What Does iSIM Stand For? A Complete Guide…


eSIM vs iSIMPin

iSIM cards will soon overtake both eSIM and traditional SIM cards. But what does iSIM stand for and how are iSIM cards different to traditional SIM cards and eSIMs? Let’s find out…


iSIM Key Takeaways

  • iSIM Technology: Integrated SIM (iSIM) is a new technology that integrates the SIM card directly into the System on a Chip (SoC) of the device. It works like an eSIM, but the SIM card is now a part of the SoC rather than a separate chip on the device’s motherboard.
  • First Commercially Deployable iSIM: Qualcomm’s flagship SoC, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, is the world’s first SoC to come with commercially deployable iSIM technology. It is also the first SoC to get the iSIM technology certified with GSMA.
  • Benefits of iSIM: iSIM offers several benefits over other types of SIM cards. It saves space on the device by integrating directly into the SoC, offers enhanced security as it cannot be removed or broken, uses less power as it draws power from the SoC itself, and can be a major factor in making standalone AIoT devices more popular.
  • iSIM vs eSIM: The main difference between iSIM and eSIM is that while eSIM is a separate chip in the motherboard of the device, iSIM is integrated directly into the SoC of the device. This makes iSIM more space-efficient and secure than eSIM.
  • Future of iSIM: While it’s currently unknown which devices will be the first ones to use iSIM, Qualcomm expects to ship more than 300 million devices with iSIM by 2027.

What Does iSIM Stand For?

The term “iSIM” stands for Integrated SIM. This is a new technology that integrates the SIM card directly into the System on a Chip (SoC) of a device. The SoC is a component that integrates essential elements such as the CPU, GPU, RAM, mobile radio, and more into a single chip.

With iSIM, the SIM card also becomes a part of the SoC.

iSIM Is Similar To eSIM, Just More Integrated

What Does iSIM Stand For? A Complete Guide...Pin

The iSIM technology functions similarly to an eSIM, but the SIM card is now a part of the SoC rather than a separate chip on the device’s motherboard. This integration enables devices to connect to a cellular network without needing a physical SIM card or a soldered eSIM in a printed circuit board (PCB).

Instead of using a separate physical SIM card, the iSIM technology embeds the SIM features directly into the device’s hardware, allowing it to connect to the cellular network.

Snapdragon 8 GEN 2 Supports iSIM

Qualcomm’s current flagship SoC, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, is the world’s first SoC to come with commercially deployable iSIM technology. It was also the first SoC to get the iSIM technology certified with GSMA.

Qualcomm has talked about the new iSIM being fully compliant with the GSMA remote SIM provisioning standard. This means the subscriptions are remotely managed, similar to eSIM. Qualcomm developed this technology in collaboration with Thales Group.

The iSIM technology offers several benefits over other types of SIM cards. It saves space on a device by eliminating the need for a separate chip on the motherboard for the SIM. This allows for better optimization of internal space, freeing up the area for more useful components and reducing the device’s size.

Benefits of iSIM

The smaller sizes will be much more beneficial for devices such as smartwatches, smart glasses, and standalone VR and AR headsets.

The iSIM is also more secure and tamper-resistant than eSIM as it is integrated directly into the device’s SoC. It doesn’t use much power as it draws the power from the SoC itself, unlike eSIM and physical SIM, which requires a separate microprocessor to function.

This can have major implications for extremely low-power devices like smartwatches and other internet-connected, super portable gadgets and gizmos.

However, as of right now, eSIM is currently the dominant standard, both in the UK, Europe, and the USA. Apple, Google, Samsung, and basically all the other major phone manufacturers have now adopted eSIM, so forcing a switch over to iSIM en masse is going to be tricky.

Qualcomm will likely be able to convince all of its Android clients to make the switch, eventually, but Apple — the company designs its own SoCs — will likely stick with eSIM for the foreseeable.

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Best SIM-Only Plans & Deals


  • Boost Mobile Unlimited Premium Plan

    Boost’s top-tier option brings the heat: 50GB of premium data, hotspot, North America roaming, global talk & text, and $430 off select devices. All-in at $60/month with no contract.

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    Data: Unlimited (50GB premium speed)

  • Boost Mobile Unlimited+ Plan

    Level up with 40GB of premium data, hotspot access, global calling, and up to $300 in device savings. All for just $50/month. No contracts and flexible phone options included.

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    Data: Unlimited; Speed Caps After 40GB

  • Boost Mobile Unlimited Plan

    Start strong with 30GB of premium data, unlimited everything, and a killer intro offer: just $15/month for the first 3 months, then $25/month forever. No contracts. No fluff. Big value.

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    Data: Unlimited (Speed Caps Over 30GB)

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    Another high-data, low-cost option with no contract. 108GB for just £9, full 5G access, and the same goodies you get with 12-month deals.

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    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 20GB

    The lowest price option. 20GB for £6 with all the same perks as pricier plans. Great if you don’t use much data and want to save every penny.

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    Data: 20GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 110GB

    This plan gives you big data and zero commitment. 110GB for just £10 with all perks intact. If you need more data but want the freedom to cancel, this is the one.

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    Data: 110GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    More data, same price. For just £8/month, you get 60GB on a no-strings 1-month rolling plan. Ideal for users who stream often but don’t want long commitments.

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    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 40GB

    Perfect if you want full flexibility. You get 40GB and all of iD Mobile's perks with no lock-in, annual increases, or setup fees. Great for short-term users.

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    Data: 40GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    One of the best pound-per-GB plans around. You get 60GB for £8 with £25 cashback, which means you’re effectively paying closer to £6/month. Includes roaming and data rollover.

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    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    This deal gets you a healthy 108GB of 5G data for less than a tenner, with no upfront costs and £24 cashback. All the perks are included too: data rollover, roaming, and loyalty rewards.

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    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: Unlimited Data

    This iD Mobile plan doesn’t just compete on price, it’s up there with the best of them. Unlimited everything, a year-long lock-in with no price rises, and £42 cashback straight to your pocket. It’s like getting nearly 3 months free.

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    Data: Unlimited, No Speed Caps

  • Mint Mobile 20GB Plan

    If you're looking to save some cash on your bills, this plan is an awesome option. You'll get 20GB of data per month and 20GB hotspot data allowance. For moderate to heavy users, that should be more than enough. I seldom use more than 10GB of data a month, and I'm always using my phone

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    Data: 20GB