Confused by the title of the post? Let me explain what it means. Apple [AAPL] will probably follow tradition mid this year and release a new Apple iPhone. The new device has been dubbed the Apple iPhone 4G as it's the fourth generation of the iPhone as in iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3G S and iPhone 4G. When the 3G launched it was named that way because it had 3G connectivity.
The 4G iPhone doesn't follow that pattern though as 4G networks are not up to scratch yet. Although we are seeing phones such as the HTC EVO 4G getting launched, coverage on 4G networks is actually quite limited. For this reason we believe that the next iPhone 4G launched June/July 2010 will actually still work on 3G networks with the fifth generation (iPhone 5G) connecting to 4G networks next year in June/July time.
TFTS decided to call the iPhone 5G the iPhone LTE which might clear things up a little in which we should see launched in just over a years time if Apple follow their release date pattern they have set.
The information comes due to a job posting where Apple are looking out for capable people who can prepare for the next generation Apple iPad and iPhone that can handle 4G speeds.
The Cellular Technology Manager will manage the cellular protocol software team, responsible for the design, implementation and integration of layer 1-3 protocols for iPhone. The position will be responsible for ensuring appropriate cellular technology development and execution, KPI performances and interoperability of cellular technology on various platforms, R&D of new protocol and standards, as well as working with cross-functional teams to deliver the best customer experience on Cellular.
Expert knowledge of one or multiple cellular technologies: WCDMA/UMTS, HSPA, HSPA+, LTE etc.
So it brings us to the real question of what Apple are actually going to call the iPhone 4G. Suggestions in the past have called it the iPhone HD which could follow in line with a $240M contract that was signed with Samsung recently although that was for the iPad. We would like to see Samsung Super AMOLED screens in the next gen iPhone though.
All will be cleared up in a few months time hopefully where the name of the phone and capabilities will be announced.
More details at Gaj-It.