What's Behind the Apple-Verizon Rumor

USA Today reported last week that anonymous sources said AppleApple and Verizon were thick in talks to create a new version of the iPhoneiPhone that would run on Verizon's CDMA cellular network. The potential launch would happen after Apple's exclusivity agreement with AT&T expires after 2010. Alles zu Apple auf CIO.de Alles zu iPhone auf CIO.de

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This rumor came about amidst a number of significant and related going-ons. For instance, are currently discussing their exclusivity contract. Verizon is reportedly considering a deal with MicrosoftMicrosoft about "Pink," a supposed Microsoft Zune-phone to be sold by Verizon. Lastly, a new iPhone-like device with a 10-inch touchscreen is indeed in the works. Alles zu Microsoft auf CIO.de

Needless to say, this Apple rumor may have more to do with posturing than truth. "I don't think it's real," says Gartner analyst Ken Dulaney. "Apple has said publicly that they don't care for CDMA because it's not a WW standard. Thus, the first time Apple could show up on Verizon is when they move to LTE, which is about 2012."

Dulaney is referring to comments made by Apple Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook during call last month. When asked about Apple continuing its exclusive deal with AT&T, Cook said, "We view AT&T as a very good partner. We have no plans to change it ... Verizon is on CDMA, and we wanted one phone for the whole world."