Sprint customers have been hoping that after Verizon received their CMDA capable iPhone, maybe they would be next, and now it seems the latest rumors might be in their favor. Last week 9to5Mac wrote, “Apple is said to have ordered Sprint-compatible cell towers for use on their campus—for testing—in late 2010.” The story also spoke of a device that’s called the iPhone 4S: “the physical design of the device is akin to the iPhone 4 of today, so this might be the iPhone 4S device with support for all carriers that we have been dreaming up and hearing whispers about.”
Now, before we get ahead of ourselves we must emphasize that this is still just a rumor. Continuing with the information we have been presented, the device is said to only run on Sprint’s 3G network, so no WiMax support on this bad boy. This rumored device was brought up on Sprint’s latest earnings call, and the CEO, Dan Hesse, was quick to say he couldn’t talk about “potential discussions” with any suppliers.
The iPhone 4 is currently on two of America’s largest networks, and if AT&T is successful in buying T-Mobile, everyone except Sprint will have this device available. Now, with an unlocked iPhone being rumored as well, T-Mobile users will still get Apple’s most beloved device regardless of the AT&T acquisition, while Sprint would be left out of the equation if this rumour doesn’t hold true.
Apple has been working hard to meet Android on all battlefields and close the market share gap. That being said, Sprint is still selling one of the best Android phones, the Evo 4G, and they are planning on launching the Evo 3D later this summer. If Apple was to bring the iPhone 4S to Sprint users around the same time, they might put a dent in HTC’s sales at the same time as improving their own.
Nonetheless, Apple is still keeping quiet on this whole Sprint matter and everything else they are working on. Rumor has it that the iPhone 5 is coming this fall with improved features and maybe more carrier support. The device is rumored to have an A5 processor, an 8 megapixel camera, and maybe even an NFC (near-field communication) chip to make the iPhone your next e-wallet.
Sprint customers, are you excited to get an iPhone on your network? At least you’ll be able to brag about better coverge than the AT&T people, right?
[via Electronista]