Citadel Securities analyst Shing Yin estimates that the next-gen iPhone will call Sprint home before the end of 2011. From a business standpoint, it just makes sense to do. With AT&T and Verizon sharing the carrier stage in the U.S, Apple is likely interested in expanding to the nation’s third-largest wireless provider. Sprint, much like Verizon runs on a CDMA-network, which can easily be added to Apple’s domestic carrier list – a move that would benefit all parties (except for AT&T and Verizon). “We believe Sprint could capture more than its fair share of iPhone sales,” Yin writes, “especially if it gets the new model at the same time as AT&T and Verizon.” The analyst believes the iPhone carrier expansion to Sprint is “increasingly likely,” especially considering that with the inauguration of Verizon Communications tiered pricing for data starting July 7th. “Sprint will be the sole remaining national carrier with an unlimited data plan offering, something desirable to Apple.” Yin speculates that a Sprint iPhone “could be relatively stronger seller than the Verizon iPhone. With lower prices on the on plans, a Sprint iPhone could offer an attractive proposition for more price-conscious users (a demographic that we think is increasingly important to Apple, following the rise of Android),” a report from Barron’s noted. With so many iPhone users on AT&T and Verizon, we personally are curious to see how many would jump ship to Sprint and how many Sprint users would consider purchasing an iPhone. We will find out soon enough though as the rumored iPhone 5 is said to be announced in September and an announcement would surely ensue. As usual, stay tuned for more news and info on the topic by following us on Facebook, Twitter and/or  subscribing to our RSS Feed. Read More Authors: