Shaw Wu thinks 3G support is “critical” for the iPhone 5 in Asia

Jun 21, 2012 21:21 GMT  ·  By

Analyst Shaw Wu with Sterne Agee claims to have learned from sources in Apple’s supply chain that support for China Mobile's TD-SCDMA 3G network will be a "key feature" of the iPhone 5.

Quoted by AppleInsider today, Wu said that 4G / LTE testing is well underway in China, but the standard is yet to see enough adopters to make it a widespread spec in the country.

He believes strong 3G support is "critical" for the iPhone 5, despite the handset boasting 4G wireless (most likely).

Wu expects the refreshed 2012 iPhone to rely on three key enhancements: a new form factor with a killer design, a larger screen, and a 4G LTE wireless modem.

In a note to investors issued today, Wu said, “We believe these new features will likely help drive a significant upgrade and new user cycle more powerful than what we saw with the iPhone 4 and 4S.”