Apple mandates tests before carriers get LTE on iPhone 5

News

Apple mandates tests before carriers get LTE on iPhone 5

Although the iPhone 5 ships by default with 4G/LTE cellular capabilities, Apple only lets mobile operators use the LTE functionality if the carrier passes Apple’s own tests for LTE performance, according to Telecoms.com. A Swisscom spokesperson said, “Apple only enables 4G access after testing their device on an operator’s live network.” Unless the tests are passed, an operator is limited to 3G network access. The Apple testing may have been in response to international regulatory attention drawn by the third-generation iPad with Wi-Fi + 4G, which was renamed to “Wi-Fi + Cellular” after complaints that the device was not universally achieving 4G/LTE speeds. Apple has not commented on the matter as of yet.

« Last day for iLounge November giveaways

iTunes gift cards: Variable prices, Starbucks, iTunes 11 »

Comments

1

“The Apple testing may have been in response to international regulatory attention drawn by the third-generation iPad with Wi-Fi + 4G, which was renamed to “Wi-Fi + Cellular” after complaints that the device was not universally achieving 4G/LTE speeds.”

The above speculation shows a fundamental misunderstanding of the issue for the third generation iPad: it shipped with a 4G antenna that only worked in North America. It was intentionally incompatible with the 4G standards in the rest of the world and could only use 3G connections everywhere else. It was not a matter of it “not universally achieving 4G/LTE speeds”, it was a matter of it not even connecting to 4G/LTE networks in most of the world because of Apple’s deliberate design. In spite of this deliberate lack of 4G support across most of the globe, they advertised it as a 4G device, using a fine print disclaimer to explain that the WiFi + 4G was NOT actually 4G. It was deceptive and Apple deserved the scrutiny they received.

One can speculate about the exact reasons why Apple chose not to support the most wide spread 4G standards on purpose (probably to avoid paying Samsung is my guess), but one cannot conflate what was a deliberate refusal to support the 4G networks the bulk of the world’s population connects through to a Quality Assurance program for carriers. They’re unrelated matters.

Posted by Code Monkey in Midstate New York on November 30, 2012 at 5:04 PM (PST)

2

“after complaints that the device was not universally achieving 4G/LTE speeds”

#1 is right, this statement waters down the simple fact that Apple knew that the iPad 3 could not support 4G/LTE in most countries. They knew because it didn’t have the hardware needed, and they rightfully got grilled for that PR blunder.

Now, this extra testing requirement may be a spin-off from that wrist-slapping to help prevent Apple from getting the blame for a provider’s poor implementation of 4G/LTE. This actually is a rational move on their part, but I’m sure some AT&T customers wish they took the same approach when the 3G capability was released in the US.

Posted by rockmyplimsoul on November 30, 2012 at 5:32 PM (PST)

3

I think all are missing the point , Whatever Apple officiall says , the only reason for them to “block” “untested” network is for them to get royalty from the operators, I am pretty sure that the various operators needs to pay a “testing fee” to apple to release the LTE settings

Posted by eulfkar on March 21, 2013 at 12:26 PM (PST)

If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods/iPhones/iPad or accessories, or if you sell or market iPod/iPhone/iPad products or services, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators.

Recent Reviews

New Deals

Shop for Accessories: Cases, speakers, chargers, etc.

iLounge

News