 "Upcoming Apple iPhone may face LTE patent problem")
With Apple gearing up to launch the next generation iPhone, one of the main features expected to be included in it will be LTE connectivity. However, if Apple does add this feature in the next iPhone, it may come under scrutiny from the likes of HTC as it may infringe on a patent owned by it, thereby making them capable of banning the sale of the iPhone 5 in the US.
As per a report by TechCrunch, the author Romain Dillet states, “At the upcoming Apple event on September 12, the company is expected to release a new iPhone compatible with 4G LTE connectivity around the world. Yet, competitors such as Samsung and HTC are already warning Apple that if it releases a new iPhone with LTE connectivity, they will sue the company for patent infringements and will demand a sales ban in the U.S.”
iPhone 5 could be banned
The author states that as far as LTE connectivity is concerned, smartphone manufacturers have gathered patents over the years in order to withstand patent lawsuits. Dillet goes on to state, “As Apple has not released a 4G phone yet, it is late to the game. Competitors want to take advantage of the situation and prevent Apple from releasing a 4G LTE iPhone.”
This could definitely come as a setback for Apple in the US as the country is one of the biggest markets for Apple’s iPhones. The report further states, “Apple already released the iPad with LTE connectivity back in March. HTC accused Apple of two patent infringements targeting every Apple LTE device and demanded a sales ban in the U.S. Apple requested to quash HTC’s U.S. patents. But Businessweek reported that U.S. International Trade Commission Judge Pender would not proceed with the request without evidence. HTC acquired those LTE patents in April 2011 before releasing its first LTE phone, the HTC Thunderbolt. Of the original accusation of eight patent infringements, only two are still considered as valid by the International Trade Commission. Apple is trying as much as possible to avoid going any further in the lawsuit.”
One of the other biggest changes expected on the next flagship handset is that it will come equipped with a display measuring 4 inches diagonally. If Apple does add a 4-inch display to the next iPhone, it will be the first iPhone with a display size larger than 3.5 inches. The resolution of the next iPhone is believed to be 1136 x 640 pixels. The change in design is a likely indicator, which may propel Apple to reach high sales figures.
With the possible change in design, we can also see that Apple will redo the design of the dock connector at the bottom and it will be a lot smaller in comparison. This change will apparently be implemented to fit the handset with LTE capabilities.
Further, it is believed that Apple will incorporate a new technology in the display of the next iPhone, called in-cell, which will make the handset a lot slimmer. The technology will help in avoiding the use of another touchscreen layer, as the touch sensors are integrated into the LCD itself. By using this technology for the display, Apple would also simplify the supply chain as well as be able to cut costs. This can be achieved as the brand would not need to buy touch panels and LCD panels from various suppliers.
Read more about the next iPhone here.
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