isim

iSIM, or integrated SIM, is a form of embedded SIM technology in which the SIM functionality is embedded directly within a device’s system-on-chip (SoC) or baseband processor, rather than residing in a separate SIM card or modular component. It is a compact, on-chip alternative to traditional SIM solutions and is intended to work with the same secure profile provisioning mechanisms used by other embedded SIM approaches.

Like other embedded SIM solutions, iSIM stores mobile network operator (MNO) profiles and enables remote provisioning over the air. Profiles are managed in a hardware-backed secure environment, allowing users to switch operators, add data plans, or activate eSIM services without inserting or removing physical SIMs. iSIM is designed to support multiple profiles and seamless profile management within a single device.

Compared with earlier embedded SIMs that rely on separate security elements, iSIM is integrated on the main chip, reducing space, component count, bill of materials, and power consumption. This on-chip integration can enable smaller devices such as wearables, health and industrial sensors, and automotive modules, as well as streamline manufacturing and provisioning workflows.

Standards and interoperability follow the evolving framework for eSIM and remote SIM provisioning. iSIM aligns with 3GPP authentication methods and GSMA specifications, but its on-chip nature requires coordination among chipset manufacturers, device makers, and mobile operators to ensure secure provisioning and cross-operator compatibility.

Security and privacy rely on hardware roots of trust, secure boot, trusted execution environments, and encrypted storage for profiles, with authenticated and encrypted channels used for remote provisioning. Adoption of iSIM is ongoing, as industry groups and manufacturers explore on-chip SIM integration to enable smaller, more energy-efficient devices and simpler deployment.