Qualcomm Partners with Thales to Unveil iSIM for Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC as an eSIM Alternative

Qualcomm released the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC in November last year. Today, the California-based chipmaker, in association with Thales, announced the first commercially deployable iSIM (embedded SIM) functionality on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset at MWC 2023. The iSIM solution will integrate SIM functionality directly into the processor in a smartphone and will allow devices to connect to a cellular network without a traditional SIM card or even an onboard SIM card (eSIM). The iSIM complies with the GSMA Remote SIM Provisioning standard and claims to increase efficiency and reduce space constraints as well as costs for device manufacturers.

The chipmaker via a press release on Wednesday announced the certification of the “world’s first commercially deployable iSIM” on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. This allows a smartphone’s main processor to function as a SIM card. The company has partnered with Thales to integrate the new functionality into the mobile platform.

The iSIM complies with the GSMA Remote SIM Provisioning standard and promises cyber protection and flexible operation. The embedded iSIM will be the same as the standalone SIM or an eSIM. Being non-removable, it should help handset makers save space and reduce construction and supply chain costs. Hardware can also benefit from removing the SIM card slot.

“Alongside the increasingly popular eSIM, Thales’ 5G iSIM gives device manufacturers and mobile operators even more freedom to offer their customers effortless wireless connectivity and more exciting product designs. and accessible,” said Guillaume Lafaix, Vice President of Embedded Products. , Thales Mobile and Connectivity Solutions.

Qualcomm, citing a study by Kaleido Intelligence, predicts that global iSIM shipments will reach 300 million by 2027. This would represent 19% of all eSIM shipments. “iSIM increases the possibilities for proliferating cellular capabilities and satisfies a larger and more diverse market,” said Alex Sinclair, Chief Technology Officer, GSMA.

Currently, major smartphone manufacturers like Apple, Google, and Samsung are pushing for eSIM technology to get rid of physical SIM cards. The eSIM solution allows consumers to switch wireless providers without having to insert a new physical SIM card.

Qualcomm has not yet confirmed the timing of the iSIM rollout. The latest high-end smartphones powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, including the Samsung Galaxy S23 or OnePlus 11 5G series, might be able to use iSIM functionality at first.