The Telegraph reports today that Apple has scrapped plans for its own brand of SIM card after carriers threatened to stop subsidizing the iPhone. Theoretically, the integrated SIM could have removed carriers from the purchasing process. Sorry consumers!
https://gizmodo.com/will-apple-go-around-carriers-with-a-built-in-iphone-si-5675012
The carriers were unsurprisingly pleased with themselves following the news:
A senior source at a mobile operator said: “Apple has long been trying to build closer and closer relationships and cut out the operators. But this time they have been sent back to the drawing board with their tails between their legs.”
Nevertheless, rumor has it Apple is still going forward with an integrated SIM card in its next gen iPad. According to an anonymous Telegraph source, these iPads will sport subtle tweaks, like the aforementioned SIM and a redesigned mute button that replaces the locking slider on the side of the tablet.
