Apple is planning to make a version of the iPhone that could run on Verizon Wireless' network. Yes, you've heard it before. And you'll likely believe it when you see it.
But in yet another report indicating the iPhone will be offered by more than one carrier, The Wall Street Journal Wednesday quoted "people briefed by Apple," as saying the new iPhone "would be similar in design to the iPhone 4 currently sold by AT&T Inc.," but would be based on CDMA technology, which is used by Verizon as well as Sprint.
"The phone, for which Qualcomm Inc. is providing a key chip, is expected to be released in the first quarter of next year, according to the same people," The Journal said.
Shaw Wu, an analyst for Kaufman Bros., wrote in a research note Wednesday that "in our checks with industry and supply chain sources, we have picked up indication of development and progress on new form factor iPhones," the Associated Press reported.
Representatives from Verizon, Qualcomm and Apple declined to comment, the Journal said. In recent weeks, the CDMA-iPhone possibility has been raised frequently in analysts' remarks. But as recently as a few weeks ago, Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg said no one should expect the iPhone on Verizon any time soon.
Despite that, there have been reports throughout this year about manufacturing plans in the works for a CDMA version of the popular phone. Since the iPhone debuted in 2007, AT&T has been the exclusive carrier of it in the United States, although that exclusive arrangement is due to end soon.
The Journal said that Apple "plans to begin mass producing a new iPhone by the end of 2010 that would allow Verizon Wireless to sell the smart phone early next year, said people briefed by Apple."
Separately, the Journal noted, "Apple is also developing a new iPhone model, said people briefed on the matter. One person familiar with the new iPhone plan said the fifth-generation iPhone will be a different form factor from those that are currently available. It was unclear how soon that version will be available to Verizon."
source: msn
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