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Sprint Commits to Buying $20 Billion Worth of iPhones, To Get Redesigned iPhone 5 Exclusively?
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Those people signed their contracts with AT&T or Verizon, not Apple. Apple has no say about early upgrades. That's between the carrier and its subscribers.
If you don't want a contract, you can buy a factory unlocked iPhone 4 at $649 (16GB) or $749 (32GB) from Apple.com and shove an AT&T GoPhone SIM into the handset.
If you don't like the terms of the contract, don't sign on the dotted line.
In any case, I think this "iPhone 5 Sprint exclusive" is a bunch of baloney, but then again, I realize that 98% of Apple rumors posted to tech media sites end up being wrong.
You guys are forgetting one thing about the Sprint iP5 exculsivity: if it's a World Phone, it wouldn't matter...
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This rumor seriously made me laugh out loud. It's one of the most ridiculous rumors I've read on these Mac sites. There is no way this would happen. This is something you would read on the forums here posted by someone being sarcastic. Is it tomorrow yet? Btw, I duly believe there WILL be a redesigned iPhone 5.
This rumor seriously made me laugh out loud. It's one of the most ridiculous rumors I've read on these Mac sites. There is no way this would happen. This is something you would read on the forums here posted by someone being sarcastic. Is it tomorrow yet? Btw, I duly believe there WILL be a redesigned iPhone 5.
I can't see Sprint being exclusive to the "iPhone 5". That would be a terrible decision on Apple's part if true.
How many see people switching to Sprint from AT&T or Verizon just to get the iPhone?
My contract is up with AT&T as I have had the iPhone 3GS for 26 months. Can't wait til tomorrow, so all this speculation stuff is done.
How many see people switching to Sprint from AT&T or Verizon just to get the iPhone?
My contract is up with AT&T as I have had the iPhone 3GS for 26 months. Can't wait til tomorrow, so all this speculation stuff is done.
A couple points I should make to the nay-sayers....
(I have no actual opinion on whether this is true or not, I had believed the only phone being released was the 4S... so we'll see)
If Sprint is getting a CDMA iPhone 4S, then Sprint has a huge problem. When the iPhone 5 LTE comes out, they don't have an LTE Network..... they would require Apple to build an iPhone compatible with WiMAX.
Apple on the other hand, only really cares about units sold. If they can sell millions of WiMAX units, then why not? Most of the R&D is in the core phone technologies, not the wireless chip which is off-the-shelf.
The article claims that Sprint has committed to $20 billion in phones regardless of if they sell. This is the exact type of deal you would need for a customized version. One where it has no risk for Apple.
Further more... regarding whether it comes ahead of the iPhone 5 LTE or not:
Why not? iPhone 5 is the 4G phone. We already know the low-power and low-footprint LTE chips aren't on the market yet and Apple is waiting, maybe the WiMax chips are available that meet their criteria.
To those saying why would Apple release an LTE phone only 6 months after the 4S.... its very apparent the 4S was delayed a few months, possibly due to iOS and iCloud. Apple shouldn't just push the iPhone 5 out from its original timepline because the 4S was late.
Those are just my thoughts, no predictions from me.
(I have no actual opinion on whether this is true or not, I had believed the only phone being released was the 4S... so we'll see)
If Sprint is getting a CDMA iPhone 4S, then Sprint has a huge problem. When the iPhone 5 LTE comes out, they don't have an LTE Network..... they would require Apple to build an iPhone compatible with WiMAX.
Apple on the other hand, only really cares about units sold. If they can sell millions of WiMAX units, then why not? Most of the R&D is in the core phone technologies, not the wireless chip which is off-the-shelf.
The article claims that Sprint has committed to $20 billion in phones regardless of if they sell. This is the exact type of deal you would need for a customized version. One where it has no risk for Apple.
Further more... regarding whether it comes ahead of the iPhone 5 LTE or not:
Why not? iPhone 5 is the 4G phone. We already know the low-power and low-footprint LTE chips aren't on the market yet and Apple is waiting, maybe the WiMax chips are available that meet their criteria.
To those saying why would Apple release an LTE phone only 6 months after the 4S.... its very apparent the 4S was delayed a few months, possibly due to iOS and iCloud. Apple shouldn't just push the iPhone 5 out from its original timepline because the 4S was late.
Those are just my thoughts, no predictions from me.
The article says that Sprint would get the iphone5 exclusively until the first quarter of 2012. Yes, I can see Apple partnering with Sprint for a guaranteed $20 Billion deal but with a laundry list of control.
This is great news for me because my AT&T contract expires in three weeks. There is nothing like a little competition to raise the level of service and possibly lower my monthly bill. I cannot wait till 1pm on Tuesday to hear all about it.
This is great news for me because my AT&T contract expires in three weeks. There is nothing like a little competition to raise the level of service and possibly lower my monthly bill. I cannot wait till 1pm on Tuesday to hear all about it.
You are all missing the point. Think about it, Sprint, most likely, will offer special incentives to AT&T and Verizon customers to switch. If they are willing to pay 20 Million for the iPhone, they could offer customers from AT&T and Verizon a price they can't refuse. They would get them for the 2 year contract, and if they leave early, then those that would want to leave, would have to pay $350. Sprint gets there money back either way, but gains a lot of new customers.
With Apple, never say never. Money talks, and you know the rest.
