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Apple ( AAPL ) CEO Tim Cook shot down speculation that the company at some point would sell wireless services, but he confirmed interest in “e-SIM” technology that would make it easier for consumers to switch carriers, according to reports. Aside from selling its own wireless service directly to consumers, putting a smart SIM (subscriber identity module) into iPhones is the most destabilizing thing that Apple could do to wireless firms, including Verizon Communications ( VZ ) and AT&T ( T ), analysts have said. Cook said in a Startup Fest Europe interview that Apple will not sell its own wireless services, unlike Alphabet’s Google, according to news website 9to5Mac report . “We don’t have the network skill. We’ll do some things along the way with e-SIMs along the way, but in general, I like the things carriers do,” Cook is quoted as saying in the 9to5Mac report. “We’ve worked with AT&T in the U.S., O2 in the UK, as well as T-Mobile ( TMUS ) and Orange, and we expanded as we learned more. But generally, the things Apple likes to do, are things we can do globally,” Cook explained. Analysts have speculated that Apple could introduce e-SIM technology that makes it easier to switch service providers by 2018. They do not expect to see this technology in the next iPhone, the iPhone 7, expected to be released this fall. The technology involves reprogrammable software that provides network access. Analysts call it a smart SIM, an electronic SIM, a soft SIM or a virtual SIM. At the same time, Apple may continue using tiny SIM cards, usually found under the battery, which provides access to a wireless network. Carrier-switching technology might be an option in new SIMs, analysts say. Apple stock was up 1%, near 97.50, in morning trading in the stock market today . Scalper1 News
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