According to "exclusive sources" from BGR, Apple’s carrier partners are testing iPhone models with LTE capability.

BGR allegedly obtained details of an iOS test build from one of Apple’s major carrier partners. Apparently, hidden in the firmware is evidence of LTE support. BGR refers specifically to an LTE property list (.plist file) found inside the build.

BGR has a gallery of screen shots of the .plist file here.

4G is the fourth generation of data networks for cell phones -- much faster and more robust than 3G. There existed some confusion in the industry if LTE, which stands for Long Term Evolution, was the true 4G technology, as it did not meet the minimum standards. However, after originally stating LTE was not 4G, the International Telecommunication Union announced in December 2010 that LTE can be listed as 4G technology.

Either way, LTE is much faster than 3G. And as Apple prepares to roll out iCloud, and possibly even an iCloud iPhone, the need for increased bandwidth becomes significant. An iPhone that could sync and stream movies and music from iCloud using with 4G LTE speeds seems like it could fit right in with the master plan.

Adrian covers daily news and the weekly "Law & Apple" column for MacLife.com. You can follow him on Twitter, if you want to.