The iPhone 5 will come in three versions, equipped to use different sets of frequencies: Two phones for the GSM family of technologies and one for CDMA, which also includes GSM bands for roaming.

On top of those frequencies, each model includes selected bands for the faster 4G LTE technology, a key selling point of the iPhone 5. However, the new lineup leaves out two bands -- 800MHz and 2.6GHz -- that will be critical to LTE service in Europe, according to Tolaga Research analyst Phil Marshall.

"If you were to build a European device, it would have 800MHz and 2.6GHz in it," Marshall said. Carriers in Germany, Sweden, Italy and other European countries already have or are expected to deploy LTE in one or both of these bands.

Apple does include the 1.8GHz band for LTE in two of the iPhone 5 models, which could provide for LTE use in some parts of Europe, Marshall said. This set of frequencies, also called Band 3, is used by about 25 percent of LTE operators worldwide, according to Tolaga. This is one of the LTE bands that wasn't included in the iPad 3 launched earlier this year, a shortcoming that led to legal action in Australia over Apple advertising the tablet as supporting "4G." The company from its advertising in Australia after the country's competition agency took Apple to court.

But support for the main LTE bands in Europe apparently will have to wait for a later release of the iPhone, Marshall said.