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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.

7 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 Archangel+Michael · · Score: 5, Informative

      its the dual radio antennas that are being patented. Because adding more than one Antenna is considered "innovation" these days.

      --
      Agent K: A *person* is smart. People are dumb, stupid, panicky animals, and you know it.
    2. Re:My current phone has 2x SIMs by Qzukk · · Score: 3, Interesting

      SIMs with rounded corners, duh. Or maybe the patent is on a method of inserting SIMs into a phone with no slots for a SIM tray via quantum tunneling.

      My boss has Apple everything and has been wanting a phone with dual SIMs so he can have one company line and a personal line on the same phone. My oneplus 3 already has this.

      --
      If I have been able to see further than others, it is because I bought a pair of binoculars.
    3. Re:My current phone has 2x SIMs by ilsaloving · · Score: 3, Funny

      So basically you will have twice as much opportunity to hold it wrong?

    4. 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. Re: Wow how original by Hognoxious · · Score: 3, Funny

    Fuck that, I'm going to patent three antennas.

    Unless Gillette got there first.

    --
    Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."