Apple 'Expected' to Unveil LTE 4G iPhone in 2012 [Report]

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Some Apple fans were disappointed when the iPhone 4S was unveiled without true LTE-based 4G. However, it appears the tech giant could introduce a LTE handset in 2012 as the company's latest U.S. carrier partner also becomes heavily involved in the faster wireless technology.

Apple "is expected to join the LTE club" next year, providing greater pressure for the likes of Nokia, RIM and Sony Ericcsson, which also plan to roll-out LTE devices in 2012, industry publication DigiTimes reports Tuesday. At the same time, Sprint is expected to introduce 15 LTE-enabled producrs by mid-2012.

Despite boasted an improved antenna able to transmit at 14.4Mbps, Apple decided to leave LTE out of its latest iPhone, explaining the networks were just not mature enough. Before becoming CEO, Apple Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook told analysts earlier this year that LTE technology was still plagued with battery-life issues.

"The first generation of LTE chipsets force a lot of design compromises with the handset," Cook said at the time. Apple was unwilling to make those compromises in order to offer LTE speeds.

The release on a LTE 4G iPhone would enable CDMA carriers such as Sprint and Verizon to claim true 4G network speeds, leveling the playing field with the GSM-based AT&T.

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