One thing that Apple has really been lacking the last year has been their lack of support for the popular LTE 4G network. The company released their new flagship phone and tablet, both of which had no LTE support.

Nearly ever Android phone that is being released has LTE built into their products, however Apple has continued to do it their own way  and not implement LTE in favor of battery life and reliability. However, it looks like there might not be a choice in the future.

CNET is reporting that Verizon has announced a “hard requirement” for future phones, tablets and devices to contain LTE technology. This is a firm strategy for the Big Red with a couple of exceptions.

“From now on, nearly every smartphone, wireless hot spot, tablet, and netbook that Verizon offers will come with LTE guns-a-blazing. Yes, Virginia, that includes Windows Phone and BlackBerry devices, too. There will be the occasional exception, however. For instance, phones on Verizon’s push-to-talk network are 3G-only for now, and will remain that way until further notice.”

Will Apple follow Verizon’s new requirement? Probably not. However it does make it a little more interesting and speculative as to whether or not we will be seeing LTE technology on the iPhone and iPad just because Verizon says so. Apple is one of the few companies who has enough authority that can stand up to large carriers and ignore their rules. Apple doesn’t have carrier logos on their hardware nor pre-installed software.

Apple could still decided to implement LTE in their next device. Not only are smaller LTE chips being created, but roll out has increased. 2/3 of American now has LTE coverage.