iPhone on Verizon Rumor Revived

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/02/23/iphone-on-verizon-rumor-revived/)

ITExaminer.com revives rumors (http://www.itexaminer.com/apple-to-allow-verizon-connections.aspx) that an announcement regarding the iPhone coming to Verizon Wireless will be made in the near future.While the deal is so secret that Apple will not even hint that it is happening, the outfit had been trying to find EVDO and CDMA Engineers for months in their online Iphone job postings. While EVDO could cover a wide range of 3G skills, it is more likely that Apple is specifically after the Verizon Wireless standard.As we've previously reported, such a deal is highly unlikely in 2009 (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/09/29/verizon-iphone-in-2009-unlikely/) due to Apple's exclusivity agreement with AT&T that has been reported to extend into 2010 at a minimum.

Article Link: iPhone on Verizon Rumor Revived (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/02/23/iphone-on-verizon-rumor-revived/)

[RTiii320]

I really hope not, imagine one of those ugly "Verizon" logo's on an iPhone, Not saying that it won't happen but I would be disappointed if they offer iphones containing CDMA, seeing how I just changed about 2 years back to At&T just for the iphone

[Peace]

I really hope not, imagine one of those ugly "Verizon" logo's on an iPhone, Not saying that it won't happen but I would be disappointed if they offer iphones containing CDMA, seeing how I just changed about 2 years back to At&T just for the iphone

The Verizon logo would never happen. Just like Intel isn't seen on any Mac.

That's Apple's style.

[bbplayer5]

Wont happen for another... 3 years at least.

[jamesnajera]

I am with AT&T, been with AT&T since my phone said PAC BELL. Would I switch to Verizon, no. However as a share holder, I would love to see this happen. Imagine the rally Apples' stock would have if this came out. This would be a great way to expand Apples' market, and the halo effect would be even greater.

[amac4me]

If this happens, many people would simply leave AT&T. Perhaps Apple is doing this to eek out a sweeter deal with AT&T.

[TEG]

First, CDMA in this context, may only refer to the encoding standard used in HSPA (GSM 3G), not CDMA like Verizon and Sprint. Also, coming out with a CDMA iPhone would be a little pointless, since Verizon is switching to GSM 4G (LTE) starting in 2010, and they will not have cross-standard phones, so if you get an LTE phone, it will only work on LTE systems and other GSM systems.

So I would not hold your breath for an iPhone of Verizon Wireless, at least not until it switches to the world standard (GSM).

TEG

[Full of Win]

Gee why on Earth would Apple want to increase their market share?

[soapsuds]

Since the AT&T exclusive deal lasts until at least 2010, I wonder if this is just:
A) Covering all their bases technologically for later in case they either don't re-up with AT&T or at least can make a credible threat to switch.
B) Supporting non-US markets, or,
C) adding multicarrier cell modem support for a netbook not covered by the iPhone deal.

[gkarris]

I spoke with someone I know that works for AT&T and the person says that AT&T will do EVERYTHING in its power to keep being the EXLUSIVE provider of Apple handsets. This will include any "other" handset Apple decides to come out with... :eek:

[andreab35]

I really don't care if there were Verizon logos, etc. all over the iPhone.
I'd rather take advantage of the quality service.

If the iPhone were to switch to Verizon today, I'd do it in a heartbeat, and I wouldn't mind paying an early termination fee for it.

[dongmin]

I really don't care if there were Verizon logos, etc. all over the iPhone.
I'd rather take advantage of the quality service.

If the iPhone were to switch to Verizon today, I'd do it in a heartbeat, and I wouldn't mind paying an early termination fee for it.

I don't see why we can't have both.

But I agree with you that AT&T's network has been a major disappointment, the weakest link, if you will, in the iPhone experience. Apple probably recognizes this. I hope Apple can get some guarantees in the next round of negotiations with whomever to get higher level of network performance.

[SirOmega]

Wouldn't Apple need CDMA engineers to enter markets like South Korea, which is CDMA only? There are non-GSM cell phone markets out there. That seems way more likely.

[jfox00]

Yes, yes, we all love rumors. The "Verizon iPhone Rumor" has been in existence before the first generation iPhone hit the streets. The rumor typically dies down, then all of sudden, there is "new theory" that gets everyone excited again. Then, people realize there is no credibility to said rumor, and it dies down again. Rinse, Repeat.

