Apple is locking horns with Nokia, regarding the design of the nano-SIM, the next generation of the SIM design that will be dramatically smaller than even the current micro-SIM. Both companies have put forth their version of what nano-SIM design should be, with each claiming theirs to be better.

Apple designs is the most popular among the European carriers, and there is a good chance that its design will be chosen eventually. This led to some fears that Apple will eventually control the license and others will have to pay royalty to use it.

According to the Financial Times, the majority of European carriers have placed mass orders for nano-SIM cards. The reason for this is the next iPhone featuring the recently approved 4FF nano-SIM card design.

The new nano-SIM card is 40 percent smaller than the existing micro-SIM and has recently seen wide support with smartphone manufacturers besides Apple.