Three iPhone 5 models?!

[Merkie]

What's up with that?

GSM model A1428*: UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz); LTE (Bands 4 and 17)
CDMA model A1429*: CDMA EV-DO Rev. A and Rev. B (800, 1900, 2100 MHz); UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz); LTE (Bands 1, 3, 5, 13, 25)
GSM model A1429*: UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz); LTE (Bands 1, 3, 5)

Source. The iPhone 4S had just one model I believe...

 

[jav6454]

4S was just one model true. This mess of models is all about making LTE available. I am starting to think Apple made a rush decision on including LTE. They should have waited until everyone settled on bands and spectrum wavelengths and have a much better chip incorporation.

 

[kappaknight]

Weird. I thought they said they had a dynamic antenna built in so they wouldn't have to do this.

 

[Stetrain]

From what I understand a single chip can technically handle all of those different bands, but there's a limit to how many frequencies you can provide antennas for in a single phone.

The 3rd gen iPad is the same way to allow it to support the different LTE bands in addition to CDMA and GSM.