I'll believe the rumors about a Verizon phone when I can walk into a Verizon store and purchase one. Until then, please, everyone, stay calm. There is no Verizon iPhone. Lets move on, and enjoy the 'less bars in more places' we all have, thanks to AT&T.

[twoodcc]

i really hope that this doesn't happen, even though it would help iphone sales tremendously. i hate verizon commercials, and i would hate to see apple in one

[Ysean]

Well, considering that AT&T's network is nowhere nearly as capable, I would love to see Verizon offering an iPhone. AT&T has basically stopped any migration from edge to 3G in my state. And, it isn't like I live or work in a small towns. 100k+ in 2 areas I am regularly in are without 3G. Another area over 120k still has no 3G. This has been the case for at least the past 2 years. Sad really.

[inkling23]

I would so welcome a Verizon iPhone! AT&T's service is horrible compared to Verizon, even here in San Francisco. Plus I hate the feedback that GSM phones send into my speakers.

[bigjnyc]

I think i would be sick to my stomach the day that happens. I hate verizon with a passion and hope the iphone never gets to them, I hope it never even goes CDMA. I hope verizon keeps losing customers to AT&T because they were so arrogant when the iphone was first presented to them.

[yadmonkey]

I really hope not, imagine one of those ugly "Verizon" logo's on an iPhone, Not saying that it won't happen but I would be disappointed if they offer iphones containing CDMA, seeing how I just changed about 2 years back to At&T just for the iphone

Verizon dropped that requirement early last year in their "any device, any app" press release.

I switched from Verizon's better network last summer for a 3G and I sure wouldn't be sad to see Verizon pick up the iPhone. As much as I hate them and think their CEO is an incredible tool, I'd prefer to have the option to go back to their network because it's better. And I'm really sick of GSM noise.

My guess: they're either going to be getting ready for a 2011 Verizon iPhone or they're getting ready to tap some more Asian markets.

[azentropy]

I spoke with someone I know that works for AT&T and the person says that AT&T will do EVERYTHING in its power to keep being the EXLUSIVE provider of Apple handsets. This will include any "other" handset Apple decides to come out with... :eek:

Then they need to drop the restriction on Tethering, which is why NetShare was pulled from the AppStore.

[Insatiable]

I've grown so impatient with AT&T's service that I'm seriously considering the Palm Pre as a replacement for my wife's and/or my iPhone. Don't want to give up the iPhone, but I'm near my limit with AT&T's poor coverage in our job locations.

[Pnut13]

Since the AT&T exclusive deal lasts until at least 2010, .
there was no firm announcement, just rumors on how long the AT&T and Apple deal lasts

i really hope that this doesn't happen, even though it would help iphone sales tremendously. i hate verizon commercials, and i would hate to see apple in one
i hate at&t and Microsoft and the New York Rangers......and there commercials:D (j/k)

Commericals? Well Id rather hate a company because ther product stinks, like Microsoft with the Xbox 360 breaking............ or how bad MS window is with programs closing too soon, error messages and compatribility issues with Vista and now what i am getting with Windows 7. Those are good reasons, sorry IMO commercials are not.

I would so welcome a Verizon iPhone! AT&T's service is horrible compared to Verizon, even here in San Francisco. Plus I hate the feedback that GSM phones send into my speakers.
AT& T sucks and i would consider getting a iPhone only if they were on Verizon.
I dont get the hate on Verizon...i have Verizon Fios for TV and high speed internet and phone and they are the best. Too bad Fios wont ever be all over the country (mostly because the Cable companies try to stoip them every step of the way)

[yellow]

Well, I for one would love this to happen. AT&T 3G support where I live is non-existent and frankly not very good in the urban area where it's supposed to cover.
While I hate Verizon's claim to have such a great network (liars), I can barely get data at home. Most of the time.

[mkrishnan]

There are some worldwide opportunities for CDMA, particularly in Asia, but I have the sad suspicion that AT&T will continue to quash any dreams of iPhones on other US networks.

[puckhead193]

well i would be very excited if this is true but i highly doubt it. :(
If so.. adios Storm :p




i hate at&t and Microsoft and the New York Rangers......and there commercials:D (j/k)


Big fight!!!! (yay no more Renny :p)

[SpinThis!]

