New AppleSIM Won't Work As Intended on AT&T As noted recently, the most interesting thing about Apple's latest round of announcements was probably the AppleSIM, which allows users to use their new iPad Air 2 or iPad Mini 3 on different services without swapping out the SIM card. As also noted that's an idea that likely terrifies the biggest carriers, as keeping people's devices locked down goes a long way toward keeping real competition at bay.

quote: "With us you can change carriers with this iPad any time you want," he said. "It is an unlocked device. � All [you] have to do is switch out the SIM in the device so it works on another carrier." As for why AT&T is locking the SIM card to its network while other carriers are not, Siegel said that “it’s just simply the way we’ve chosen to do it.” Surely it's a coincidence that "the way AT&T chose to do it" cripples a technology that would have made competition easier and simpler on the consumer end? Apple didn't much talk about the AppleSIM at their recent media event, only stating the technology should work on AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile -- but not Verizon. When used, it lets you select a carrier and presents you with data prices for whatever carrier you select.Except users today realized AppleSIM effectively won't work on AT&T, with users required to install a different SIM card to switch carriers. AT&T doesn't really explain why they're taking this innovative new technology and crippling it by locking the SIM to one carrier, only telling ReCode this is "simply the way we've chosen to do it":Surely it's a coincidence that "the way AT&T chose to do it" cripples a technology that would have made competition easier and simpler on the consumer end?







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Most recommended from 83 comments



IowaCowboy

Supermarket Hero

Premium Member

join:2010-10-16

Springfield, MA 3 recommendations IowaCowboy Premium Member I bet my new iPad Air 2 will come with seal busted I bet the clowns at Verizon Wireless will break the seal on my beautiful new iPad Air 2 to take out the Apple Sim and insert a Verizon Sim before shipping it. I'd rather have my iPad shipped seal intact and insert the Sim myself.

IPPlanMan

Holy Cable Modem Batman

join:2000-09-20

Washington, DC 2 recommendations IPPlanMan Member Close your wallet... and walk away The only thing AT&T will understand is if you close your wallet and take your business elsewhere.



T-Mobile and Sprint are more than ready to provide you with service and the convenience of the Apple SIM.



Take one of these carriers up on it and tell AT&T where to shove it when you do.



AT&T needs to get a clue: This isn't 2007 anymore. This isn't the iPhone. AT&T isn't the exclusive provider.



I predict a rude awakening for them.