LTE iPad Coming to Japan Next Summer, LTE iPhone by Fall?

[MacRumors]

Nikkei Business reports [Google translation] that Japanese carrier NTT DoCoMo has reached an agreement with Apple that will see an LTE-enabled version of the iPad launch next summer, with an LTE iPhone to follow in the fall. The agreement is said to have been hammered out in discussions that saw NTT DoCoMo senior executives travel to Cupertino earlier this month to meet with Apple CEO Tim Cook.

The two companies reportedly reached a basic agreement on bringing the next-generation iPad and iPhone to the carrier, with more specific negotiations now focusing on details such as guaranteed sales volumes. Earlier this month it was reported that Apple and NTT DoCoMo were in discussions about the iPhone but that DoCoMo was hesitant to agree to Apple's demands on unit volume and its refusal to allow the carrier to add its own applications to the device.

Apple has yet to add LTE technology, which will enable faster data speeds, to its mobile devices over battery life concerns and a simple lack of chips appropriate for Apple's needs. But with carriers such as Verizon reaching a significant buildout of LTE and other major carriers also in the early stages of rolling out the faster network technology to their customers, Apple may be looking to take advantage of forthcoming LTE chips from Qualcomm to begin supporting the technology in 2012.

Article Link: LTE iPad Coming to Japan Next Summer, LTE iPhone by Fall?

 

[impulse462]

If the LTE chips are power efficient enough for Apple's standards, theyll use them. Otherwise it's pretty much no go (as history would indicate)

It seems as if these new Qualcomm chipsets are finally up to standard, however. LTE iDevices will be EPIC.

 

[dashiel]

Did anyone really expect Apple not to release an LTE capable phone? Their MO is pretty consistent: adopt the latest and greatest when it doesn’t compromise the experience. Sometimes that means Apple products are well ahead of the curve (e.g. FireWire, Thunderbolt, USB) sometimes it means they’re behind the curve (e.g. 3G, GPS, LTE) but they rarely miss the sweet spot of being a first class performer when the average consumer is ready.

 

[ThatsMeRight]

LTE support would be a nice addition but, unfortunately, LTE is still very rare in Europe so it will be more of a feature for the Americans and Asians.

Oh, and I would be - well, not pissed, but - dissapointed with Apple if they release a new iPad in Q2 2012, and than to release a newer iPad in Q3 or Q4 of 2012.

---------
I also expect from Apple to announce a huge upgrade over the iPhone 4S for the sixth generation iPhone in 2012. Apple is starting to lag behind when you look at the specs.

I'd just love to see a Super AMOLED Plus display in the next generation iPhone. First I was against it, but the "Plus"-variant is actually quite good. Great viewing angle, great battery life, great colours and a huge contrast. Although unlikely, I really hope they are going to use Samsung's Super AMOLED Plus (2?) displays in 2012 for the next-generation iPhone.

 

[Eduardo1971]

Cannot wait to purchase my first iPad next year-hopefully within the next 6 months.

It will interesting to see if the next generation iPhone will be released during the summer or the fall; I guess there is plenty of time for speculation.

 

[Fandongo]

Make a mega extended battery?
4g doesn't destroy my Charge too much.

It's the constant flipping between 3g/4g on bordline regions that annihilates it.
Eh, and the stupid overbright display.

Apple can nail it.

 

[iSRS]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; CPU iPhone OS 5_0_1 like Mac OS X) AppleWebKit/534.46 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.1 Mobile/9A405 Safari/7534.48.3)

They may be, as you say, "lagging behind spec wise" but Apple is all about the experience. Remember, bringing specs to an experience war is their mantra.

That said, I think 4G-LTE is a "duh" at this point. Start in the iPad, make it to the iPhone by fall.

 

[ThatsMeRight]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; CPU iPhone OS 5_0_1 like Mac OS X) AppleWebKit/534.46 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.1 Mobile/9A405 Safari/7534.48.3)

They may be, as you say, "lagging behind spec wise" but Apple is all about the experience. Remember, bringing specs to an experience war is their mantra.

That said, I think 4G-LTE is a "duh" at this point. Start in the iPad, make it to the iPhone by fall.

You are right that I might be saying it wrong, and I agree with you that iOS is less demanding than Android so 'lesser hardware' is alright, but the display is also about the experience.

You use the display for everything, it's your acces to everything and I really believe that Apple is lagging behind when you look at the display. Not in pixel density, but in other ways: contrast (and black level), thickness, viewing angle, colours and energy usage. I really believe that the Samsung Galaxy S2 is superior.

I'd rather have Apple to only change the next generation iPhone's design and display (to Super AMOLED Plus (version two, by than?), than that they keep using the same display, but add an A6 processor, new design, 12 megapixel camera, better camera stabilization, LTE, etc.

Again, the display is where you 'view the world' through.

 

[simulacra]

You are right that I might be saying it wrong, and I agree with you that iOS is less demanding than Android so 'lesser hardware' is alright, but the display is also about the experience.

