SIM ejector tool

One of our office iPhones recently had to return to Apple for "service" — read replacement. For some reason, the phone started complaining at random intervals that a mysterious phantom accessory was incompatible and kindly suggested we enable airplane mode to avoid any risk of interference.

Judging by the sympathetic smiles we got at the Apple Stores in both Chicago and San Francisco, that problem is well known. Even more telling, Apple France did not even try to blame the issue on us and promptly offered a return — which is an occasion we celebrate with champagne and the finest chocolates.

The whole extravaganza, from shipping the phone to Apple to inserting our SIM card into the brand new one shipped back to us took 72 hours. Impeccable service all the way, I have to say.

What made the whole operation easier, however, was the "SIM ejector tool" kindly provided by Apple in the package. See, AppleCare got its share of laughs for the previous version of the instrument.

Not being one to be laughed at, Apple designed a custom tool that does just the same, has the same shape and weight as a paperclip but is not a paper clip. You can see it in all its splendor below:

So, how does it work? Remarkably well actually. It's definitely one terrific "SIM ejector tool." My only complaint is that it does not provide a firm grip while pressing downwards, due to the lack of a transversal bar within the "loop" that acts as a handle.

All we need now is fancier packaging for the thing…