iPhone 5 to come in one CDMA and two GSM versions
updated 05:46 pm EDT, Wed September 12, 2012
Will also feature nano-SIM component
When Apple's iPhone 5 launches, it will do so in three models: CDMA, CDMA EV-DO Rev. A, and CDMA EV-DO Rev. B. As was previously expected, the new iPhone will also feature the nano-SIM design proposed by Apple and accepted as standard by international telecom standards bodies. The reason for the different models for the newest iPhone is thought to be related to the LTE infrastructures of some wireless carriers.
One GSM iPhone 5 -- Model A1428 -- will support the 4 (AWS) and 17 (700b MHz) LTE bands; the other -- Model A1429 -- will support the 1 (2100MHz), 3 (1800MHz), and 5 (850MHz) LTE bands. Model A1428 will work on AT&T in the United States and Bell, Rogers, and Telus in Canada. Model A1429 will work with Deutsche Telekom in Germany and Orange and T-Mobile in the United Kingdom.
The CDMA model will support the 1 (2100MHz), 3 (1800MHz), 5(850MHz), 13 (700c MHz), and 23 (1900MHz) LTE bands. It will be compatible with Sprint and Verizon in the United States and KDDI in Japan.
Other sources have reportedly asked Apple directly about cross-network compatibility, finding that devices bought on one network will not be able to operate on another. AT&T has confirmed to legacy unlimited users that existing wireless limits of 5GB before throttling on the LTE network as announced in March will still apply to the iPhone 5.
Today also brought confirmation that the iPhone 5 would indeed feature the nano-SIM card design for which Apple won standard status earlier this year. This design will allow Apple and other manufacturers more space for other components, since the nano-SIMis about 40 percent smaller than any current SIM. The new standard will mean, though, that the iPhone 5 will be incompatible with any current SIM cards.
