Analysts with a good track record when it comes to predict Apple?s moves on the market, anticipate an iPhone 5 to be released in June and to incorporate 4G LTE and NFC technology.

As the recent unveil of Apple?s iPhone 4S left many surprised, to say the least, now analysts try to figure out what went wrong with so many confident educated guesses. If Apple?s strategy can be predicted, even though Apple has one of the most elusive courses of action, it is sure that Cupertino-based Company will not fail to notice market major trends.

Marguerite Reardon, from CNET, recently put together every believable piece of information available and tried to show us what to expect from the next-generation iPhone and when to expect it to be released. As far as design is concerned, if iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS shared the same design, and now iPhone 4S looks the same as iPhone 4S, the only logical conclusion is that iPhone 5 will be redesigned. Maggie?s bets are on the teardrop shape and thinner body, which were rumoured far too much not to have some truth.

When it comes to technology integrated in the new iPhone, one will have to watch closely the market trends in order to predict Apple?s next moves. Some expected iPhone 4S to have 4G LTE capabilities, but carriers just now are building 4G networks. iPhone 5 will most likely support NFC technology, as Apple?s strongest rivals already introduced to the market high-end smartphones using this feature.

On the matter of release date, speculations are risky indeed, as Apple proved to be able to challenge its own traditions. However, by the fast rhythm of developing technologies another October release will most likely put Apple behind the competitors so a summer launch day is more likely to happen.

Even if iPhone 4S is sold with exact same technical characteristics on AT&T, Verizon and Sprint, the newly released iPhone will not allow subscribers to use it on another network, even after the steep cancellation fee is paid.

Answering to the readers? questions, Marguerite Reardon explains why the dual mode iPhone 4S will not give much freedom to the users. The CDMA/GSM chip means that Verizon and Sprint, operating on CDMA networks can have the same device in their offer to subscribers as the GSM carrier AT&aT.

Each device will have, as expected a software lock so carriers will ensure that their subsidized phones will be used on their networks, even after the contract concludes or the cancellation fee is paid.

Apple and AT&T will sell unlocked versions of iPhone 4S but is no real good news here either. The unlocked iPhone will only work on GSM carriers, and the SIM card that provides access to the network can be replaced. US usrs are also advised that there are discrepancies between GSM carriers, as T-Mobile and AT&T have different frequencies for 3G HSPA + and T-Mobile users will have to settle for 2.5G data speeds.

CDMA iPhones, available at Verizon and Sprint, will not have SIM cards and they will be much more difficult to be unlocked and used on different networks. If someone persistent really wants to switch CDMA carriers, an unlock code must be provided by the carrier that sold the device and the activation must be approved by the carrier who receives the new subscriber. Marguerite Reardon warns that, as experience shows none of the competing carriers will be happy to support the switch.

The bad news is that iPhone 4S advertised as dual-mode international iPhone will have its frustrating limitations when it comes to operating freely on various networks.