We may be around two hours away from Apple's Let's Talk iPhone event, but that doesn't mean we can't squeeze in one more quick tidbit of news about the new iOS smartphone, right? Yesterday a report emerged claiming that Sprint would be getting a new version of the iPhone complete with WiMAX support, which set the hearts of Now Network customers aflutter. However, the Wall Street Journal has chimed in at the last minute to dispute that rumor. According to the WSJ's sources, the upcoming iPhone won't pack support for either WiMAX or LTE connectivity, but will instead run on 3G networks.
Keeping up with the Apple news, it seems that the Cupertino firm has rejected Samsung's deal in the Australian legal battle between the two companies. The details of the deal aren't known, but Samsung was trying to reach an agreement with Apple to get the Galaxy Tab 10.1 on shelves in Australia before the holidays. Reuters reports that Apple rejected the deal because it "provided no basis for settlement" and because Apple would like a ruling on its claim that the Tab 10.1 infringes on one of its touchscreen-related patents. "The main reason we are here is to prevent the launch (of the Galaxy tablet) and maintain the status quo," said Apple lawyer Steven Burley. Samsung has responded to Apple's rejection by saying that it's desperate to get a ruling in the case by mid-October and that, if it can't, it may scrap the Tab 10.1 launch in Australia altogether since the device would be "commercially dead" if it isn't available for the holidays.
Apple said earlier this year that it didn't include LTE in the Verizon iPhone 4 because doing so would've forced it to make compromises that it wasn't willing to commit to, so it won't be a surprise if the new iPhone unveiled today is a 3G-only device. There's also the fact that the original iPhone was a 2G-only device when it was introduced back in 2007, helping to show that Apple isn't one to adopt on a technology until it's had the time to mature and prove itself. Of course, all of that doesn't change the fact that there will be some customers that walk away from today's event disappointed that there's no still LTE iPhone available for purchase. What do you all think of the possibility of Apple announcing a new, 3G-only iPhone today? Is the lack of LTE/WiMAX a deal breaker for you?
UPDATE: More new iPhone news! Looks like someone at Apple jumped the gun a bit early, as the name "iPhone 4S" has appeared on an official Japanese Apple retail store page. The site also mentions an October 14th release date for Japan, although I'm sure that those of us here in the U.S. will see Apple's new smartphone on that same date. Additionally, some renders labeled "iPhone 4S" have been spotted on Apple's own servers. Looks like the iPhone 4S is a go, but we're still waiting for the folks in Cupertino to make it all official. Follow along with our liveblog right here for all the latest.
Via WSJ, MacRumors, Reuters, Bloomberg, TIMN, Apple Japan, Apple (1), (2)
