Apple Analyst says No 4G LTE in Upcoming iPhone : New gizmos, Gadgets gazette Blog

Monday, May 16, 2011

Apple Analyst says No 4G LTE in Upcoming iPhone


Apple’s iPhone 5, expected to launch this coming September, is being quoted as unlikely to include 4G “LTE” technology, according to Peter Misek, a research analyst with Jefferies & Co.

In a recent research article, Misek noted that “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 claimed that “industry checks indicate Apple will likely announce Sprint, T-Mobile, and China Mobile as new carriers.”

Misek cites the fact that Qualcomm, the supplier for the LTE chipset that Apple would have been using in the iPhone 5, is not achieving the yields necessary to produce sufficient quantities to meet the predicted demand. He also mentioned that Apple had hoped to have these chipsets ready, but since it was unlikely was now planning on releasing an updated iPhone 4 instead.

According to Misek, Apple will announce Sprint and T-Mobile as partners in time for the 2011 Holiday season, with China Mobile being added as a partner within the next year.

Also noted in the research note were trends showing improved demand for the iPad, but “flat” demand for the iPhone as “strength from the white iPhone 4 release and launches on new carriers such as SK Telekom are offset by slowing at AT&T and Vodafone.”

Apple shares were down $3.77 to $342.80 – a drop of 1.1%.

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