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iPhone 5 Redesign Still Likely Won't Include LTE
Though it Will Include a GSM/CDMA Chipset

Countering previous rumors that the new iPhone 5 would simply be a slight refresh (like an iPhone 4S), the Apple-seeded media rumor-du-jour this week is that the device will be a somewhat more significant design shift. In addition to sporting a faster processor and a more advanced camera, there are rumors that the case will see a redesign as well, with the new look being slightly more tear drop shaped. However, it still seems unlikely that the next iPhone features LTE, given that Apple's likely still struggling with LTE battery issues, and U.S. LTE networks remain unavailable for most.

While Verizon plans to have 175 LTE markets up and running by year end, AT&T will only have fifteen live LTE markets -- making a belated LTE iPhone arrival beneficial to AT&T. On the plus side, the iPhone 5 looks like it will be the first to sport Qualcomm’s dual GSM / CDMA Gobi chipset:
quote:
This information falls perfectly in line with news I outlined in that same Engadget post, meaning that this next phone could be the first to really utilize Qualcomm’s dual GSM / CDMA Gobi chipset (the Verizon iPhone 4 has the MDM6600 inside, but does not work in both modes). That would be a smart play for Apple, since the company has just made huge inroads into the Chinese market, and a world phone that did double duty would mean a simultaneous (or nearly simultaneous) release.
There's also rumors popping up again this week that Apple plans to enter the television business sometime this year.
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topics flat nest 

PhoenixDown
FIOS is Awesome
Premium Member
join:2003-06-08
Fresh Meadows, NY

PhoenixDown

Premium Member

Not going to hold onto this 3GS forever

I may end up switching to an Android phone if its going to be another 2 years before we get an LTE iphone version.

del ftl
@comcast.net

del ftl

Anon

Re: Not going to hold onto this 3GS forever

Switch now and don't bother to look back. Leaving the Apple ecosystem is like a breath of fresh air.

N3OGH
Yo Soy Col. "Bat" Guano
Premium Member
join:2003-11-11
Philly burbs

N3OGH to PhoenixDown

Premium Member

to PhoenixDown
But, it is nice to have choices. The smart phone field of competitors has never been so robust. There are features and form factors out their to fit just about every users style.

The biggest advance smartphone makers can make at this point is in battery life. Everyone I know (myself included) is constantly charging their phones...

HB61
Maru Maru Mori Mori
Premium Member
join:2011-06-21
00000

HB61

Premium Member

Then I will stick with iPhone 4

No LTE means I'll stay with AT&T and the grandfathered unlimited plan for my phone. If they kill off the unlimited plan as part of a rollout I'll drop to the cheapest tier and use my VZW LTE MiFi as I did when I dropped my AT&T 3G plan for iPad.
StLCardsFan
join:2011-06-06
Lafayette, LA

StLCardsFan

Member

Re: Then I will stick with iPhone 4

your unlimited ATT plan is only 3g data sorry. Eventually if you want 4g youll have to pony up.

ArrayList
DevOps
Premium Member
join:2005-03-19
Mullica Hill, NJ

ArrayList

Premium Member

Re: Then I will stick with iPhone 4

bits are bits. data is data. 3g data is no different than 4g data other than the speed it transmits at.
StLCardsFan
join:2011-06-06
Lafayette, LA

StLCardsFan

Member

Re: Then I will stick with iPhone 4

thats kinda the idea isn't it? at some point 3g will be phased out.

Alcohol
Premium Member
join:2003-05-26
Climax, MI

Alcohol

Premium Member

Re: Then I will stick with iPhone 4

said by StLCardsFan:

thats kinda the idea isn't it? at some point 3g will be phased out.

Correct. AT&T will use LTE for 4G and HSPA+ (after the t-mobile merge) for 3.5G.
93388818 (banned)
It's cool, I'm takin it back
join:2000-03-14
Dallas, TX

93388818 (banned) to StLCardsFan

Member

to StLCardsFan
That's not true so far. If you get one of the 4G devices now and are currently on unlimited data, you can keep that package.
openbox9
Premium Member
join:2004-01-26
71144

openbox9

Premium Member

Here we go again

I don't understand why or how the LTE iPhone in 2011 rumor keeps popping up. Hopefully this rumor will squash it finally. Apple has already stated that LTE isn't ready yet. As for more than a spec bump for the 2011 iPhone, I'm only a little surprised that Apple might change the looks. Apple has been feeling some competitive pressure from Android devices so it probably needs to give faithful consumers a small bone.

bbeesley
join:2003-08-07
Richardson, TX

1 recommendation

bbeesley

Member

Re: Here we go again

all this speculation and rumor being reported as though it is announced fact...this story even links to an image that was created by someone who was asking if the new iPhone "would look like this?"...not an actual leak of a design or prototype

I am now officially starting a rumor that the iPhone 6 will come with a cute puppy and be magically delicious.

