Since T-Mobile has carried all previous versions of the flagship Galaxy S, it’s fair to assume that when the next one arrives, we’ll get that one too. We just don’t know exactly when the handset is to be announced or released. But, if the latest roundup of rumors is anything to go by, the S4 (codenamed ‘Altius’ allegedly) will be announced at a Samsung Unpacked event in March, a similar time frame to the last launch which took place in London’s Earls Court Exhibition Center. The device will apprently arrive in stores from around a month later (presumably just the international option to begin with). No precise news on the Tmo variant just yet.

These rumors come from a couple of sources, primarily Asian Economies. The site’s sources within the industry are stating that the S4 will be launched at an Unpacked event in the U.S. in late March (not in the UK). Friday, March 22nd is being highlighted. The only dubious part is the location. There hasn’t been a major Unpacked event in the States since the original Galaxy S launch in 2010.

Secondly, SamMobile (which has relatively good success rate with this things) states that the actual device will land on store shelves in April. It’s rumored that this device will initially come in black and white flavors to begin with (other colors added later). Other specifications include a 2,600 mAh battery and wireless charging. Apart from that, nothing is 100% certain. It could feature a 5″ display, an 8-core processor, 2GB RAM, 13MP camera and Jelly Bean. We’ll find out in the next few months what’s really going down.

As the device is – as yet – non existent, it’d be foolish to go along with everything we read and hear. Take these as they are for now – rumors. That said, if/when the SIV does arrive on our Magenta-colored carrier, it’ll undoubtedly be the flagship model available on Tmo. That is – of course – unless the iPhone arrives before then.

Lastly, this mockup image has been up on Picasa for some time. Could it be the S4?

Asian Economies via PhoneArena, SamMobile