Skip to main content

Last minute rumor: iPhone 5 won’t have LTE or WiMax, but will have HSPA+

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Apple’s official “Let’s talk iPhone” event is only a couple hours away, but the rumor mill is still churning. An hour or so ago, the WSJ reported that the next iPhone will not support Sprint or Verizon’s 4G networks. Despite there being a plethora of Android phones on Verizon’s high-speed LTE network and Sprint’s somewhat speedy WiMax network, the iPhone may not support the technologies. Why? Probably for the same reason it took Apple a year to support 3G: it doesn’t see the technology as stable enough. It will, however, support AT&T’s beefed up 3G network, which runs on a technology called HSPA+.

And that’s all we know so far. The decision to wait a year could hurt its sales on Verizon and Sprint, but will have no impact on Apple’s carrier of choice: AT&T, which hasn’t yet launched its 4G LTE network, but will have it up and running by next year.

Of course, Apple may announce two iPhones today, one of which may have 4G while the other doesn’t. We’ll have more information in a little while.

Editors' Recommendations

Jeffrey Van Camp
Former Digital Trends Contributor
As DT's Deputy Editor, Jeff helps oversee editorial operations at Digital Trends. Previously, he ran the site's…
The 6 best Lenovo tablets in 2024
The Tab 12 on a white surface.

While Apple might dominate the tablet market with its lineup of iPads, it's not the only company producing great products. Lenovo is a fantastic alternative to Apple, as its products are well-designed, affordable, and available with a variety of operating systems (including both Android and ChromeOS).

Sifting through the Lenovo catalog can be overwhelming, however, as there are dozens of products to choose from – and it's not immediately clear which ones might be the best for your needs. Along with budget products like the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus, you'll find more expensive choices like the Lenovo Tab Extreme. And if you don't know what you're looking for, it's very possible to end up with something that doesn't check all the right boxes.

Read more
The Google Pixel 8a is the Pixel phone I’ve been waiting for
A render of the Bay blue Google Pixel 8a.

It's that time of year once again -- time for a new Google Pixel phone. Google officially announced the Pixel 8a this week, and the phone is exactly as the rumors predicted. It has a slightly refined design, a new chipset, and an improved display.

At first glance, the Google Pixel 8a might come off as a bit boring. It's a budget smartphone that's technically inferior to its Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro siblings from 2023, and compared to the Pixel 7a, it's not all that different. It can be easy to dismiss the Pixel 8a, but when you consider all of its specs, features, and unchanged price, I don't think there's anything boring about it. In fact, I think it's pretty damn exciting.
Subtle (but important) upgrades

Read more
The 4 best Whoop alternatives in 2024
Someone wearing a Whoop 4.0 and an Apple Watch Ultra 2.

If you’ve been looking for a top-shelf fitness tracker, one of the best brands in the business is Whoop. Having developed quite the reputation over the years, professional athletes and everyday gym-goers are glad to stand behind Whoop’s advanced tracking capabilities, and so are we! But Whoop equipment doesn’t come cheap. That’s why it’s always good to have alternatives when you’re shopping for a new consumer tech device.

To that end, your pals at Digital Trends have got you covered. As experts on health and fitness gear, we’ve gone ahead and rounded up the four best Whoop alternatives to track your workouts in 2024.

Read more