Apple to Manufacture Verizon-Compatible iPhone in Q3 2010?
A new report from OTR Global relayed by AppleInsider indicates that Apple is planning on manufacturing new hybrid iPhones that will support both Verizon's CDMA2000 network as well as the UMTS 3G network. Only the UMTS network is supported by the current version of the iPhone and is used by AT&T and much of the rest of the world.
The report also indicates the new model's screen will also shrink in size from 3.5" to 2.8" diagonally. Curiously, this is not the first time the possibility of a 2.8" iPhone has emerged with iLounge previously publishing photos of 2.8" screens that were believed to be for use in future Apple devices.
Qualcomm's new hybrid CDMA/WCDMA chip offers the potential for a single, global iPhone that users can take to any major carrier, solving the network fractionalization problem. It also solves other issues that had served as roadblocks, including the issue of user confusion that would result from Apple selling separate CDMA and GSM/UMTS versions of the iPhone.
The reason behind building in such support would seem primarily to extend the iPhone's compatibility with Verizon in the U.S. The move is expected to take place by the 3rd quarter of 2010. Conveniently, AT&T's exclusivity contract with Apple is believed to expire in mid 2010.The report also indicates the new model's screen will also shrink in size from 3.5" to 2.8" diagonally. Curiously, this is not the first time the possibility of a 2.8" iPhone has emerged with iLounge previously publishing photos of 2.8" screens that were believed to be for use in future Apple devices.
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30 months ago
Hmm, why would Verizon want the iPhone? Do they forget all of the stuff the iPhone 'iDoesn't'?
30 months ago
what about the requirements for a backup network? The single Chip is ok... but seems wasteful given that everyone wants to migrate over to 4G. I also do not think Jobs will forgive Verizon for slamming his prize baby.
30 months ago
I'm all for a Verizon iPhone, but please don't shrink the screen size. Or at least have the option to purchase the larger screen size.
30 months ago
So the iPhone is going to use the Snapdragon processor...
Looks like Qualcomm has a winner on its hands.
The big question, how does the ATI Imageon in the QSD8650A compare the PowerVR SGX 535 in the iPhone 3GS....
The 8650A will offer significant improvements in battery life too.
Looks like Qualcomm has a winner on its hands.
The big question, how does the ATI Imageon in the QSD8650A compare the PowerVR SGX 535 in the iPhone 3GS....
The 8650A will offer significant improvements in battery life too.
30 months ago
I have a good feeling this story is right on. Apple is all about simplicity, and a device that runs on CDMA2000 or GSM seems to make a world of sense. I'm so ready for a Verizon iPhone! :D
30 months ago
Just don't make the screen size smaller. That would be disappointing....big time.
30 months ago
Verizon iPhone would be interesting... but I don't see them ever shrinking the screen size. That just doesn't make sense. If anything, it would be getting slightly bigger.
30 months ago
Bring on the Verizon iPhone!
Q3 2010 - just in time for when I am due for a new phone upgrade. :)
Q3 2010 - just in time for when I am due for a new phone upgrade. :)
30 months ago
I have a good feeling this story is right on. Apple is all about simplicity, and a device that runs on CDMA2000 or GSM seems to make a world of sense. I'm so ready for a Verizon iPhone! :D
If Apple could get to the point where they still only had one global model (well, back to the point, after the China fiasco), but they can even sell to the American and Korean CDMA markets, that would be quite impressive....
I dunno about 2.8"... I'd sort of rather it just get a touch thinner and maybe take a fractional amount of size off the sides -- games will be harder to play on a smaller screen. But we'll see.
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