News organizations, please feel free to begin quoting me
xenophon
join:2007-09-17

xenophon to openbox9

Member

to openbox9
Other reports have quoted Apple specifically saying that the issue with LTE is chipset supply. Supply will really need to be ramped up to meet iPhone sales, which surge when a new phone comes out.

Also, LTE chipsets are about $20-$25 in volume today in comparison to $10-$12 for WiMAX.
openbox9
Premium Member
join:2004-01-26
71144

openbox9

Premium Member

Re: Here we go again

And the networks aren't there yet, so motivation for LTE devices is even less
openbox9

openbox9

Premium Member

Does a market exist for an Apple TV?

I believe the market is already flooded and with Apple's $99 device, I just don't see a huge demand for a premium-priced TV.
sandman_1
join:2011-04-23
11111

sandman_1

Member

Meh

Waiting for the Samsung Galaxy S2 to hit the states here next month.

PBreath
@bell.ca

PBreath

Anon

Re: Meh

I'm going to get the Sanyo pro 700.
Pro's:
-No touch screen
-It's not a smart phone
-No paying for a BS data plan
-Cheap!
-No email client so you don't have to worry about seeing your email all the time. Great way to unplug! I hate seeing my emails on my phone especially when it's work and they demand stuff. This way I only check when I am in the office!
- You don't have to worry about the screen cracking if you drop it!
-Amazing battery life, blows away all smart phones
-Small fits in your pocket like how a phone should! Some of these smart phones have a 4 in screen we all don't wear cargo pants!
-No android or ios crap
-No fanboys to argue with or to compare phones with
-bullet proof no, no crashing, locking up

Cons:
-harder to text on

Cheese
Premium Member
join:2003-10-26
Naples, FL

Cheese

Premium Member

Re: Meh

Cool story bro?

natedj
Elected
Premium Member
join:2001-06-06
Irmo, SC

natedj

Premium Member

Why change the shape

The Phone is already sleek and a comfortable size .... even the first iphone is not considered a bulky phone. Instead of Apple trying to squeeze every millimeter out of its size, they should leave it as it is and use the addition space to house a battery with larger capacity for longer life .... but thats just me.
93388818 (banned)
It's cool, I'm takin it back
join:2000-03-14
Dallas, TX

93388818 (banned)

Member

Re: Why change the shape

but think of all the new accessories you can (re) buy!
b10010011
Whats a Posting tag?
join:2004-09-07
united state

b10010011 to natedj

Member

to natedj
So it matches the tears of frustration brought on by constatly dropping calls....
ernliz
join:2001-11-25
Albemarle, NC

ernliz to natedj

Member

to natedj
said by natedj:

The Phone is already sleek and a comfortable size .... even the first iphone is not considered a bulky phone. Instead of Apple trying to squeeze every millimeter out of its size, they should leave it as it is and use the addition space to house a battery with larger capacity for longer life .... but thats just me.

Excellent!

runzero
join:2005-09-16
DC

runzero to natedj

Member

to natedj
I imagine in a few years we'll be seeing the iPhone Blade, functioning as a kitchen knife. You can browse the web on your phone while making dinner!
93388818 (banned)
It's cool, I'm takin it back
join:2000-03-14
Dallas, TX

93388818 (banned)

Member

Re: Why change the shape

said by runzero:

I imagine in a few years we'll be seeing the iPhone Blade, functioning as a kitchen knife. You can browse the web on your phone while making dinner!

Not on Verizon's Network!!

Trooper
Premium Member
join:2005-05-18
USA

Trooper

Premium Member

Meh

Why?

cableties
Premium Member
join:2005-01-27

cableties

Premium Member

I'd rather have...

-longer battery life than speed. Not doing anything that "data" hungry that I can do with my ipad 2 or portable.
-brighter screen. I saw the new OLED Sammy's GII has and ... wow...need a screen that is BRIGHT in DAYLIGHT.

I've been good about deactivating apps, locations services, wifi, Cell stuff when minimal use...but still lucky to get a day on a charge.

Good news is, unlike others, ATT has not dropped one call and voice calls sound much better between ATT users than calling VZW users...

Still, aren't they all going to LTE within the next 2 years...iPhone 6 will likely have it. But until then...

thegeek
Premium Member
join:2008-02-21
right here

thegeek

Premium Member

Meet the iPhone 5

Better known as last year's Android tech. As much as I dislike Apple, I hope they don't release yet another phone that is 3-6 months behind the competition again. When they do that I think it hinders progress for Android devices, and even WinMo. Afterall, why make large leaps in technology when the biggest competition can't keep up?
openbox9
Premium Member
join:2004-01-26
71144

openbox9

Premium Member

Re: Meet the iPhone 5

But that's one of Apple's strategies. Take relatively established and useful capabilities and make them user-friendly for the masses. Not a bad strategy at all. I don't believe it will really impact Android's development...it hasn't yet.