I have no desire to see the iPhone on Verizon—especially since Verizon passed on Apple's terms. What makes you think they're going to suddenly open up to a relationship with Apple? (eg why use VCast when you have the iTunes store, etc.) I can also see them neutering the wifi connection, and offering their own branded gps, etc. Jobs even mentioned Apple is fully committed to GSM-based networks—"we're on the bandwagon" iirc at Macworld '07.

The only point for Verizon is having a choice of service, especially for those poor souls who don't get very good AT&T service. Phone service sucks everywhere and there are definitely places where AT&T doesn't work where Verizon does, and vice versa.

My service just fine—sans no 3g here yet—but everybody complaining about their AT&T service, don't you think for every word you spend time griping on a forum could be better spent shooting an e-mail off to an AT&T tech with a note on where the reception isn't very good in "(fill in the blank.")?

[ingenious]

iPhone on Verizon may be the only way I ever purchase one.

Perhaps when everyone moves to LTE... I don't put much stock in the rumor right now. Creating a CDMA phone in a dying market? As much as I enjoy my CDMA phones' call quality, I just don't see this happening.

[fishkorp]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5H11 Safari/525.20)

Wouldn't Apple need CDMA engineers to enter markets like South Korea, which is CDMA only? There are non-GSM cell phone markets out there. That seems way more likely.

My iPhone 3G worked just fine in South Korea, AT&T has a roaming GSM partner there.

[puckhead193]

What makes you think they're going to suddenly open up to a relationship with Apple? (eg why use VCast when you have the iTunes store, etc.)

because they want sales... :rolleyes:

[richard4339]

I switched from Verizon to AT&T to get the iPhone 3G. And to be perfectly honest, as bad as my service is in this area (and we're a decent sized city and we do have 3G), if Verizon came out with the iPhone tomorrow, I'd have a hard time deciding... the only thing that would likely keep me on AT&T would be the insane contract termination fees...

[richard2010]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (compatible; Teleca Q7; Brew 3.1.5; U; en) 240X400 LGE VX9700)

What I dont understand is why people keep saying "no way. Not a chance. Cant happen till 2010" says who? An unidentified source who seems to be in the know about Verizon Apple relations. I could lie about such things too. How many rumors have we seen about products from seemingly credible sources that havent come true? While Im not one of those people who totally believe this I certainly wont rule it out based on a rumor from some unidentified leak.

[dukemeiser]

...such a deal is highly unlikely...

But we can dream can't we??? I prefer US Cellular anyway, but CDMA is one step closer!

[MCroft]

I had a Verizon v710 and Verizon intentionally crippled the bluetooth stack so that you couldn't use bluetooth except for headsets. Trouble was they advertised it as having "bluetooth" and they lied to customers about an update that would fix it which never came. Anything to keep people from returning it. There was a class-action suit about that model.

I'd go with any carrier other than Verizon first. I don't want another crippled phone and another class-action settlement.

[Mr. Giver '94]

But..But why???? It just doesn't make sense. I really DON'T want to switch to Verizon. :(

If this happens I hope they also maintain a deal with AT&T. It just seems strange.

[Tallest Skil]

But..But why???? It just doesn't make sense. I really DON'T want to switch to Verizon. :(

If this happens I hope they also maintain a deal with AT&T. It just seems strange.

Of course they would.

The rumor is of them branching to Verizon.

Which they won't.

[Mr. Giver '94]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (compatible; Teleca Q7; Brew 3.1.5; U; en) 240X400 LGE VX9700)

What I dont understand is why people keep saying "no way. Not a chance. Cant happen till 2010" says who? An unidentified source who seems to be in the know about Verizon Apple relations. I could lie about such things too. How many rumors have we seen about products from seemingly credible sources that havent come true? While Im not one of those people who totally believe this I certainly wont rule it out based on a rumor from some unidentified leak.

Well Apple and AT&T do have an exclusive contract that would probably cost billions to get out of. You're reasoning is true, but I highly doubt Apple will want to pay out of the contract.

[MacVixen]

The ONLY reason I left Verizon was to get an iPhone. I had Verizon for 7 years and was more than happy with their service. The coverage is better and Verizon works in more remote places than AT&T (at least for me). So... IF the iPhone were actually released for Verizon I would likely switch back to them without too much thought.

