A new rumor has surfaced and this one seems from left field but comes from a trustworthy source. BGR, who has a decent track record with putting out Sprint rumors, is putting it all on the line. They are saying that Sprint will be getting a timed exclusive access to the iPhone 5 and it will use WiMax for 4G connectivity. BGR also states that Verizon and AT&T will get an LTE version of the phone but not until Q1 of 2012. Additionally, Verizon and AT&T will be getting update iPhone 4 devices, called the 4S; the supposed specs of these devices are posted below.
The story also states that Sprint is pulling out serious cash to make it happen, a reported $20 billion in iPhone orders over the next 4 years. If this is true, Sprint would not break even until 2014 on the transaction.
This rumor is a bit out there and it is hard to judge the credibility on this. If it turns out true, it will be a massive win for Sprint, even at the considerable price they will be paying. Getting the iPhone 5 sooner than its competitors and offering up unlimited data is a compelling offer. While we are now less than 24 hours away from Apple"s keynote where all the rumors will finally be put to bed, the rumor mill is heating up.
Further, BGR states to have the specs of the new devices, posted below:
The iPhone 4S Apple will introduce tomorrow will feature the following:
- A low voltage Apple A5 CPU (it won’t be the same as the iPad 2 chip, clock for clock).
- Updated front and back camera sensors. FaceTime HD in the front, 8 megapixel 1080p HD video recording in the back.
- Multiband 3G Qualcomm chipset — North American & International GSM/UMTS/HSPA bands for AT&T and Global carriers, North American CDMA & International GSM/UMTS/HSPA bands for Verizon and Sprint.
- NFC support
- Metal or “premium” plastic on the back case.
Here is what my source said about the iPhone 5 that will launch as a Sprint exclusive:
- Faster CPU.
- Larger 4-inch screen, similar to LG’s NOVA display but higher resolution.
- 1GB of RAM.
- Slightly larger design overall but thinner, and a larger battery.
- 32GB
- iPhone 5 exclusive software and APIs (Assistant).
- Dedicated Assistant button, possibly integrated with the new home button, “think gestures or a two-stage button like a camera shutter key)