You use the display for everything, it's your acces to everything and I really believe that Apple is lagging behind when you look at the display. Not in pixel density, but in other ways: contrast (and black level), thickness, viewing angle, colours and energy usage. I really believe that the Samsung Galaxy S2 is superior.

I'd rather have Apple to only change the next generation iPhone's design and display (to Super AMOLED Plus (version two, by than?), than that they keep using the same display, but add an A6 processor, new design, 12 megapixel camera, better camera stabilization, LTE, etc.

Again, the display is where you 'view the world' through.

I feel the exact opposite, whenever I see someone with an S2 on the subway or on the street I react to how blue the display is, a friend of mine had his out so I could try and the display gave me a headache due to it's blue hue.
At other times I've seen S2-owners playing wordfeud, and the whole display is blue/greensih, unlike the more calibrated and natural colors of the iPhone 4/4S.

 

[Centient]

LTE is fine, but really not my highest priority. Especially if it compromises battery life. I want at least as good as my i4.

Display is where it's at though. Something slightly larger, with richer black levels would be welcome. Also, keep improving the camera.

 

[Rocketman]

http://www.qualcomm.com/news/releas...market-ltedc-hspa-chipsets-mobile-broadband-0

"Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the Company’s ability to successfully design and have manufactured significant quantities of the MDM9615, MDM8215, WTR1605 and PM8018 on a timely and profitable basis, the extent and speed to which LTE (FDD and TDD), DC-HSPA+, EV-DO Rev-B, TD-SCDMA and DC-HSPA+ are deployed, change in economic conditions of the various markets the Company serves, as well as the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s SEC reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 26, 2010, and most recent Form 10-Q."

 

[ThatsMeRight]

I feel the exact opposite, whenever I see someone with an S2 on the subway or on the street I react to how blue the display is, a friend of mine had his out so I could try and the display gave me a headache due to it's blue hue.
At other times I've seen S2-owners playing wordfeud, and the whole display is blue/greensih, unlike the more calibrated and natural colors of the iPhone 4/4S.

Well, you also have iPhones with blue/yellow displays and some people can't stand it either. I really believe that Super AMOLED Plus is a real advantage over the current LCD screen used in the iPhone 4S.

And not to forget, Samsung is expected to announce an improved Super AMOLED Plus display in January. That would give Apple enough time to use them in the next generation iPhone.

I would also rather see a 4.3 16:9 display: a 16:9 4.3" display would fit in the current iPhone 4S with smart engineering. I know 16:9 will fragment the apps, but all the big, popular apps will update quickly anyway and the rest of the apps could run with black bars (and since black levels are really deep at a Super AMOLED Plus display, that wouldn't matter too much).

I would be satisfied, however, with a 4" 3:2 screen (iPhone has a 3:2 screen).

This may sound arrogant, but I really believe it would benefit all iPhone users out there. Of course, it's not so pleasant for the developers but the mobile space is developing quickly... keep up, or get out. Again, sounds arrogant but that's just how it is, unfortunately.

I seriously believe that most of you would be very happy when Apple would announce a 16:9 4" or 4.3" screen with Super AMOLED Plus (2) technology.

In the end, it's just my opinion and everyone has different wishes.

 

[dwman]

LTE support would be a nice addition but, unfortunately, LTE is still very rare in Europe so it will be more of a feature for the Americans and Asians.

Oh, and I would be - well, not pissed, but - disappointed with Apple if they release a new iPad in Q2 2012, and than to release a newer iPad in Q3 or Q4 of 2012.

---------
I also expect from Apple to announce a huge upgrade over the iPhone 4S for the sixth generation iPhone in 2012. Apple is starting to lag behind when you look at the specs.

I'd just love to see a Super AMOLED Plus display in the next generation iPhone. First I was against it, but the "Plus"-variant is actually quite good. Great viewing angle, great battery life, great colours and a huge contrast. Although unlikely, I really hope they are going to use Samsung's Super AMOLED Plus (2?) displays in 2012 for the next-generation iPhone.

Apple doesn't play the "spec" game. They've lagged on something ever since the very first iPhone, but eventually they present it to the consumer in a (usually) better, more intuitive way then the competition. This is why you see the competition hyping faster processor, better camera, brighter screen, etc. I've got two friends with VZ LTE phones, and the battery life is awful. I'm hopeful Apple will be able to closely match or exceed the battery life in the current iPhones.

 

[MattMJB0188]

NO LTE please. HSPA+ works just fine.

 

[ThatsMeRight]

Apple doesn't play the "spec" game. They've lagged on something ever since the very first iPhone, but eventually they present it to the consumer in a (usually) better, more intuitive way then the competition. This is why you see the competition hyping faster processor, better camera, brighter screen, etc. I've got two friends with VZ LTE phones, and the battery life is awful. I'm hopeful Apple will be able to closely match or exceed the battery life in the current iPhones.

Apple is very much playing the spec game. In another comment I already said that I might expressed my self in a wrong way, because you are correct that software and hardware work much better together than on Android handsets. Especially because iOS is very efficient and Apple makes it both.

