Future smartphones may come with swappable e-SIMS.

According to news site Financial Times, device bigwigs Apple and Samsung are current in talks with some big telecom companies in launching electronic SIM cards. The talks are reportedly nearing its conclusion, as GSMA, the main association for mobile operators worldwide, is said to be close to announcing an agreement for a standardized embedded SIM. 

In the current technology, mobile carriers usually lock-in handsets to their companies for up to two years, and issue subscribers with a locked SIM to be used with the smartphone included in the plan. The device itself is locked to the company, so users who want to switch or add mobile plans from different carriers usually end up with a number of smartphones. 

With an e-SIM, there will be no need for physical SIM cards, and switching mobile carriers will be much easier since consumers can just switch networks with a swipe or opening an app. If adapted, most smartphone manufacturers will do away with the SIM card slot and its system, and can maximize the free space for additional hardware and features.

Observers note that Cupertino-based Apple and South Korea-based Samsung will both benefit from the technology, since it would also mean that jailbreaking and unlocking phones would become almost obsolete. 

In adapting the new technology, it would seem that the upcoming iPhone and Samsung Galaxy Note 5, or even the next Galaxy S lineup, will come with e-SIM capabilities, if the deal pushes through. Speaking to Financial Times, Anne Bouverot, chief executive of GSMA, said that it is anticipated that the technology will take off into mainstream smartphones by next year.

She stated, "With the majority of operators on board, the plan is to finalise the technical architecture that will be used in the development of an end-to-end remote SIM solution for consumer devices, with delivery anticipated by 2016."