Apple said its latest iPhone 5 would join the slew of the forth generation long-term evolution (LTE) phones as it prepares to distribute the units worldwide.

Until now, Android phone manufacturers had enjoyed an edge with LTE smartphones over Apple’s handsets.

According to the Wall Street Journal, many mobile carriers had urged the use of LTE phones, but Apple had experienced difficulties producing an LTE phone that would work around the world without service disconnection.

Due to technology difficulties, analysts expect the newest iPhone, which is predicted to be unveiled on September 12th, to be available on LTE networks in select countries around the world.