According to market statistics, the iPhone 5, as expected, has made an unforeseen impact with 2 million pre-orders confirmed inside the first 24 hours. Features such as larger screen size and 4G LTE connectivity are pulling consumers in huge numbers, however, there are aspects that have left some users deeply frustrated. The latest edition of the iPhone series is said to be the least backwards compatible of the lot which does not bode well with old faithful users. The larger screen size has resulted in bigger dimensions meaning that your old accessories will have to cast away. The new Lightening connector ensures that users buy a $30 adapter if they wish to use their old chargers and music docks. And another massive issue for those who prefer to mix and match their handsets is the change from micro-SIM card to the smaller nano-SIM card.
Strategy Behind Nano-Sim Card
It is understandable that the new Lightening connector and the nano-SIM card slot are necessary changes to make for Apple to reduce the thickness but one cannot hide the feeling that it could also be a strategy to prevent users from trying out rival handsets. Apple always tend to take the initiative when it comes to bringing about changes in SIM card sizes making it harder to interchange between phones and carriers. Those users whose lifestyles are based on globetrotting and wish to avoid roaming charges would be well advised to not to upgrade to iPhone 5 before all carriers they are using start providing nano-SIM cards.
Sim Card Format was Changing Anyway
Criticising Apple for the release of nano-SIM card is definitely harsh considering the fact that a new SIM card format was coming nonetheless and the only question left to be answered was which standard was going to be adopted. The battle was closely fought with several proposals pouring in and at the end of the day, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute decided to proceed with Apple’s design over Motorola, Nokia and RIM.
iPhone 5 Requires a 12% Thinner Sim Card
The change from standard SIM cards to micro-SIM card was much easier to adopt by using SIM cutters to trim the plastic housing in which the SIM card was embedded. However, the problem with iPhone 5 is that the nano-SIM card slot requires a 12 per cent thinner SIM card and by forcing the issue, you may end up damaging your SIM card or your handset.
Ideally, it will be best to wait for your carrier to start churning out nano-SIM cards or wait for the brave to cut down their SIM cards and sand them to reduce the thickness successfully. The deal will become a whole lot sweeter if the sanding turns out to unnecessary.
