Sprint iPhone in advanced testing?

Sources tell 9to5Mac that a version of the iPhone for Sprint’s network is currently in advanced testing. The physical design of this device is akin to the iPhone 4 of today, so this might be the iPhone 4S device with support for all carriers that we have been dreaming up and hearing whispers about. Apple is said to have ordered Sprint-compatible cell towers for use on their campus – for testing – in late 2010. Apple similarly tested the Verizon iPhone against Verizon cell towers on their campus months before the product’s release.

In addition to being actively tested in Apple’s “black labs,” the device is making the rounds amongst Sprint’s research and development department. Sources also say that talk of a 4G varient of the iPhone for Sprint is moving along, but the first generation Sprint iPhone that is currently in testing does not feature support for 4G bands. Last month, a job listing posted to Apple’s official jobs website revealed that Apple is looking to craft up a cellular engineering team in Kansas City. This city is home to the Royals, but also happens to be the home of Sprint headquarters. Sources did warn that depending on negotiations regarding 4G, the project may be pushed to late 2012. If the Sprint model is this fall’s model, it likely will not carry 4G compatible radios.

In addition to what our sources have told us, Talk Android reports that a Sprint iPhone is coming and that it will include dual-band support for T-Mobile (weird, right?). The report also claims that Verizon/AT&T and Sprint/T-Mobile will switch off annually as to who gets the new iPhone model. They also say that the Sprint vartient’s data plan will be spiked to $89 a month from $69 a month. To be clear, we have no reason to believe that Talk Android’s details are legitimate – all we know is that it’s in testing and Apple ordered the cell towers for testing in late 2010.