> They don't want users making deals with local ISPs for service. They want in on that transaction. Virtual SIMs, controlled by phone manufacturers, will allow them to exercise a degree of control over wandering users.

SIMs come from the phone company. How could it be otherwise as that's where the phone number comes from, and that's how the local physical network determines whether you're allowed to connect or not:

* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SIM_card

Unless Apple is planning to become a MVNO (or building out their own cell towers), they cannot provide any information for network connectivity.