GlobalMind
Domino Dude, POWER Systems Guy
Premium Member
join:2001-10-29
Indianapolis, IN

GlobalMind

Premium Member

Re: Meet the iPhone 5

said by openbox9:

But that's one of Apple's strategies. Take relatively established and useful capabilities and make them user-friendly for the masses. Not a bad strategy at all. I don't believe it will really impact Android's development...it hasn't yet.

Except that the Android version isn't necessarily un-useful for the masses.

Right now I have an Android phone (HTC EVO 4G) and I have an iPad as well thanks to Father's Day. So I get to compare them.

There's some really nice things on iPad although I suspect I'd be just as happy with a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 or the HTC device on Sprint when it's out.

But I love my EVO too, and yes there are some things that work better on each device. Apple tech may be "perfected" according to some, but reality suggests otherwise when one looks at things a bit more openly than the zealots on both sides of this aisle.

dvd536
as Mr. Pink as they come
Premium Member
join:2001-04-27
Phoenix, AZ

dvd536 to thegeek

Premium Member

to thegeek
said by thegeek:

Better known as last year's Android tech. As much as I dislike Apple, I hope they don't release yet another phone that is 3-6 months behind the competition again. When they do that I think it hinders progress for Android devices, and even WinMo. Afterall, why make large leaps in technology when the biggest competition can't keep up?

Apple hardware is never cutting edge. its always at least a gen behind. not only with phones either.
chgo_man99
join:2010-01-01
Sunnyvale, CA

chgo_man99

Member

One way around

Lte Mobile hotspot and minimum smartphone data plan.

Reno7
Premium Member
join:2008-10-26
Keller, TX

Reno7

Premium Member

at&t LTE isn't even being publically trialed yet - chill out

I just switched from an iPhone to a Samsung Infuse (with HSPA+ 4G) and my unlimited plan moved to the new phone - same with everything else.

With at&t, LTE isn't even in the public trial phase yet and the first thing that comes out will be laptop/usb cards not handsets.

You guys are complaining about nothing. The real question is will the at&t iPhone 5 have HSPA+. Going from an iPhone to the Infuse has been a big speed increase for me and since HSPA+ is not yet at it's full potential, supposedly at&t could release a phone update at any time that would increase HSPA+ speeds.

BTW - I'm so happy to be fully rid of Apple. I can insert my own memory card now, manage thigns my way, and change out my own battery for $20. You can even get real phone insurance for $6 a month that covers anything including the phone being lost outright. My general opinon now is that people that buy Apple products are cult suckers getting way overcharged.
chgo_man99
join:2010-01-01
Sunnyvale, CA

chgo_man99

Member

Re: at&t LTE isn't even being publically trialed yet - chill out

U can request insurance from 3rd party vendor, and Verizon includes coverage for iPhone in line with other phones.

Personally I prefer iOS to android. Hspa+ is not that much important as for data cards. If I need faster speed, I switch to lower smatphone data plan and get mobile hotspot that supports new technology. since I get 23 % off through my emPloyer, the combined bundle does not cost me more and I have phone free for voice call use.

Michail
Premium Member
join:2000-08-02
Boynton Beach, FL

Michail

Premium Member

iOS5

I'm more interested in iOS5 than LTE or camera features. There is no technology out there now that can make a phone anywhere near as good as a real camera.

I'm usually on wifi 90% of the day anyway so LTE doesn't really concern me much. Also, the battery life and recharge time on the iPhone 4 just seems amazing.

Touch, simplicity, materials and display panel quality are an important part of Apple's design goals. So it should be interesting to see what the rumored shape change might be.

lordpuffer
Legalize It Joe!
Premium Member
join:2004-09-19
Old Town, ME
Nokia XS-110G-A
Linksys Velop MX5300

lordpuffer

Premium Member

I hear the sucking noise

That's the sucking sound of Apple sucking the money out of your pocket for the iPhone 5, and then again for the LTE iPhone 6 version about a year later.

I switched to Android, and as soon as LTE comes to my area, I'm going for the BAD BOY....The next Google Nexus phone that comes out, which rumors are will be LTE and with AT$T.
mogamer
join:2011-04-20
Royal Oak, MI

mogamer

Member

Re: I hear the sucking noise

Totally correct. Apple doesn't just give any of their products big upgrades. They like to slowly introduce them so they can sell you three products in the time most people would only buy one or two.
tmc8080
join:2004-04-24
Brooklyn, NY

tmc8080

Member

want more market share?

open it up(unlock/upgrade) to work with PREPAID services..

prepaid unlimited by the day seems reasonable. carriers can even offer blocks of days for a better price (not just the 30 day interval). also the flexibility to switch back to blocks of minutes/days and/or exchange one for the other.

you go on vacation for 2 weeks and you want unlimted service on the phone for that time so your always connected, but when your home you may hardly use the services.