Rumor Redux: iPhone 4S Gets Faster 3G, Not LTE
Many have followed up on a Jefferies & Co. Inc. research note that suggests that Apple couldn't get LTE ready in time and will go with faster 3G instead, which will be marketed as "4G" anyway.
Jefferies analyst Peter Misek writes in the note that the new phone will be called the "iPhone 4S."
The idea that the next iPhone will sport faster 3G is hardly a new one. In fact, LR Mobile has said that it would be the easiest way for Apple to pep up iPhone performance.
The one problem with the idea is that it would give AT&T and T-Mobile a definite sales lever over Sprint and Verizon. AT&T and T-Mobile (before the two become one) have faster 3G networks than their CDMA rivals.
So, Verizon is probably hoping that Apple puts off any iPhone speed jump before the vendor sorts out the LTE version. Will Apple piss off one of its biggest new customers so early in their relationship?
— Dan Jones, Site Editor, Light Reading Mobile
Just a quess, but LTE would add cost but not dramatically increase unit sales, and certainly not unit price.
Meanwhile, I'm sure Apple is busy taking the rest of silicon inside the iPhone to the next generation to lower cost, improve the capability/power consumption ratio, etc.
Apple likes the 'blow your mind' announcements. Maybe it's just not the right time.