Apple currently testing parts for LTE iPhone, says Barclays
updated 05:05 pm EDT, Wed March 21, 2012
Qualcomm, Skyworks, others among candidates
Apple is in the middle of evaluating potential parts for the next-generation iPhone, according to a Barclays research memo. One expected choice is Qualcomm's MDM9615 chipset, which enables voice and data over LTE. The part is different from the MDM9600 used in the third-generation iPad, which is limited to data only. It also remains to be seen if the new iPhone will support "world" LTE, unlike the iPad, which requires different models for different bands. Adding LTE to the iPhone is expected to cost Apple between $3 and $10 extra per unit versus 3G.
Other companies said to be supplying Apple with potential parts include Avago, Skyworks, and TriQuint. All three companies are seen as having an advantage with different components, though Skyworks gets a special nod.
Barclays anticipates a September launch for the new phone. The date would come a month short of the iPhone 4S' anniversary, but still later than the June/July timeframe Apple previously depended on. If Apple is only testing key parts now, it is unlikely to meet a June or July target.
