It is astounding how Apple manages to stay in the news constantly - even without doing anything! With the iPhone 5 frenzy reaching mammoth proportions, the latest in the series of the ongoing Apple mêlée is the stocking up of nano-SIMs by several European carriers in anticipation of the iPhone 5.

According to a report by The Financial Times, citing "sources with knowledge of the situation", the iPhone 5 is expected to sport a slimmer hardware design, which makes a smaller SIM card necessary. The report goes on to state that "the iPhone 5 was likely to be similar sized as the iPhone 4 although slimmer and with a fully metal body."

Taking a lesson from the iPhone 4 and iPad launches in the past, where post an Apple switch to micro-SIM the unprepared carriers did not have enough stock, the telecom companies do not want to be caught on the back foot again and, therefore, the sudden rush to stock up on nano-SIMs. This time round, they are anticipatory and seemingly forearmed to deal with SIM card stock issues.

Earlier in March, several reports suggested  that if the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) approved its nano-SIM design proposal, Apple would licence its nano-SIM patents and technology royalty-free to competitors.

Rumor has it that earlier in June this year, bypassing design competition from Nokia and Motorola, the ETSI had approved of Apple's nano-SIM design for the new 4FF standard. The ETSI went on to confirm that it has selected a form factor for the new 4FF SIM card; however, the announcement did not endorse whether Apple's design was chosen.

The nano-SIM is 40 percent smaller than the current micro-SIMs, which many smartphones have adopted. Speculation is rife that the space-saver nano-SIM would allow Apple to make its tightly designed iPhone interior more compact. Eventually, other smartphones are also expected to join the nano-SIM bandwagon. However, with no confirmation from Apple on the expected iPhone 5 the move seems a tad risky. The telecom companies are taking a long shot with the nano-SIM, sheer chance based on anticipation alone.

The irony of the situation is what if Apple chooses to opt for the current micro-SIM and not the nano-SIM ?! Worse still, what if the iPhone 5 speculations are just resigned to staying rumors and not translating into actuality!

Known to be a long-term planner and iconic innovator, Apple has been leap years ahead of established market norms and technology standards. Whether the company will establish another first with the nano-SIM or pull the rug from underneath carriers' feet by retaining the micro-SIM remains to be seen.