The compatibility of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards between iPhones and Android phones is primarily determined by the SIM card size and network technology. Both iPhone and Android devices generally utilize either a nano-SIM card, which is the smallest SIM card format currently available, or in older models, a micro-SIM card. If both devices use the same size SIM card, the physical transfer is possible.
Historically, the development of smaller SIM card sizes has been driven by the need for more compact mobile devices. Modern smartphones, regardless of operating system, have largely standardized on the nano-SIM. The primary benefit of this standardization is the ease with which users can switch devices, provided the devices are unlocked and compatible with the carrier’s network technology. Furthermore, the existence of unlocked devices offers flexibility, allowing users to select mobile carriers based on their needs without being tied to a specific manufacturer’s ecosystem.
