Apple’s iPhone 5 smartphone due out in September is unlikely to come with 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) radio technology, analysts believe. LTE is still in rollout phase and in many countries it could be year before networks and devices work are ready.
Forbes reported that in a research note by Jeffries & Co analyst Peter Misek said the next iPhone will feature a range of compelling new features and new operator sign-ups, but LTE could be a year away. The new device is expected to be launched to market in September.
“According to our industry checks, the device should be called iPhone 4S and include minor cosmetic changes, better cameras, A5 dual-core processor and HSPA+ support.”
Misek also said that Apple is likely to announced Sprint, T-Mobile and China Mobile as new carriers.
He said that the Qualcomm LTE chipset that Apple would have used is currently not achieving the yields sufficient for inclusion in a new iPhone 5. While Apple hoped to have the LTE chipsets ready, it was planning version without LTE called the iPhone 4S.
