Connected Devices Are the Innovation Center of the Consumer World
End User Demands
End users want stylish, powerful, and energy-efficient devices. Modern consumer electronics must achieve the perfect balance between performance and design while optimizing user experience.
Device Manufacturer Challenges
- • Lower power consumption
- • Optimized BoM and space
- • Easy testing and activation
- • Enhanced security for new services
¹ BoM: Bill of Material
How Many Consumer Devices Will Support iSIM?
Counterpoint Research Forecasts: 488 Million iSIM Compatible Consumer Devices in 2025
Yearly Shipment of iSIM-Compatible Consumer Devices
* Others includes laptop, tablets, XR devices and drones
Source: Counterpoint Research (January 2021)
Device Categories
- • Smartphones (Largest share)
- • Smartwatches
- • Home 4G/5G CPEs
- • Others (Laptop, tablet, XR devices, drones)
Growth Trend
iSIM compatible devices show a strong growth curve, with smartphones continuing to be the dominant category throughout the forecast period. All categories show year-over-year growth.
How Many Mobile Operators Have Launched or Plan to Launch Consumer eSIM Services?
iSIM Largely Relies on Widely Deployed eSIM Infrastructure
Global Coverage
eSIM services are widely available across 5 continents. This infrastructure provides the necessary foundation for the rapid adoption of iSIM technology.
eSIM is Going Mainstream
Gartner Report: 9 Emerging Technology Horizons for Mobile Connected Devices
eSIM is among the emerging technologies for mobile connected devices and has a "Very High" mass indicator.
5G, Edge AI, Computer Vision, Location Tracking
3D-Sensing Camera, Wi-Fi 6, eSIM, Biosensors, Advanced Virtual Assistant
Future technologies
What is Integrated SIM (iSIM)?
Definition and Features
A new eSIM form factor - built as a trusted area (TRE²) into a multifunctional chip (SoC). Like eSIM, it provides a secure vault to store mobile subscription details in trusted digital format.
It also leverages the advanced capabilities of the SoC (computing capacity, speed, power consumption, etc.).
Standardization and Compatibility
iSIM is standardized and recognized by industry bodies (GSMA, 3GPP, Trusted Connectivity Alliance, ETSI, Eurosmart...). Fully compatible with 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G.
iSIM for Consumer Electronics
Can be used in any cellular consumer device (smartphone, smartwatch, connected PC, tablet...). Also found in IoT and M2M devices.
From rSIM to eSIM to iSIM
Mini SIM
25mm x 15mm
Micro SIM
15mm x 12mm
Nano SIM
12.3mm x 8.8mm
MFF2
6mm x 5mm
WLCSP
2.7mm x 2.5mm
MFF-XS
2.6mm x 2.4mm
iSIM
Less than 1 sq mm
iSIM and Security: Ensuring Business Continuity
Security Certification
iSIM is subject to the same security certification as eSIM. This shows that security is consistent and natural across these different SIM types.
Security Levels
- Removable SIM
- Embedded SIM
- Integrated SIM
Security Features
iSIM maintains the same security level as previous SIM types and includes all necessary security measures to ensure business continuity.
iSIM is Fully Standardized and Industry Approved
GSMA Standardization Process
Beginning of standardization process
Security extensions for iSIM production
Addition of SoC integration features in security evaluation guidelines
Publication of all approved GSMA iSIM features
iSIM is as Interoperable as eSIM
iSIM is subject to the same interoperability tests as eSIM:
- • Compliant with Trusted Connectivity Alliance interoperable profile specifications
- • Tested according to GSMA's eSIM compliance program
- • Verified with mobile operators' eSIM infrastructure
3 Steps to Enable iSIM in Consumer Electronics Devices
iSIM Activation Service
To enable eSIM functionality
eSIM Operating System
eSIM OS integrated into cellular chipset trusted area
System on Chip (SoC)
Cellular chipset with certified trusted area
5 Steps to Activate Subscriptions in iSIM Consumer Devices
New to iSIM (Blue Steps)
System on Chip
OEM
SoC PartnereSIM Operating System
OEM
iSIM CITYiSIM Activation Service
OEM
iSIM CITYLeverage existing OEM manufacturing processes without increasing security requirements.
eSIM Unchanged (Green Steps)
SM-DS Connection (Optional)
Mobile Network Operator
iSIM CITYeSIM Profile Activation / Management
Mobile Network Operator
iSIM CITYFully compatible with eSIM infrastructure.
Result
eSIM-based mobile subscription activated.
7 Benefits of iSIM
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Simplify mobile connectivity integration into new connected devices
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Free up space on Printed Circuit Board for new features and ultra-thin & waterproof device design
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Leverage existing eSIM ecosystem
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Provide the same hardware-based security as eSIM
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Enable full lifecycle management of subscriptions and eSIM OS software
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Provide lower energy consumption
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Reduce device Bill of Materials
