Mikey Campbell
For its debut on T-Mobile, the iPhone 5 is being reworked straight from the factory to take advantage of the carrier's Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) bandwidths, a modification that reportedly cannot be done with a simple software update.
Apple confirmed to Engadget on Tuesday that the T-Mobile version of the iPhone 5 carries the same A1428 model number as the AT&T iteration, but has AWS enabled thanks to a factory tweak. The change can't be duplicated by a firmware update, meaning current AT&T iPhone 5 owners must buy the newest version if they want AWS functionality.
As a consolation, the new A1428 model will be factory unlocked when it ships on April 12, the same day as T-Mobile's launch date for the device. Apple will reportedly be selling the unit at full MSRP prices in a "SIM-in unlocked fashion." While the handset has been customized for T-Mobile's AWS bands in the U.S., AT&T customers will be able to take advantage of the slightly revamped model on their 4G LTE network.
The publication goes on to say that Apple is phasing out the older A1428 model in favor of the T-Mobile-compatible version, suggesting that AT&T iPhone 5 units sold after April 12 will support AWS.
T-Mobile announced on Tuesday that it will be offering the iPhone 5 as part of the company's unsubsidized payment plan, which allows users to pay a low $99 up front fee for a 16GB version of the smartphone, with the remainder of the unit's cost spread out across 20 additional monthly payments of $20.
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19 Comments
I'll just wait for the 5s or whatever it's called when it comes out later in the year. This year I will finally upgrade my iphone 4 - 'bout time! But might not stick to AT&T... hate their poor coverage in my town and in a lot of places I go to.
With tmobiles possible acquisition of metropcs this year, their coverage will,improve by leaps and bounds.
Seriously. I don't see why Apple doesn't fire the CEO.
@marokero Still using my 3gs here. I figure on getting new phones as well but am not locked into either the iPhone or AT&T this time around. I am going to look at %u2122 and I also want to take a look at the Z-10. I may hang in until summer to see if there are and Ububtu OS phones available. I know I am going to get flamed for this, but I am not looking at Android or Windows based phones for my own reasons. Android is a kludged together OS and I don't like the Metro interface on the Windows phones. Just my opinion on both of those and I don't mind saying so.
Interesting that they would make another iPhone 5 that specifically supported AWS. They did this once before with the iPhone 4 when they released it with CMDA/CDMA2000 support for Verizon mid-cycle. Last time Apple included Qualcomm's Mobi chip which supported CDMA and GSM-based networks in the next model. It makes me wonder if Apple will support a variable radio chip so they can reduce the cellular HW models with the 7th gen iPhone. If Apple can do this for T-Mobile USA they can surely support the HW needed for China Mobile so the hold up has to be about what Apple is going to allow China Mobile do with Apple's iPhone.