iPhone for Verizon - actual concrete 'rumors'

[glock_this]

I love technology rumors, especially those related to phones, even more so when it involves Apple.

If you follow said rumors on this topic, you have followed the years old ongoing debate as to whether Verizon will ever get an iPhone. Yes/no/yes/no.... Invariably, the conversation comes up about (1) Verizon turned it down the first time around so it's not going to come around (2) the iPhone is a GMS and Verizon is a CDMA network (3) AT&T has it locked down, but until when was always the unknown.

So, the most recent news, as of today... Exclusive: Qualcomm to Power iPhone - read the story and you will see how this fact plays into maybe the rumor of Verizon FINALLY getting an iPhone being true. I have read and commented on these rumors for years. I even had a conversation last year with a guy who said his brother works for Apple and they were in San Diego testing an VZW iPhone. All unproven talk and rumors. But with the news today - Qualcomm, a San Diego based company - and Apple in bed together.. hmmmm

In a short and sweet synopsis, "Apple (AAPL Quote) has chosen Qualcomm as its chip supplier for the new version of the iPhone headed to Verizon (VZ Quote) this summer, according to Northeast Securities analyst Ashok Kumar" and "Apple elected to go with Qualcomm in its Verizon iPhone, which is expected to arrive soon after AT&T's (T Quote) exclusive contract with Apple expires in June."

[FreedomIsNotFree]

I love technology rumors, especially those related to phones, even more so when it involves Apple.

If you follow said rumors on this topic, you have followed the years old ongoing debate as to whether Verizon will ever get an iPhone. Yes/no/yes/no.... Invariably, the conversation comes up about (1) Verizon turned it down the first time around so it's not going to come around (2) the iPhone is a GMS and Verizon is a CDMA network (3) AT&T has it locked down, but until when was always the unknown.

So, the most recent news, as of today... Exclusive: Qualcomm to Power iPhone - read the story and you will see how this fact plays into maybe the rumor of Verizon FINALLY getting an iPhone being true. I have read and commented on these rumors for years. I even had a conversation last year with a guy who said his brother works for Apple and they were in San Diego testing an VZW iPhone. All unproven talk and rumors. But with the news today - Qualcomm, a San Diego based company - and Apple in bed together.. hmmmm

In a short and sweet synopsis, "Apple (AAPL Quote) has chosen Qualcomm as its chip supplier for the new version of the iPhone headed to Verizon (VZ Quote) this summer, according to Northeast Securities analyst Ashok Kumar" and "Apple elected to go with Qualcomm in its Verizon iPhone, which is expected to arrive soon after AT&T's (T Quote) exclusive contract with Apple expires in June."

I think the term "concrete rumors" is a bit of a contradiction, but I'll bite.

I've worked in the wireless industry for nearly a decade. My current position requires me to understand current and future trends. And I would be very surprised to NOT see the iPhone on the VZW network this summer.

I have heard nothing concrete because, if there is any concrete info, it is protected by NDA's. I have heard numerous rumors and speculation by various people "in the know", but again, nothing concrete.

With that said, the recent launch of Android 2.0 (2.1 will be officially released in a couple weeks), along with webOS, I believe a sizable chunk is being taken from the market share that Apple has enjoyed.

Couple the latest competition along with AT&T's network woes and you have a recipe for disaster if Apple doesn't change the game, so to speak.

Don't get me wrong. The iPhone is a phenomenal device. Their cutting edge OS and device integration has revolutionized the wireless industry. Apple has been known to innovate and I expect nothing less from them moving forward. It's just my opinion that their exclusive deal with AT&T has more than run its course and its time to move on.

All of this competition and innovation is great for the consumer and we definitely live in interesting times. I recall the first color screen phone and thinking how cool that was. I can only imagine what is in store for us in the next 5-10 years.

[glock_this]

I think the term "concrete rumors" is a bit of a contradiction, but I'll bite.

had to think of something juicy to entice people in

[Loner]

Meh, screw the iPhone. I'm waiting for the true successor to the G1. I need a physical keyboard on my smartphone.

[five.five-six]

"concrete rumors"

I have heard from a reliable source (Steve jobs hair stylist's brother's veterinarian) that this is all a big secret


FWIW, 3G UMTS is WCDMA, not TDMA... a LTE iPhone could be tough to keep on just one network

having been in the wireless industry for 2 decades, i can tell you that ma bell will use every trick in the book to keep the iPhone out of the hands of Lowell McAdam hands

[Centurion_D]

Like all things...I'll believe it when I see it.

[Corbin Dallas]

I'll believe this when it becomes available.

[glock_this]

too many insider quotes, confirmed related quotes, reported patents, new found designs out of Asia for a smaller iPhone design, the Qualcomm chip, AT&T just announcing they would be bringing competitor WebOS apps (Palm) to its network and launching 5 new Android phones - why if still in bed with iPhone, IMHO, it to not happen. I am willing to bet this phone is already made and working fine with VZW.

but it seems the biggest hurdle - so it's rumored - might be pricing disagreements (i.e., iPhone profit per phone is reportedly cut if VZW gets it), not the existence of the phone, I personally think we are well past that assumption. It's coming down to dollars and cents I bet.

[Acorn556]

I want the google phone instead.

[glock_this]

plus this is a GREAT comparison cart of the real players here

[Jicko]

Not a rumor, but a fact.

(dunno how i know..... )

[Sinixstar]

The iPhone going to VZ is pretty much a given. No insider information necessary to come to that conclusion.

I think anybody who's been paying attention for the last year or so has realized that both Apple and AT&T shot themselves in the foot big time with that exclusive contract. The overload on AT&T's network has damaged the image of both parties. I can't tell you the number of people i know who have ditched the iPhone in favor of the blackberry or some other smart phone in the last 6 months over the poor quality of service on At&T's network.

If i've noticed it - i'm SURE apple has noticed it, and is doing everything they can to try and bring those people back into the fold. Devices like the iPhone and the iPod are Apple's bread and butter. The iPod market is pretty much tapped out at this point, so if they're going to keep bringing in profits - they need a new pony. That's the only reason why they got into the phone business to begin with.

[glock_this]

The iPhone going to VZ is pretty much a given. No insider information necessary to come to that conclusion.

only because of recent info.. in the last 1-2 months or so

unless somehow you knew something millions of others, and technology pundits, have been speculating, rumoring, blogging about for years.

it's really only recent informaiton that really make it seems legit. so, easy to say now.. was not easy to say 3-4 months ago.

[JDay]

Meh, screw the iPhone. I'm waiting for the true successor to the G1. I need a physical keyboard on my smartphone.

What do you mean waiting? The Motorola Droid has a physical keyboard and has been out for a month or so.

[Loner]

What do you mean waiting? The Motorola Droid has a physical keyboard and has been out for a month or so.

Doesn't use T-Mobile 3g bands.