Good point that someone had though about Verizon's branded apps, like Vcast, etc. I wouldn't want to do that at all, and I can't imagine Apple would ever agree to that. The Verizon Nav system was pretty good though - worked well AND gave you voice turn-by-turn directions :p (don't beat me, I actually don't even care about that since I have GPS in my car, but I know it's a sensitive subject around here)

[zap2]

I've been very happy with AT&T

No chance I'd go back to Verizon


But if people want it, they shouldn't Apple offer it?(once any deal with AT&T end or change)

[bobfitz14]

i'd get one. foooosho.

[yadmonkey]

I have no desire to see the iPhone on Verizon—especially since Verizon passed on Apple's terms. What makes you think they're going to suddenly open up to a relationship with Apple? (eg why use VCast when you have the iTunes store, etc.) I can also see them neutering the wifi connection, and offering their own branded gps, etc. Jobs even mentioned Apple is fully committed to GSM-based networks—"we're on the bandwagon" iirc at Macworld '07.

I had a Verizon v710 and Verizon intentionally crippled the bluetooth stack so that you couldn't use bluetooth except for headsets. Trouble was they advertised it as having "bluetooth" and they lied to customers about an update that would fix it which never came. Anything to keep people from returning it. There was a class-action suit about that model.

I'd go with any carrier other than Verizon first. I don't want another crippled phone and another class-action settlement.

Listen, I'm no fan of Verizon, but these perceptions are old. I doubt this is the last time I'll have to say this because people don't read before posting, but this year Verizon opened their network to "any device, any app".

That means Apple could make the iPhone however they want. No Vcast. No Verizon branding. No crippling of features. As dumbass as Verizon's CEO is, he at long last made the realization that he should be selling the network first, phones and downloads second.

[TEG]

Wouldn't Apple need CDMA engineers to enter markets like South Korea, which is CDMA only? There are non-GSM cell phone markets out there. That seems way more likely.

South Korea is not CDMA-only. They use a version of HSPA, which uses encoding instead of time to seperate signals, which is the same underpinnings of CDMA, but it is still considered GSM 3G.

TEG

[darklighter]

AT&T's service is garbage.

I have been using Verizon for 7 years now and I get signals where others don't.

I would get an iphone in a second if it came to Verizon.

[MBPro2009]

Offering a Verizon iPhone is the quickest way for Apple to grow their share of the US phone market. It will happen sooner or later.

The argument that Apple won't release a Verizon iPhone because CDMA is soon to be obsolete is bogus. By that logic they should never have released the original iPhone since EDGE was superseded by 3G just 12 months later. Every single phone that Verizon sells today is CDMA. Every single one of their millions of customers is using a CDMA phone right now. The transition from CDMA to LTE will be phased in over many years and is Verizon's responsibility, not Apple's. In fact it's an opportunity to sell more phones in the long run.

[nsbio]

I am on Verizon using a very old (4-year old) phone. I am very happy with the service but will soon need a new phone. I would buy an iPhone the same day it becomes available on Verizon, but since it is not likely to happen in the near future, I would have to buy some other phone instead.

[SkillsToShow]

I would love to see the iPhone on verizon, my 2 year contract just expired and am debating whether to switch to at&t just for the iphone or stick with verizon and just get a regular phone, maybe the versa? :rolleyes:

[Nermal]

There are some worldwide opportunities for CDMA, particularly in Asia, but I have the sad suspicion that AT&T will continue to quash any dreams of iPhones on other US networks.

Indeed. If there was a CDMA iPhone available now, then I'd probably own one.

As much as I enjoy my CDMA phones' call quality, I just don't see this happening.

I recently switched from GSM to CDMA and I've noticed significantly better call quality. I assumed that this was simply due to the CDMA provider having a better service (or that it's a better phone), but your post seems to imply that CDMA is inherently better. Is that true or am I just reading into it too much?

[Stang68]

Of course they would.

The rumor is of them branching to Verizon.

Which they won't.

That's just dumb thinking. Of course they are planning on bringing it to Verizon. Verizon was their first choice. It is the largest wireless carrier in the US. It has the best service according to Consumer Reports. Apple wants to make money, not stay loyal to one company.

