As per our report last week, one of the special features of Apple’s new iPads is the fact that it comes with a special SIM card that allows users to choose their carrier from a software menu, as opposed to having to physically swap out SIM cards belonging to other carriers. It sounds like a pretty great idea and perhaps an idea that could become the standard in the future.
The idea behind the Apple SIM that comes in the new iPads is most excellent: one SIM, many carriers. Whenever you want to switch carriers, you’d just pop into settings and pick the new one. If you want to bring your own SIM, you can — but otherwise, everything happens through software. No swapping SIMs, no ordering new SIMs, no hassle. Alas, someone had to go and throw a wrench in the gears. AT&T (who else?) is mucking up the whole thing. For now, the Apple SIM is compatible with four carriers: T-Mobile, Sprint, and AT&T in the US, and EE in the UK.