm. Will these SIMs come with a pair of tweezers to install? Once you drop them, they will be much harder to find.