Sam Oliver
Apple's next iPhone may offer even faster cellular data connections with support for the LTE-Advanced wireless standard, according to a new rumor.
Apple is allegedly in talks with SK Telecom about launching an LTE-Advanced phone later this year, according to The Korea Times. "LTE-A" is an upgraded version of the long-term evolution wireless standard currently found in the iPhone 5.
Citing an unnamed executive with SK Telecom, the report said that Apple is in the midst of negotiations with the carrier. Currently, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is the only device to take advantage of the LTE-A standard with SK Telecom.
LTE-A is capable of theoretical download speeds reaching 150Mbps, which is double that of basic LTE. The executive cited in the story reportedly said there is "no reason" for Apple not to adopt LTE-A with its next iPhone.
The possibility of LTE-A functionality on the next iPhone is believed to be possible because of new chipsets from Qualcomm. A potential "global LTE" chip candidate for Apple was released in February, boasting truly global connectivity support.
The Qualcomm RF360 Front End Solution would enable an iPhone that supports all 2G, 3G, 4G LTE and LTE Advanced networks. Currently, the iPhone 5 is sold in three variants — two GSM and one CDMA — to offer compatibility with various networks across the world.
But Qualcomm's RF360 would mitigate this problem, and even add support for the obscure TD-SCDMA network used by the world's largest carrier, China Mobile. Apple does not currently have a deal in place to offer the iPhone through China Mobile, though rumors of a deal have persisted for years.
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58 Comments
I have been suggesting that Apple would use this technology (meaning the Qualcomm 360 Front End solution) for many months. Here is a link to the [URL=http://www.qualcomm.com/media/documents/files/qualcomm-rf360-front-end-solution-product-brief.pdf]product brief[/URL]. I wonder how this will impact Samsung. Will the next premium Samsung phone still be offered in one dozen versions?
So how long will it take for all csrriers to support this and how bad will it drain your battery looking for it when its not around. Or worse, you are in a place without basic LTE
[quote name="charlituna" url="/t/158322/rumor-apples-iphone-5s-will-feature-150mbps-lte-advanced-support#post_2355640"]So how long will it take for all csrriers to support this and how bad will it drain your battery looking for it when its not around. Or worse, you are in a place without basic LTE[/quote] Indeed, over here in NL we're still stuck on 3G. LTE-Advanced will be a welcome addition, but of course only usefull for those on a carrier supporting it.
Pffft. If it's called the 5S, it'll fail. /sarcasm Still it'll be an interesting upgrade.
I have been suggesting that Apple would use this technology (meaning the Qualcomm 360 Front End solution) for many months.
Here is a link to the product brief.
I wonder how this will impact Samsung. Will the next premium Samsung phone still be offered in one dozen versions?
Likely yes. The disparate versions are often imposed by the carriers rather than deliberately designed by Samsung. At least, this was the way it used to be. Quite possibly, Samsung has earned more sway now that they are the top alternative to the iPhone. I doubt that, however, Samsung's strategy is to sell their phones through as many carriers as possible. Apple is willing to wait until negotiations swing in their favor.