Shammo was speaking on a conference call with analysts Thursday, after the release of the company’s first-quarter results. He didn’t say when the new phone would launch. Apple has released previous iPhone models in late June and early July, but analysts are saying it could be a few months later this year.

Rival AT&T Inc.’s version of the iPhone already works on overseas networks that use the common "GSM" standard. Verizon started selling its own version on Feb. 10.

The manufacturer Apple Inc. hasn’t revealed any details on the next iPhone.