[yadmonkey]

This seems pretty simple to me. The iPhone brought AT&T a slew of new customers and AT&T payed big for the exclusive. The iPhone 3G also brought AT&T a slew of new customers, but this time they stopped the revenue sharing aspect of the deal. The next iPhone will almost certainly be an AT&T exclusive and will bring in new customers, but eventually they'll see diminishing returns, if they haven't already.

Eventually AT&T won't be getting enough new-subscriber iPhone customers to justify spending zillions on exclusivity. And/or Apple will see that they have more to gain by opening up to Verizon's market than they get out of the exclusivity deal.

In the early years, there has been a lot of low hanging fruit in the form of iPhone switchers, but surely they'll be largely picked out within another year or two. Apple's going to want the business of those who would like an iPhone but don't/can't switch for one. The iPhone on Verizon is really just a question of when. My guess is mid 2010 at the earliest.

[victry1]

I left Verizon after 6 years for the first iPhone, which I still have. I'm the only person among friends and family that is on ATT. They are all on Verizon.:( I have not had a bad experience with ATT. I've had a couple garbled calls over the years, but also had problems on Vz. I wouldn't go running back - I would see what they would do to the iPhone. Look at the Storm, pretty nice phone, but no Wifi because they want you dependent on their network.

But, I think if Vz got the iPhone, it would be good for everybody. Then talk about price wars - that's what I would like to see. The iPhone going to Vz would definitely change the playing field, especially since it's the #1 selling handset (not smartphone) in the U.S.

Just my .02

[yadmonkey]

I wouldn't go running back - I would see what they would do to the iPhone. Look at the Storm, pretty nice phone, but no Wifi because they want you dependent on their network.

As I've said before in this thread, as of this year, Verizon has opened their network to "any device, any app". That means Apple could release the iPhone on their network however Apple wants to do it.

[ingenious]

I recently switched from GSM to CDMA and I've noticed significantly better call quality. I assumed that this was simply due to the CDMA provider having a better service (or that it's a better phone), but your post seems to imply that CDMA is inherently better. Is that true or am I just reading into it too much?

I am by no means an expert in this area, but from what i've read, CDMA is supposed to have better call quality and ability to go through metal buildings vs. GSM.

In my personal experience, this has been the case, but YMMV.

[dvashawn]

I think the Pre might actually have some impact in the Verizon/iPhone situation.
Verizon doesn't have an iPhone competitor (regardless of how much money they pour into Vista, oops Storm, ads and bundles.) The Pre is Sprint exclusive and will also be available worldwide in GSM, giving competition to both Verizon and Apple. I think Q4 2009/Q1 2010 would be a great time for Apple and Verizon to form their unholy bond.

Shudder to think how Verizon would want to screw it up though (imagine the red bars interface all over the iPhone):eek:

[Beric]

If only they would. Verizon has the best service, but the worst phones, IMHO. I would actually look at an iPhone seriously if it were on Verizon.

[longball11]

My contract ends this May. i was hoping for the iPhone to come out this summer or something but I probably was over my head. If it came out in 2010 and Im on my new 2 yr contract I would be god im stuck til 2011. I dont think i want cancel the phone i get this summer and pay for the cancellation then have to buy the iphone. Any suggestions as to any good VZ phones coming out by May?

[bytethese]

Oh I hope this isn't true. IMO, it will tarnish the iPhone like 50yr old silver. Verizon has the WORST customer service and worst devices on their network. As for service, I can't speculate as I've never had Verizon wireless service, but my AT&T is rock solid. I'm great here in NYC and when I travel, it's been great in NH, NJ, WV, etc. I also don't like how Verizon cripples all the bluetooth stacks (admittedly the iPhone's is as well, but it doesn't have to be) on their devices.

One other note, what about Visual Voicemail? This was the "cherry on top" so to speak when I bought my iPhone. AT&T worked very hard on this with Apple to bring to it's customers, I doubt they'd let Verizon do the same. Why would someone ever want to listen through a bunch of messages just to hear the one they want ever again. It's like going to dialup after having broadband. :)

[Sehnsucht]

Cell phone companies (almost) make me wish we lived in a police state where there is no competition. Yeah, freedom is all well and good, but it also means crappy cellular coverage!!! :mad: Anybody here ever been to rural China? Over there you can get 5 bars in the middle of a freaking rice paddy in the middle of freaking nowhere!! :eek: I guess the threat of being visited in the night by men with guns is a pretty good incentive for making sure your cellular coverage doesn't suck. :D :D


/SARCASM

[carrjar]

Verizon has the WORST customer service and worst devices on their network. As for service, I can't speculate as I've never had Verizon wireless service, but my AT&T is rock solid.

