The next-generation iPhone, which the tech world has presumptuously dubbed the "iPhone 5" is purported to be releasing in the next couple of months, and although there has been plenty of speculation with regards to new features, one that has always seemed a certainty is the implementation of 4G LTE.
Apple makes a habit of holding back on newer technologies such as LTE and NFC, preferring to let rivals adopt early before finding a suitable window to utilize them on its own products. The third-gen iPad was the first device of the Cupertino’s making to include the LTE radio, and although nothing can be taken for granted – particularly where Apple is concerned – that essentially ensured the corresponding iPhone would be given the same treatment.
The leaks and murmurs hitherto seem to tie in with this, and several reports have unofficially "confirmed" both 4G and NFC as two key new hardware implementations of the next iPhone device. To further corroborate this notion, TheKoreaTimes has revealed a number of the countries carriers – namely SK Telecom and KT – have been in talks with Apple to include new iPhone on their respective LTE networks.
Officials from the companies confirmed the the negotiations earlier today, and both carriers are already authorized Apple partners retailing various iDevices to Korean gadget lovers. According to a spokesperson for KT, which has a mere 1.4 million total customers compared with SK Telecom’s 4million+ LTE customers, the company is discussing with Apple to support its 1.8-gigahertz frequency in Korea for the upcoming iPhone.
All roads seem to lead to the next iPhone including LTE, and most will be thinking it cannot come soon enough. Many Android devices have had 4G for a great deal of time already, and given the issues the iPhone has had in the past with the antenna, there’s no reason to suggest the waiting period will mean a more refined service.
Still, expect the device to pack in both LTE and NFC when it arrives in September / October. There has been very little word on how much faster the processor will become, but with a the above new hardware as well as a purported larger screen and the naturally progressed camera, I wouldn’t be surprised if Apple makes like the One X and S III and goes quad-core.
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