Expectations are high that the next iPhone released by Apple will include support for 4G LTE data. Besides just seeming like the obvious next step for the product, LTE has been mentioned time and time again in rumors targeting the next iPhone. What we’ve been lacking is much in the way of evidence that actually makes the connection between the next iPhone and LTE. Some text strings have been just been uncovered that may provide just that association, included in the iOS 5.1 we’re already using.

The relevant text includes various system messages making numerous mentions of 4G in relation to phone functions, making it appear that Apple prepared the messages for use on a device other than the new iPad.

If all these strings, containing things like “Enabling 4G will end your phone call. Are you sure you want to enable 4G?” said “LTE” instead of “4G” we might be a little more convinced. The one sticking point that’s giving us pause is how iOS 5.1 all of a sudden started labeling AT&T’s HSPA+ connection as “4G”. Our initial feeling may be that the text strings really do refer to LTE, but we just can’t ignore an alternate explanation.

Source: 9 to 5 Mac