Apple is reported to be introducing new standardised SIM cards that are smaller than the ones currently used in the iPhone and iPad.

Just how small that is we don’t know, but it’s likely to be teeny tiny because the current ones are pretty small.

Reuters has spoken to an Orange representative who confirmed Apple is proposing a new smaller standard of SIM card. The reason? It means Apple can make slimmer devices.
That said, the fact that the news comes via a network source means that Apple is definitely cozying up with networks. This is to be expected though, Apple does need the networks to subsidise its devices – so it’s a predictable theme.

So, how long before we see these new smaller SIM cards everywhere?

According to Reuters, ‘a spokesman for European telecoms standards body (ETSI) confirmed Apple had made the proposal for the new standard for SIM cards, but a decision on starting the standardisation work, which can take more than a year, was not yet made.’

He added: ‘This process may take some time, up to a year or more, if there is strong disagreement between industry players. However, when there is broad consensus among the companies participating in the standards committee, the process can be accelerated to a number of months.’

Guess we won’t be seeing this new smaller SIM card in the iPhone 5 then.

But what is the current perception of the idea amongst networks? Apparently, it’s quite good – in fact, they seem to welcome the idea.

Here’s the official line via StraitsTime:
‘We were quite happy to see last week that Apple has submitted a new requirement to ETSI for a smaller SIM form factor – smaller than the one that goes in iPhone 4 and iPad,’ said Anne Bouverot, Orange’s head of mobile services.

Apple - Smaller SIM That May Debut On iPhone 5