TiPb: iPhone 5 is Coming in October as ‘World Phone’

While Apple is yet to disclose the release of the next-generation iPhone, one tech blog – TiPb – is predicting that the mobile device will have an early October launch. The tech blog also added that the next-gen iPhone – be it a completely revamped iPhone 5 or an iterative iPhone 4S – will come as a “world phone.”

That said, the rumored iPhone 5 will be compatible to both GSM and CDMA. It is also believed that the handset will have a SIM-less design, and up to three or four antennas. Still, it is suggested that the iPhone 5 will feature a SIM card slot for other countries — but not in the US. This would let users insert any SIM card in the device when travelling overseas. And these rumors appear to be in the horizon, as Apple’s recent patent filing suggests.

The patent application implies that the user can use the same device at different times and different carriers. For instance, an iPhone 5 owner can subscribe to a primary carrier at home, and to a secondary device provider while abroad. However, this scheme could make carriers as losers. According to a note for the clients by Ashok Kumar, an analyst from Rodman & Renshaw:

“If Apple pushes ahead with this offering, it will essentially sell devices at unsubsidized prices through their retail channel. This would completely sidestep the carriers.”

Consumers will pay full price at face value, then possibly select a service provider through Apple’s cloud services. Carriers will then be forced to subsidize their contract to attract subscribers. However, Ashok Kumar added that it’s unclear if the business model will be implemented on the iPhone 5, or if it will become a follow-on product since carriers are likely to resist.

Would you like to have iPhone 5 as a “world phone”? Leave your insights at the comments.

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