iPhone 5 Release Date: AT&T Customers Can Upgrade from 4S to iPhone 5
Apple iPhone users looking to own the 4S model or upgrade to the upcoming iPhone 5 next year should use the unlocked versions on AT&T.
Most carriers require at least 1.5-years to allow customers to upgrade a device and undergo another agreement with a new phone, but with Apple selling unlocked 4S models, customers can buy it and use it on AT&T’s GSM network without entering into a new agreement.
By the time the iPhone 5 launches, their upgrade should be available.
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Other carriers, such as Sprint and Verizon, do not run on GSM networks, but AT&T uses micro SIM cards allowing customers to have access to its networks with unlocked iPhone 4S models.
Customers already locked into deals on Verizon and Sprint will probably have to inquire about an early upgrade to change over from the iPhone 4S to the iPhone 5.
Apple is rumored to be redesigning all of its products from the ground up in 2012.
Both the iPad 3 and iPhone 5 are expected to run on the new A6 chip that will allow the devices to use a quad-core processor.
The iPhone 5 is also expected to run on 4G LTE networks.
Apple currently offers the unlocked 16 GB iPhone 4S for $649.99 in its online store.
The company began selling these versions earlier this month.
For customers looking to buy another iPhone next year, they can probably do so without an agreement since Apple seems to be offering all new iPhone models unlocked.
The iPhone 5 is expected to launch sometime in 2012. It will feature a brand new design including a larger screen to compete with Android.
It was originally rumored to drop this year, but Apple released the iPhone 4S instead.
