According to a report by Gigacom and additional research from AppleInsider, Apple is reportedly developing an integrated chip solution that may replace the traditional SIM card for GSM networks.

It’s rumored that Apple and Gemalto have created a SIM card, which is typically a chip that carries subscriber identification information for the carriers, that will be integrated into the iPhone itself. The new Gemalto SIM is embedded in a chip that has an upgradeable flash component and a ROM area. [...] The flash component will receive the carrier related data via a local connection which could be the PC or a dedicated device, so it can be activated on the network.

The report continues to speculate that an integrated sim card could allow customers to choose between competing network providers after purchasing their iPhone.

Then customers will be able to choose their carrier at time of purchase at the Apple web site or retail store, or buy the phone and get their handset up and running through a download at the App Store as opposed to visiting a carrier store or calling the carrier.

What I find much more intriguing about this story, however, is the fact that an integrated solution may allow costumers to ‘connect’ multiple devices to a single data account. Currently iPhone and iPad costumers, for example, must sign up for two separate accounts, both with their own SIM-card and billing procedures, in order to connect to a 3G network.

The rumored ‘open SIM’ may allow consumers to sign up for a single wireless account that could be used with a multitude of 3G enabled devices. For example, if Apple would integrate the ‘open SIM’ in iPhone, iPad, and MacBook Air customers could simply connect the devices to iTunes and enter their wireless provider’s account information to connect each device to their existing data plans.

Obviously, this doesn’t mean that data acces for multiple devices will become more affordable. It’s doubtful that AT&T, for example, would allow customers to connect multiple devices to an unlimited, shared data account. It would be realistic to assume, however, that AT&T will allow customers to connect multiple devices to a metered data account for an additional fee per connected device.

Either way, if true, the new chip could allow Apple to quickly incorporate 3G access into their entire mobile line-up without the hassle and frustration of signing up for yet another data account (which is probably the reason that the 2010 Macbook Air does not include a 3G modem).

Exciting times!