Huge Sprint Deal Gives It Exclusive Rights to the iPhone 5?!

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Posted October 3, 2011 at 9:34pm by iClarified

Following a WSJ report that Sprint signed a $20 billion dollar deal to carry the iPhone, BGR is reporting that the deal scored the company exclusive rights to a redesigned iPhone 5.

I have been going back and forth for weeks with one of my incredibly solid industry contacts on a piece of information that I couldn't really process at first - information that is so unbelievable, even from a source this solid, that I couldn't report it. With this new WSJ report on an Apple/Sprint deal, however, it doesn't look so crazy.

I have been told that Sprint will be getting the iPhone 5 - yes the real iPhone 5, not the iPhone 4S - as an exclusive. And it will be a 4G WiMAX device. AT&T and Verizon would launch the iPhone 4S and get the iPhone 5 some time in the first quarter of next year as an LTE device. Globally, the iPhone 5 might be available as a 4G HSPA+ device.

According to BGR's source the iPhone 4S will feature the A5 processor, an 8MP camera with 1080p video recording, a Multiband 3G Qualcomm chipset, NFC support, and a metal or premium plastic back casing.

The Sprint exclusive iPhone 5 is said to feature a faster CPU, 4-inch screen, 1 GB of RAM, slightly larger design (though thinner), larger battery, 32GB of storage, Assistant, and possibly a new home button which integrates activating assistant ("think gestures or a two-stage button like a camera shutter key").

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Huge Sprint Deal Gives It Exclusive Rights to the iPhone 5?!

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CASEACE79 - October 4, 2011 at 12:48pm

There is one reason why I think this is a false rumor. With Tim Cook as CEO now I think this would be a keynote to show shareholders that Apple is the same Apple it ever was. Doing something as insane as giving Sprint exclusivity would be like lining Tim up at a firing squad. You have to remember that Apple has to answer to it's shareholders. I don't think that Apple would do this no matter the amount of money Sprint threw at them. Public image is too important at this juncture. A jump like this would certainly effect Apple's stock. It just doesn't add up. Apple isn't hurting for money. If the report said for future exclusivity I would find that plausible. Crazy but plausible.

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CASEACE79 - October 4, 2011 at 12:46pm

There is one reason why I think this is a false rumor. With Tim Cook as CEO now I think this would be a keynote to show shareholders that Apple is the same Apple it ever was. Doing something as insane as giving Sprint exclusivity would be like lining Tim up at a firing squad. You have to remember that Apple has to answer to it's shareholders. I don't think that Apple would do this no matter the amount of money Sprint threw at them. Public image is too important at this juncture. I jump like this would certainly effect Apple's stock. It just doesn't add up. Apple isn't hurting for money. If the report said for future exclusivity I would find that plausible. Crazy but plausible.

dancj - October 4, 2011 at 7:26am

It would explain why loads of people are claiming there'll be an iPhone 5 an a 4s, but websites like Moterola's are only quoting 4s

Notch - October 4, 2011 at 2:51am

i had sprint for years, the treos. excellent data, shitty customer service. AT&T was no better, when i switched, except their data sucked...and still sucks. however, AT&T customer service has been getting better and is now pretty damn good. i wonder if sprint can invest in their call centers, and offer great data plans, with leading-edge hardware? (apple is still building better tech somehow) i'm getting interested. if sprint doesnt mess me up with text plans, i'd sign up happily!

Peter - October 4, 2011 at 2:26am

iPhone 5 with wimax would explain the money Sprint is putting out. iPhone 5 on AT&T and Verizon without LTE until springtime and a lockout of Tmobile for a period of time is all 20 billion would pay for.

Luy - October 4, 2011 at 12:33am

My friend work at att and they got sku numbers for 4S AND 5.

Kentwang - October 4, 2011 at 12:09am

If this is true. Good bye apple. That's why Steve Job left, event not held in SF, no live stream.....

vix - October 4, 2011 at 12:07am

ehhh, eek, wham! POW! I'll just wait for the iphone 6 LOL

Me2010 - October 3, 2011 at 11:59pm

Wondering why AT&T has iPhone 5 cases in stock if they aren't getting the iPhone 5 yet.

V-Tino - October 3, 2011 at 10:55pm

ok....now I've stood bye when Verizon got it w/open arms cause at&t was doing the phone a dis-service w/phone call quality/signal...but to have the phone go to SPRINT!? w/EXCLUSIVITY AS WELL?...str8 TRAVESTY...apple keeps this up they will be headed down the road the Moto Raz-R did...SMH

Triaji - October 3, 2011 at 10:30pm

This is bananas. Sprint is total garbage...to turn on your loyal customers of AT&T like that is absurd. Wtf?! I don't care about exclusivity of the iPhone 5 to AT&T but really?? to sprint?! Ugh. Ewww. Bye.

Corey - October 3, 2011 at 10:08pm

I hope this isn't the case. I'm in Canada and don't want to wait for an iPhone 5 until next year. Been waiting too damn long to just upgrade to a 4S. I want the IPhone 5!!

Ivan - October 3, 2011 at 11:16pm

To funny!!!!!!I I am laughing at all the comments. It will be a revolution tomorrow if Apple does not announce iphone 5, or announce exclusivity to Sprint!!!! I will be upset if any of that happens, will jump for joy if Iphone 5 is released in Canada same day as U.S:) Please lets end the speculation and announce this already. I feel a Iphone 5 in my hands before Oct 16!!!!I will be in line in Buffalo or wait at Apple Store Square One if released same day as U.S

Kilprity - October 3, 2011 at 10:02pm

Y'all gotta understand that Verizon and AT&T is not ready for a LTE phone yet, I can see this happening! And I gonna change to sprint either way it went

smate333 - October 3, 2011 at 10:10pm

Double that, the only reason I left Sprint was the iPhone, time to go back to a provider who can actually provide!

chem-tek - October 3, 2011 at 10:56pm

Apple is not stupid!! if this is becomes true. People are going to leave att or Verizon just to have an Iphone5. Apple will sell three times more iPhones than sprint combined . The only thing that sprint has over att and Verizon is major advantage is Unlimited data... I don't think apple will do that...that would be dumb.. Apple stock will drop like crazy if this is true..when it comes out.

lexdog - October 3, 2011 at 9:51pm

I hope this is just a speculation..I'll be pissed if Sprint will be the only carrier with an IPHONE5 .. This story doesnt make sense ..