European operators say Apple is considering having a Sim embedded in the iPhone, which could then be activated and updated at its online store. According to a report from the Financial Times, some European operators are concerned this could lead to a loss of control over the subscriber relationship, and they are threatening punitive action against Apple if it tries to introduce an embedded Sim on the iPhone. This could include refusing to subsidise the handset. European operators known to have concerns about Apple's interest in the Sim include Vodafone, France Telecom and Telefonica, according to the Financial Times. They all declined to comment, as did Apple. But one senior executive at a European telecoms group said Apple risked a "war" over the new Sim with operators, which could refuse to subsidise the iPhone. Separately French paper Les Echos reports that Apple has been working on the Sim card plans with Gemalto. However, due to the opposition from both American and European operators which have met with the company, Apple has pushed back the plans until at least 2012, the paper said.
