Apple Gives ‘Positive Answer’ to China Mobile’s Request for an LTE iPhone

China Mobile’s chairman, Wang Jianzhou, revealed in an interview today that Apple has given the carrier a “positive answer” to its request for an iPhone compatible with 4G LTE networks.

China Mobile is currently the largest carrier in the world, with a whopping 611 million subscribers. It has recently been working on the launch of its next-generation TD-LTE network, and when it launches, it wants Apple’s iPhone to be compatible.

Wang revealed:

“We discussed this issue with Apple. We hope Apple will produce a new iPhone with TD-LTE. We have already got a positive answer from Apple.”

Unfortunately for those of us hoping for a super speedy 4G iPhone, a “positive answer” doesn’t necessarily mean the Cupertino company is planning to release a 4G-capable iPhone anytime soon. Tim Cook, Apple’s new CEO, has previously stated that Apple is in no rush to adopt 4G technology, and that it wasn’t yet ready to produce a 4G iPhone.

As noted by AppleInsider, early LTE devices have highlighted issues with battery life with 4G devices, and other issues with the early technology.

However, I’m sure China Mobile’s “positive answer” is a good sign there’ll be a 4G iPhone in the future. The big question is when.

Killian Bell

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.