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Apple Explores Dual-SIM Capability in iPhones, Patent Filing Reveals (ibtimes.com.au)

Posted by msmash on from the feeding-the-beast dept.

Apple is exploring the idea of having two SIM card slots in its iPhones. The Cupertino-based company has registered a patent for a dual-SIM card technology that involves two separate antennas. Though not as popular in the US, and UK markets, smartphones with dual-SIM card capability are extremely popular in developing regions such as China and India. For instance, according to Counterpoint Research marketing firm, more than 90 percent smartphones sold in India, world's fastest growing smartphone market had dual-SIM card slot in them. But why does Apple care about India and China, you ask. The iPhones sales growth has dropped everywhere in the world, except India, which is also the world's second most populous nation, and world's second largest smartphone market. As per Apple's previous earnings call, sales of iPhones grew by 50 percent in India, and Tim Cook has said that he sees a huge potential in the country.

5 of 127 comments (clear)

  1. My current phone has 2x SIMs by sinij · · Score: 4, Insightful

    What is there to patent? I am using prior art right now and it is at least 2 years old.

    1. Re:My current phone has 2x SIMs by ilsaloving · · Score: 3, Insightful

      I don't know *any* cell phone that does that natively, nor do I think that that would be a good idea. That just screams abuse potential to me.

      A separate VOIP client, or a work-provided DISA service, are much safer options, at least from an admin standpoint.

  2. You ask by Verdatum · · Score: 4, Insightful
    "But why does Apple care about India and China, you ask."

    No, no I'd never ask that. That's just about the stupidest question I've ever heard.

  3. And once again by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

    And once again:

    1- Someone implements a device with feature A. It's not very popular.
    2- Years pass.
    3- Apple (or more likely, some Apple blog) announces their next device will have feature A.
    4- EVERYONE and their dog rushes to declare that this is the worst idea ever, it won't work, it was done before, Apple is in decline, blah, blah, blah.
    5- Apple FINALLY releases a device with feature A. It sells like hot cakes.
    6- EVERYONE (and their dog, see above) eats crow.

    Been happening continuously for the past 10 years or so. Probably won't stop soon.

  4. Re:Dual sims are popular in Asia... by SuiteSisterMary · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Did you also complain when PCs stopped shipping with the giant keyboard plugs, then again with the PS2 purple and green keyboard and mouse plugs?

    --
    Vintage computer games and RPG books available. Email me if you're interested.