Stefan Mileschin

Don't expect any 4G surprises at today's Apple media event, where the company is expected to reveal its next generation iPhone hardware. According to the Wall Street Journal, the new iPhone definitely won't be packing any compatibility with either LTE or WiMax 4G wireless networking standards.

According to WSJ sources, the new iPhone will work on 3G networks, including AT&T's HSPA+ network, which the carrier has been advertising as "4G." But it won't be compatible with AT&T's newly launched LTE network nor Verizon's already growing LTE network. It also won't be compatible with Sprint's nationwide WiMax 4G network, despite the fact that Sprint has reportedly made a commitment to sell over 25 million iPhones over the next few years.

Though several Android-based smartphones have been released with support for nascent 4G networks, Apple has so far been reluctant to add it to its popular iPhone. Despite rumors to the contrary, CEO Tim Cook has repeatedly said that "LTE would force design compromises we're not willing to make," including increased size and decreased battery life.

Ars will be on hand with live coverage from Cupertino starting today at 12pm CT (1pm ET, 11am MT, 10am PT).

http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/20...red+Content%29