Still, Apple is very much playing the spec game. Remember the iPad 2? It didn't look that impressive, but it was the first tablet that would ship in huge numbers with a dual core processor. And it was thin... Apple's competitors just didn't know how to put similar hardware in such a thin case (design is also about the specs).

iPhone 4? Obviously a very high resolution display and it's 5 megapixel camera: 5 MP isn't the best, but they did use one of the more expensive 5 megapixel sensors available.

iPhone 4S: true, this was more like catching on but apparantly they thought a dual core processor and an improved camera was very important, but iPhone 4 specs are still alright.

Apple is playing the hardware game, but it's less obvious. For example, if the competition were to introduce a retina display, they would talk all about specifications. When Apple did, they were also talking specifications (like an IPS panel), but they were more busy with telling about how sharp pictures look like and how crisp text is.

------------
Furthermore, I don't see how they are going to improve battery life when adding LTE and a bigger LCD display. Sure, the next-generation iPhone will most likely have a redesign which means new casing and perhaps more space for a bigger battery but Apple will also add new, bigger, hardware: improved camera (8 megapixel but improved, or higher), A6 processor, 4-4.5 inch display (very likely) and perhaps even FaceTime HD.

These things will also take extra space and battery life, and there's only one way I can see them improving or matching battery life: an (AM)OLED display. I will be very surprised if Apple pulls it off to match the iPhone 4's battery life, while adding hardware like LTE and a bigger screen.

 

[Lordskelic]

What?

I'm a little bit confused. Does this mean only the Japanese iPads and iPhones are getting LTE? The reason being LTE is all that is supported over there? Or does this rumor point out that the American versions are getting LTE too?

 

[AppleScruff1]

4G LTE iPhone 5 on Verizon, June 2012.

 

[Epic Xbox Revie]

Did anyone really expect Apple not to release an LTE capable phone? Their MO is pretty consistent: adopt the latest and greatest when it doesn’t compromise the experience. Sometimes that means Apple products are well ahead of the curve (e.g. FireWire, Thunderbolt, USB) sometimes it means they’re behind the curve (e.g. 3G, GPS, LTE) but they rarely miss the sweet spot of being a first class performer when the average consumer is ready.

USB?

I liked your argument for everything except that.

 

[Prof.]

This is good news if it's true! If the next iPhone is LTE-enabled, then when I upgrade in 2013, all the kinks from the 1st gen 4G LTE iPhone should have been ironed out with the 2nd gen What will it be called? iPhone 4GS?

 

[duncanapple]

2 thoughts to this article;

LTE is great and all, but I don't totally get how stuck up people are on it. No matter what software tricks apple can do, 3G will probably always trump LTE battery wise. Until you can get an LTE phone to last all day whats the point when 3G does pretty darn good by itself?

I am talking more towards the att people here as Verizons network - while more extensive in more rural areas especially - isn't as fast as att, but do webpages generally load slow for all you guys/girls? I generally wait about one second for a mobile formatted web page to load, maybe 2 for a full version of some site. Id take that plus a couple/few hours longer on the battery? As for file downloads (like iTunes) I am unlikely to do that on LTE anyway, because by time I am forced to switch I am sure I will loose my grandfathered unlimited plan. I am not about to download a full album of songs and eat 150-200mb of a 2gb plan. ymmv of course.

On a completely different note, no one mentioned the other piece of the rumor regarding DoCoMo hung up on wanting to install their own cr@pware on the iPhone. That never flew on the mac (namely bc apple didn't have any third party companies involved with the mac), hasn't so far on the iPhone, and I hope never does. Telecoms can hardly manage their core business. Please stay out of the bloatware business. We see how well that worked on every single phone prior to the iPhone.

----------

4G LTE iPhone 5 on Verizon, June 2012.

I'm guessing more like October. Dollars to doughnuts thats the new upgrade cycle, Oct to Oct.

 

[Alucardx03]

Bleh

 

[japanime]

It will be great if DoCoMo gets the iPhone. Softbank is Japan's equivalent of AT&T. I don't even bother using my iPhone 4's 3G service on Softbank anymore — it's just too darn slow, and the voice quality is horrendous. I just keep it set to WiFi and use Skype when I need to make a call.

 

[pmz]

No kidding. Apple has had its sights set on a 2012 LTE iPhone launch since back in 2006.

Unfortunately, U.S. carriers have utterly failed to deploy the network service at an acceptable rate. Even by summer 2012, LTE coverage will still be smaller than 3G coverage was in early 2007. aka pathetic.

It will be interesting to watch unfold.

(spare me the comments about how many LTE phones are available in the U.S. right now. LTE is currently a marketing gimmick that tricks people into paying too much for data (as if we don't already) and buying inferior devices because of one misleading bullet point)

 

[2 Replies]

Cannot wait to purchase my first iPad next year-hopefully within the next 6 months.

Interesting choice of words....
Not "Cannot wait to have/own/use my first iPad next year..", but "purchase".

If spending your money gives you that much pleasure, you're more than welcome to purchase one for me too!

 

[citi]

NO LTE please. HSPA+ works just fine.

Except for the people with VZ Phones. Going LTE will give us the ability to surf and talk. Yes please.