iPhone 5 to be GSM / CDMA hybrid world phone
Just when you thought you had enough iPhone 5 rumors for the week… the next iPhone may be a world phone capable of roaming between GSM and CDMA networks, according to Verizon CFO Fran Shammo. This revelation came during a conference call to discuss Verizons Q1 2011 earnings, when asked about some mildly sluggish growth, the CFO responded:
The fluctuation, I believe, will come when a new device from Apple is launched, whenever that may be, and that we will be, on the first time, on equal footing with our competitors on a new phone hitting the market, which will also be a global device.
Other than being able to roam globally (and end up with an outrageous phone bill unless you unlock to use with a local carrier), the other benefit to a single GSM/CDMA iPhone would be reduced manufacturing costs for Apple, and finally a unified iOS platform. Currently, the CDMA iPhone 4 is on a custom iOS 4.2.7 build, while the rest of the iOS lineup is at iOS 4.3.2.
Earlier reports indicate iPhone 5 will ship in September, and will feature the same A5 CPU that is currently in the iPad 2 model. Additionally, the new device is expected to sport an improved camera, and have an enclosure design that is similar if not identical to iPhone 4.
The world phone report comes from Barrons.
Wait a sec.. Just because it’s GSM/CDMA, doesn’t mean it won’t be locked to a carrier.. Unless ofcourse Apple is able to force that like they did with the iPads.. So if it’s locked one will still have to pay ridiculous roaming fees to the home carrier..