This image of an AT&T van parked outside an Apple store in San Francisco has sparked speculation over whether or not the upcoming fifth-generation iPhone will have 4G/LTE capabilities. Why? Because that Apple store is closed for refurbishment, set to reopen on October 5 — a day after the rumored unveiling of Apple’s new iPhone — and is thought to be having AT&T’s LTE base stations installed inside
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The image was sent to SlashGear, who says that this could be one indication an LTE-enabled iPhone is on its way:
Since AT&T’s 4G LTE network has just launched and is in fairly limited markets, it’s possible that Apple would need to install suitable base stations in certain venues where it expects to demonstrate it’s next-gen iPhone running on LTE.
However, the fact that AT&T’s LTE network is still very limited, and that 4G networks on the whole are very limited right now, is one indication that Apple may not be ready to introduce 4G capabilities to its iPhone.
Apple has previously expressed concerns over the still early technology, and we’re yet to see any compelling evidence that points towards an LTE iPhone. The idea that Apple would go to great lengths to set up AT&T LTE base stations, simply to show off an LTE iPhone, is proof that 4G isn’t yet widespread enough for the iPhone.
It’s possible, however, that these LTE base station are simply to demonstrate AT&T’s 4G speeds when hooked up to an iPhone over Wi-Fi.
What do you think? Would Apple really release an LTE iPhone while the technology is still so new?
[via SlashGear]
Killian Bell is a freelance writer based in the U.K. He has an interest in all things tech and also covers Android over at CultofAndroid.com. You can follow him on Twitter via @killianbell.
16 responses to “AT&T Might Demo LTE Network On The iPhone 5”
Wouldn’t it be funny if Verizon didn’t get it.
I’m assuming that there is more to this rumor than simply an AT&T van parked outside an Apple store???
What if there were, say, a Cisco van, or how about a van from a Hollywood set, or…. I know, how about a plumber’s van.
Yep, the iPhone 5 is either coming with a new router/switch, a built in sci-fi laser weapon, or a toilet plunger! That sure beats the typical, least fanciful conclusion that the van is simply parked to allow the repairman to…I don’t know repair the landline in the business three doors down….
i can see them releasing it. a 4g ready device.. why not? tons of them are coming out. who’s to say the new iphone wont be called iphone 4G. perfect name and makes all the sense in the world.
no chance in hell
I can see it, apple came out with thunderbolt and it is not mainstream yet, so yes it might be possible!
I’ll buy it. Cook needs to make a splash. His unveiling a “meh” iPhone wouldn’t be Jobs’ style of a handover in the midst of stakeholder concerns. Especially with him as COB.
Maybe the HSPA+ Cell Site is down, maybe he’s adding more carriers for the launch, maybe he’s tuning a degraded site, maybe hes getting a sandwich at the jimmy johns next door…
so tired of hearing about how lte is still so new. verizon coveres nearly half of the us population with lte. of course at&t’s lte network is pretty much a dream, but their lte network will never be as widespread as verizons if their current 3g networks are any indication of whats to come.