Apple iPad micro SIM thwarts easy import to the UK

By Flora Graham on 28 January 2010, 12:45pm

When the Jobsinator tucked his polo neck into his trousers and announced that the Apple iPad would arrive unlocked to any network and packing a GSM SIM-card slot, we thought we were in like Flynn -- on our next hop over the pond, we could pick up a 3G iPad and then pop in a SIM card from any of our fine, upstanding British networks.

Sadly, Apple has scuppered those plans by using a different kind of SIM in the iPad, called the micro SIM (pictured above). It's also known as the 3FF card, for 'third form factor' -- typical SIM cards (pictured top) were the second form factor, following the first credit card-sized cards. Micro SIMs are 12x15mm, while normal SIM cards pork out at 15x25mm.

The major benefit of the micro SIM is its size, says Yvon Avenel, editor of the SIM-card industry mag SmartCardsTrends. While we're sure the iPad has plenty of gear packed into its slim frame, we'd have to see inside to believe that a standard SIM card wasn't small enough -- after all, it fits into the iPhone.

We may just be feeling cynical after a long night of Apple coverage, but it seems that Apple is being intentionally contrary by selling an 'unlocked' iPad that uses a SIM card you can't buy anywhere -- effectively, this locks the iPad down more than the iPhone ever was.

On the other hand, networks who want to get in on the revenue that the data-hungry iPad would generate for them could start churning out micro SIM cards any time. O2 told us it didn't have any devices that use the cards now, but it planned to start providing micro SIM cards when the gadgets start showing up on our shores.

Update: The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), which sets the standards for SIM cards, tells us that except for the size of the plastic around the chip, micro SIM cards are identical to the SIM cards we normally find in phones.

That means in theory, nothing is stopping us from trimming down a standard SIM card and popping it in the iPad. We haven't tested this yet, so we can't guarantee it will work -- but as soon as we get our hands on the 3G iPad for a full review, we'll be giving it a try to confirm it.

Comments 14

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gatorrock 28 January, 2010 12:52

So the normal DIY hackers just need a good pair of scissors and a normal sim would work then eh? Not a problem.

Course I still don;t want a giant Ipod touch so not really worried.

anonymous 28 January, 2010 13:32

Indeed - when sim cards moved from credit card size to the current format, most mobile phone shops had a specific gadget that cut out a correctly-sized chunk from a larger card. Can't see it taking very long for the same to happen with these.

anonymous 28 January, 2010 20:32

if they are identical, then that is blimmin' stupid! why bother at all?

anonymous 28 January, 2010 21:13

This is such a non-story. The original SIM card was the credit card size shown above, then reduced to the size we are all used to, but still delivered in the original credit card size and indeed would work in a device that took the full size.

Now what would have been nice is if there was a second perforation in a standard SIM where you could snap it into a micro-SIM, instead you need to order a micro or get your cutters out.

anonymous 29 January, 2010 10:22

just buy an mifi and leave the 3G woes at home !

anonymous 7 February, 2010 14:01

My goodness, have we strayed this far from our pre-industrial roots? Men have hands. Hands can use tools. Tools can cut. This micro-sim debacle can be solved by anyone with a decent knife and a modicum of intelligence. Do you stare impotently at an unsliced cake too? Thinking: "How will I fit this whole cake in my mouth?" Erm... cut it smaller, with like... I dunno... a knife?

anonymous 29 March, 2010 17:03

Is there a function in phones (or, presumably, in the iPad) to protect against misplaced SIM cards? Because if you cut the micro card wrongly, you might short circuit the electrodes.

anonymous 30 March, 2010 18:35

I dont think anything will happen if you misplace the card. Haven't you ever put a SIM card rotated wrongly in a phone? Part of the chip still makes a contact with the pins in the phone, but the only thing that happens is that it doesn't work.

anonymous 31 March, 2010 15:54

I think a mefi is a better option after all the 3G iPad wiil be Â£100+ more than a non 3G plus you can use the mefi for your other devices.

anonymous 19 April, 2010 22:35

I think its a bigger problem then we think, because leaked concepts of the iphone Hd/4g show up with the same micro-sd slot.

anonymous 7 May, 2010 16:11

It works with an O2 Payasyougo SIM for Â£10 per month with unlimited internet....

anonymous 10 May, 2010 15:27

gatorrock your an idiot, like all the other people you have jumped on the band wagon with out even seeing what the device can do, just another T...er who likes to hear his own voice

anonymous 9 June, 2010 17:29

Guys, there is a way to use microSIM card in every mobile phone, and not only in the Iphone! I heard there is a thing called micro sim adapter. Basically, you put your microSIM card inside it and use it in any phone. I googlesearched it and found it here: gomicrosim.com They say it costs 4.5 EUR. They also seem to offer the sticker guide to cut the regular simcard into the microsim. IMHO their price and quality is the best so far.

anonymous 13 July, 2010 14:06

By the way, for those who want to be able to interchange SIM and MIcroSIM devices there is a smart gadget - a MicroSIM (3FF) adapter. One is available at approx. 5.79$/unit on the web.

For instance, check buymicrosimadapter.com