When I posted kiss the iPhone goodbye I assumed that the rumors of a Verizon iPhone were just that. Rumors. And false. It looks like I may have been mistaken in my assumptions. FoneFrenzy:
My sources have confirmed that Apple and Verizon have been testing a CDMA iPhone on Verizon’s 4G LTE network. Yes, you read that correctly, Verizon and Apple have been testing the first 4G phone on Verizon’s 4G network. The tests have been taking place for the last couple of months but with no confirmation on the release date… it would make good fiscal sense for Apple (and Verizon) to release the first CDMA iPhone right here in the United States running on Verizon’s new 4G network, with announcement expected in 2010 at Apple’s WWDC.
A report on the report published on MacTouchUser also makes the claim that Apple and Verizon are testing a tablet prototype on the network, citing an old BusinessWeek article.
Given continued complaints at AT&T’s US 3G coverage, some grist to this particular rumour is granted by the fact that Verizon has already begun putting together 4G infrastructure, set for mass market introduction next year. 4G is ten times faster than 3G, has better security and other features to attract.
All this must be put through the other recent claims that Apple and AT&T have hitched up an extension of their existing exclusivity, which could make for no deal detente between Apple and Verizon at this time. Also, we’re by no means certain of the veracity of the Fone Frenzy claim.
Jonny doesn’t vouch for the Fone Frenzy claim. As an aside, after looking over the Boy Genius Droid handset gallery I’m not so hot to switch. That Motorola phone is ugly!