According to a new report, analyst Scott Sutherland of Wedbush Securities suggests that Apple will be launching a new 4G LTE enabled iPhone in 2012 following on from the launch of two new models of iPhone in October of this year (Barrons via 9to5Mac). The analyst, along with suggesting that there will be a cheaper iPhone and new improved iPhone available in November, is of the opinion that a new iPhone will appear in 2012 with a redesigned UI.
“Sutherland expects the newest iPhone to debut in October, along with “an iPhone targeting emerging markets,” to be followed by an LTE iPhone in 2012 with a “materially improved user interface,” without explaining any further.”
The biggest question which really has to be asked of reports stemming from analyst comments is whether the analyst in question has any insider information or sources which support and back-up the information in question, or whether he or she is simply voicing a prediction or educated guesswork. Certainly, on this occasion, it seems to be the latter, although the reference to the ‘materially improved user interface‘ is certainly intriguing.
The claims certainly fit with recent rumors suggesting that Apple has a 4G iPhone in carrier testing at the moment but that it wouldn’t be ready to launch until 2012. Additionally, a rather odd rumor also suggested that AT&T had installed LTE equipment in some Apple retail stores, prompting speculation that the company was testing 4G devices. However, we speculated last month that the first 4G Apple device to be launched will actually be an iPad rather than an iPhone, so it’s a question of which one comes first.
It’s All Material…