Apple didn't say Verizon and AT&T wouldn't get the new iPhone 5, but instead of getting, launch time, which looks like it would be in October, they would get in the beginning of 2012, most likely by the end of January. Which is only 3 months. So basically Sprint would pay 20 million for a 3 month window, not 3 years. Sounds like a deal for Apple and Sprint for such a short time.
Now the question, will Sprint let my wife upgrade a little early to get the new iPhone. She hates her Epic 4G and wants an iPhone, but won't pay full price for it.
With Apple, never say never. Money talks, and you know the rest.
Apple didn't say Verizon and AT&T wouldn't get the new iPhone 5, but instead of getting, launch time, which looks like it would be in October, they would get in the beginning of 2012, most likely by the end of January. Which is only 3 months. So basically Sprint would pay 20 million for a 3 month window, not 3 years. Sounds like a deal for Apple and Sprint for such a short time.
Now the question, will Sprint let my wife upgrade a little early to get the new iPhone. She hates her Epic 4G and wants an iPhone, but won't pay full price for it.
I doubt the iPhone 5 thing is true.
That means 3 different versions of the iPhone 5.
iPhone 5 with WiMAX
iPhone 5 with LTE
iPhone 5 with HSPA+
I think when the iPhone supports any of the "4G" flavours it's going to be LTE, since, unless I'm mistaken, is the most widespread one.
On top of that, we already know the chips that conform to the specs that Apple needs won't exist until next year, isn't that right? Or late this year, anyway. Otherwise they'd be too large and drain too much power.
Anyone correct me if I'm wrong.
So I for one call the iPhone 5 exclusive thing with the 3 different versions of 4G a BS thing.
Of course, if it turns out to be true, then I'd be pleasantly surprised because the rumoured iPhone 5 sounds awesome.
That means 3 different versions of the iPhone 5.
iPhone 5 with WiMAX
iPhone 5 with LTE
iPhone 5 with HSPA+
I think when the iPhone supports any of the "4G" flavours it's going to be LTE, since, unless I'm mistaken, is the most widespread one.
On top of that, we already know the chips that conform to the specs that Apple needs won't exist until next year, isn't that right? Or late this year, anyway. Otherwise they'd be too large and drain too much power.
Anyone correct me if I'm wrong.
So I for one call the iPhone 5 exclusive thing with the 3 different versions of 4G a BS thing.
Of course, if it turns out to be true, then I'd be pleasantly surprised because the rumoured iPhone 5 sounds awesome.
Remember, WSJ is owned by News Corporation, the same company that owned News of the World and owns Fox Commentary. That said, I don't think they are as credible as they used to be. The WSJ contains articles that one would normally find on Page 6 of the New York Post. LOL
At this point, I can't imagine Apple giving exclusive iPhone rights to any carrier. The cons of doing so far outweigh the pros of doing so.
At this point, I can't imagine Apple giving exclusive iPhone rights to any carrier. The cons of doing so far outweigh the pros of doing so.
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my city has LTE, ive seen it used by a frien on his laptop. its crazy fast. not as fast as my 100mbit cable tho
MarkBMW said:
my city has LTE, ive seen it used by a frien on his laptop. its crazy fast. not as fast as my 100mbit cable tho
Don't really care one way or another but when I had Sprint (which I dropped for an iPhone 2G/ATT) it ROCKED.
With a right amount of money and commitment from Sprint, this might actually be true. And to all people who think Apple wouldn't do this: There isn't a single company that cares about customers more than about money. Money talks people, and Apple is a business company like the rest.
Holy crap. We are all idiots in the U.S. for being slaves to carrier politics and price gouging.
My next phone will be a cheap-assed, no frills, no contract device for $19.99. I'll use the money saved for an iPod Touch.
My next phone will be a cheap-assed, no frills, no contract device for $19.99. I'll use the money saved for an iPod Touch.
I can see the Sprint model being the 4S with the updated internals and WiMax and offer the 5 across the board.
But Apple would be cutting out pretty much everyone with an iPhone 4 from being able to purchase the redesigned 5.....which is very un-Apple.
No color me skeptical.
But Apple would be cutting out pretty much everyone with an iPhone 4 from being able to purchase the redesigned 5.....which is very un-Apple.
No color me skeptical.
Wow... if they really keeps redesigned iPhone 5 exclusive and unavailable to other carriers or the world (other markets than the US). They really have shot themselves in the foot.. On the other hand, if they still release redesigned phones on other territories...I'd be a happy consumer
What makes you think they'd care?
there going to sell $20 billion of them regardless...
No. There will be all the new hardware (new CPU, GPU, etc.) for all existing iPhone customers, so they won't have to switch carriers.
But this rumor says that, in addition to new hardware for existing customers, there will also be a Sprint exclusive model for Sprint customers, with a much faster wimax radio added. Maybe the case containing the new radio will also look a bit different. That's no reason to switch or need to switch. But is it enough for Sprint to be willing to pay $20B? Not so sure...
This just seems like a totally off-the-wall rumor. Although, *if* Sprint is indeed getting an exclusive 4-6 month lead on the iPhone 5, I can see why they'd bet the company on that.
Also I just learned something about myself. That I'd be entirely willing to switch to Sprint if it means getting a redesigned iPhone.
Not just redesigned, but unlimited Data too! lol
At least for people who are not grandfathered in like me... I'll probably go from Virgin Mobile to Sprint