Apple ^[1] partnered with Gemalto (digital security ^[2] firm) to create a custom SIM card. Such card will be integrated into the iPhone ^[3] as a built-in chip, which will contain subscriber identification information for carriers and allow users to activate their devices with a broad array of carriers. The new device will be of most use in Europe ^[4], where there are many competitive carriers operating on similar technologies.

The SIM card chip will include an upgradeable flash ^[5] component and a ROM area. The ROM area contains data provided by Gemalto. The flash component will receive the carrier related data (different settings, for example, the Internet settings).