The next iPhone from Apple is expected in October, and among the innovations will be a redesigned body made of an exotic alloy, ABC News reports.

Citing Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster, the report says the new device will run on faster 4G data networks such as LTE.

The story reports: “The analyst predicts the phone will be available in October based on a statement made yesterday by Qualcomm, which is currently having trouble meeting customer demand for its radio chips. Those chips would be used by Apple to connect the new iPhone to faster data networks.”

Apple has already released an LTE-capable iPad that works with either AT&T or Verizon, the story notes.

ABC News adds: “Another report Thursday focused on what materials Apple will be using to build that redesigned body. Computerworld claims Apple will be using an exotic material known as LiquidMetal to create the phone. Apple spent $30 million acquiring the rights to use LiquidMetal in 2010.”

What Apple has in mind for LiquidMetal has been the subject of rumors for a while, but it appears now that it’s destined for the iPhone 5.

The report notes: “LiquidMetal is a mix of several different metals, allowing the phone to be more durable while giving it a liquid-like exterior feel. Light like plastic but durable like aluminum, LiquidMetal would allow the phone to weigh less and have a thinner profile.”