While it was expected that to achieve a thinner and compact design Apple would adopt the Nano-SIM standard, the company made no mention of it in the keynote earlier today.

A comparison page on Apple’s site, however, confirms that the iPhone 5 would require Nano SIM cards.

The Nano SIM standard was finalised just months ago, with Apple being a lead proponent of the design that got finalised. It’s pretty impressive that carriers, just within a few months, got these Nano SIMs manufactured on a large scale, to cater to iPhone 5 buyers.

The Nano-SIM design is 40 percent smaller than the Micro SIM design, which Apple continues to use in the iPhone 4 and the iPhone 4S.

The comparison page on Apple’s website highlights the specs and standards supported by the iPhone 4, the iPhone 4S and the iPhone 5.

(Image via Anandtech)

For folks living in countries where the iPhone 5 won’t be available – if you’re planning to buy an unlocked iPhone 5 from the US, make sure that your carrier provides you Nano SIMS, because existing SIM cards can’t be cut into Nano SIMs.

[via MacRumors]