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Apple iPhone 5, the next gen smartphone from Apple, is all set to feature 4G LTE not just for data but also for voice. This is a strategic move that could change the way we communicate – faster, better and smoother.

In an Apple Insider report which cites research note obtained from Barclays, it is said that Apple is looking at a Qualcomm MDM9615 chip for the LTE support in the smartphone. Another chip from Qualcomm, the “MDM9600” was used in the new iPad for enabling 4G LTE data support. The latter chip, however, works as a data-only device. The one we’re looking at on MDM9615 – that is a voice and data chip on LTE.



There are increasing indications that the iPhone 5 is set to be a world device. Besides certain drastic rumors about iPhone 5 features – like the 4.6” display rumored recently by Reuters – the 4G LTE for voice and data look very credible. In fact, they’ve been on the cards for long.

The iPhone 5 4G LTE parts are not just from Qualcomm though. Apple is currently only looking at them. There are other companies too involved in it – or as the report would have it, Apple is looking at other chipmakers too: Skywork Solutions, TriQuintSemiconductors, and Avago Technologies.

For Apple, the addition of a 4G LTE radio is expected to cost between $3 and $10 extra versus the 3G radio in the iPhone 4S.

Quite naturally, your iPhone 5 is going to cost you much more than the iPhone 4S.

The iPhone 5 release date had been earlier reported to be somewhere close to September/October of this year, making it an year since the iPhone 4S. Starting with iPhone 4S, the June/July launch window of iPhones has been changed.

Continuing the claim, Barclays has also suggested a September/October timeframe for the iPhone 5 release date.