At least proof read before posting. Like ATT? Then stay with ATT. For those who prefer VZW, go to VZW. Cell phone service is very subjective, based on where you live and where you use it.

[bytethese]

At least proof read before posting. Like ATT? Then stay with ATT. For those who prefer VZW, go to VZW. Cell phone service is very subjective, based on where you live and where you use it.

At least think before you post. I have Verizon for FiOS and my finance used to have Verizon for wireless. She used to complain about their CS all the time. I also seem to get the not so bright ones when I call with issues, like when Verizon just blew off my installation time while I sat there for 8hrs.

As for service, yes, it's very subjective. As I posted, I couldn't personally attest for Verizon's service, only stating that I have used AT&T in various states while traveling (numerous times) and that my service is very acceptable, contrary to what other posted about "AT&T sucking".

[nielsll]

If Apple wants to attract enterprise accounts for the iPhone they need a Verizon option. Most F 100 companies are Verizon accounts. Mine has over 37000 phones with Verizon. Most would be iPhones if available.

[pjarvi]

If Apple wants to attract enterprise accounts for the iPhone they need a Verizon option. Most F 100 companies are Verizon accounts. Mine has over 37000 phones with Verizon. Most would be iPhones if available.

Same here, the company I work for is 100% Verizon for phones and laptop air cards. Sucks being stuck with a BlackJack running Windows Mobile that takes forever to do something as simple as turn on. I wouldn't switch my personal cellphone to an iPhone though, until a "pay-as-you-go" option is available. I don't use a cellphone enough to just spending more than $15 a month on service regardless of the carrier.

[CaryMacGuy]

Do I think it is going to happen? Not in 2009...Do I want it to happen? YES.

I am a Verizon user and I am simply craving the iPhone. I have a Blackberry Storm since I want the smartphone experience but it is nothing like the iPhone. It crashes constantly, it is slow, and the browser doesn't even come close.

There are plenty of people that use Verizon that are not interested in switching (like myself). If Apple wants to make this device a universal thing (even more than it already is) than they need to expand who carries the device. Remember what happened in 2003...Apple had the iPod for Macs only (well PC, but not easily). Then they introduced the iPod that works well with Windows (and iTunes for Windows). Things changed for them at that moment. Verizon now has 80 million subscribers (probably 50% of them would want iPhones) and that is something they cannot ignore.

[yadmonkey]

Oh I hope this isn't true. IMO, it will tarnish the iPhone like 50yr old silver. Verizon has the WORST customer service and worst devices on their network. As for service, I can't speculate as I've never had Verizon wireless service, but my AT&T is rock solid.

Wow. You've never used their customer service, yet you can make this judgement? And sorry, but FiOS is a completely different branch of customer service, so you're basically talking about two different companies.

I used AT&T from 1999-2003, Verizon from 2003-2008, and have been back on AT&T since August 2008 with the iPhone. So I feel like I'm actually qualified to comment on the two companies in relation to service. That said, I'd say neither is really all that good, neither all that bad, and certainly neither to the extent that CS would be a significant variable in choosing a network.

But then to take it a step further and say you hope it doesn't happen based on what you imagine their customer service to be like? What is that?? If the iPhone comes to Verizon, you'll still be able to use yours on AT&T, so really what's bothering you so much that you want to keep the iPhone out of the hands of millions of Verizon customers?

I'm great here in NYC and when I travel, it's been great in NH, NJ, WV, etc. I also don't like how Verizon cripples all the bluetooth stacks (admittedly the iPhone's is as well, but it doesn't have to be) on their devices.

