In the latest report regarding Apple’s future adoption of LTE/4G for its mobile devices, Japanese carrier NTT DoCoMo is allegedly set to release a 4G-equipped iPad in the summer of 2012. An LTE-equppied iPhone is then set to premiere in the fall of next year.
We’ve been hearing whispers about a 4G/LTE-flavored iPhone for quite some time, and Macotakara is relaying that Apple has been in talks with carriers about making 4G a reality for its next-generation devices.
Executives from NTT DoCoMo reportedly visited Apple in the U.S. this month and met with CEO Tim Cook. Apparently Apple is looking to release a 4G iPad next year, if this report is to be believed.
A recent report from The Wall Street Journal said that Apple and NTT DoCoMo had been unable to reach an agreement, mainly due to the fact that NTT DoCoMo wanted Apple to let it install its own pre-loaded apps on the iPhone. While Apple will obviously never let such a thing happen, the two seem to have reached some sort of deal that is in the final stages of negotiations.
Carriers are heavily promoting 4G Android devices in advertising campaigns and print marketing. Many analysts believe that Apple must release a 4G iPhone next year to stay relevant. We find that hard to believe, since Apple released a non-4G iPhone this year and it seems to be doing just fine.
(via AppleInsider)
Alex Heath is a journalist who works for Tech Insider. He’s the former co-host of The CultCast. He has been quoted by the likes of the BBC, KRON 4 News, and books like “ICONIC: A Photographic Tribute to Apple Innovation.” He lives in Lexington, Kentucky. If you want to pitch a story, share a tip, or just get in touch, additional contact information is available on his personal site. Follow him on Twitter.
