Apple to launch next iPhone with 4G LTE chipset

Shawn Knight

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Apple is expected to finally jump into the 4G LTE race next year with the introduction of the next generation iPhone. By that time, LTE network coverage will be widespread enough to make the iPhone marketable, as noted by DigiTimes.

Some expected Apple to launch an iPhone with a 4G LTE chipset this year but it wasn’t meant to be. Instead, Cupertino equipped the iPhone 4S with dual antennas that likely helps to alleviate the signal attenuation problem and aids in reaching theoretical download speeds of up to 14.4Mbps via HSPA+ networks.

During an earnings call in April, then COO Tim Cook said first generation LTE chipsets forced a lot of design compromises that the company was unwilling to make. New chipsets expected next year are believed to be smaller and be backwards compatible with 3G to cover areas where 4G service is not yet available.

Previous iPhones had been released on a predictable time table prior to the 4S’ delayed release. Still, some analysts like Will Strauss, president of wireless chip market research firm Forward Concepts, believe Apple will release the next iPhone in the spring of 2012.

As of now, AT&T only offers 4G LTE service in five US cities with plans to add 10 additional markets by the end of the year. Verizon Wireless recently announced they were introducing LTE in 26 additional markets for a total of 143 areas covered. New iPhone carrier Sprint will begin their 4G LTE rollout by the middle of 2012 with a complete upgrade in place by the end of 2013.

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Obviously that device is going to be a Verizon only device since they're the only carrier that has an LTE network that's even worth mentioning. AT&T... yeah, more reasons to laugh at them.

How many markets does AT&T have LTE in it? Less than 10. Want to make bets if AT&T is going to have enough LTE-ready markets by the time the LTE iPhone comes out? Let's just say that based on their past track record, I wouldn't be betting even $10 because I'd lose.

Meanwhile, Verizon... yeah, sitting pretty with nearly 200 markets with an LTE-ready network.
 
Yeah, and you can keep the iPhone too. I have my Android device and won't ever go back to the iPhone.
 
In terms of options and functionality (software), i'd say android is on par with iphone. I would give android another 5-8 months (maybe even less) to be on par with the hardware; and that's because new phones running android are being released all the time.
 
Those second generation LTE chipsets will not be out until roughly Q3 2012, so if the next iPhone will have one of those then Will Strauss would have to be wrong...
 
No...its a lost cause for even mentioning it...But just imagine, when 4g does hit, everyone will be blown away.
 
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