Who says it would be crippled? Man alive, do I wish people would read threads before they post. Why? Because it's considerate and I explained this three times in this thread already. Summary: Verizon doesn't control hardware and software like it used to.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=7155534&postcount=19
http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=7157098&postcount=40
http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=7158010&postcount=50

One other note, what about Visual Voicemail? This was the "cherry on top" so to speak when I bought my iPhone. AT&T worked very hard on this with Apple to bring to it's customers, I doubt they'd let Verizon do the same. Why would someone ever want to listen through a bunch of messages just to hear the one they want ever again. It's like going to dialup after having broadband. :)

The Blackberry Storm already does visual voicemail on the Verizon network. There's no reason Apple couldn't do VV with Verizon. None.

[JesterJJZ]

i really hope that this doesn't happen, even though it would help iphone sales tremendously. i hate verizon commercials, and i would hate to see apple in one

Great reasoning. :rolleyes:

[butterfly0fdoom]

That's just dumb thinking. Of course they are planning on bringing it to Verizon. Verizon was their first choice. It is the largest wireless carrier in the US. It has the best service according to Consumer Reports. Apple wants to make money, not stay loyal to one company.

Consumer Reports' top 5 smartphones for 2008 also happened to be models released mid-2007. If I'm appliance shopping, I'll listen to CR. But for everything else, CR is hardly the best resource.

As I've said before in this thread, as of this year, Verizon has opened their network to "any device, any app". That means Apple could release the iPhone on their network however Apple wants to do it.

The whole "Any Device, Any Apps" thing isn't that impressive; AT&T and T-Mobile have been using it since before they were using their current names. And it doesn't work that well on CDMA; you still need to go in to get your phone encoded. You can't even take advantage of it because it's pretty much impossible to get a CDMA phone that works on Verizon's bands the way you can snag unlocked GSM phones.

The most optimal situation, IMO, would be (under the assumption that Verizon adopts SIM cards when they start implementing LTE) Apple selling you an iPhone for $500/$600 and the carrier giving you a subsidy/refund if you snag one of their SIM cards.

[macsimo]

I have no doubt that Apple is developing a CDMA iphone, but it will be for
China and South Korea. Those are largely untapped markets for Apple. These iphones will probably be limited in their features as those countries cell usage is strictly controlled. That would explain the hiring of CDMA engineers. CDMA in this country is a "dead end". The world is on GSM and most surely all phones in the future will be GSM based, even Verizon. It will probably come about with the 4G service. As far as service with each provider, it has been covered before. Depending on where you live, either Verizon or AT & T has better service! No cell provider has the country covered as we would like! As far as tethering goes, it will probably be allowed, but with a very limited bandwidth option. It is unlikely that any 3G network could handle thousands of people using the tethering option with their personal computers as the sole connection to the internet. Which is the fear of every cell phone company, not just AT & T. Using a personal computer uses a lot more bandwidth than a cell phone. This could happen as people would drop their home broadband connections. We all know that would happen! At that point, we wouldn't have "mobile broadband" anymore. The system would fail!

[bytethese]

Wow. You've never used their customer service, yet you can make this judgement? And sorry, but FiOS is a completely different branch of customer service, so you're basically talking about two different companies.
Um, no. Both are Verizon. Wow. I really wish you'd read a reply before posting. As I stated earlier, my fiance had Verizon wireless and would complain to me about their CS.


I used AT&T from 1999-2003, Verizon from 2003-2008, and have been back on AT&T since August 2008 with the iPhone. So I feel like I'm actually qualified to comment on the two companies in relation to service. That said, I'd say neither is really all that good, neither all that bad, and certainly neither to the extent that CS would be a significant variable in choosing a network.
Would you like a cookie? I actually feel that CS is part of a decision I make when I consider a vendor for a service. I sincerely hope you do not make these decisions or offer input on such matters at your place of employment.

But then to take it a step further and say you hope it doesn't happen based on what you imagine their customer service to be like? What is that?? If the iPhone comes to Verizon, you'll still be able to use yours on AT&T, so really what's bothering you so much that you want to keep the iPhone out of the hands of millions of Verizon customers?
I'm not imaging anything. I'm guessing you perused and not actually read?


Who says it would be crippled? Man alive, do I wish people would read threads before they post. Why? Because it's considerate and I explained this three times in this thread already. Summary: Verizon doesn't control hardware and software like it used to.
**Citation needed



http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=7155534&postcount=19
http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=7157098&postcount=40
http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=7158010&postcount=50



The Blackberry Storm already does visual voicemail on the Verizon network. There's no reason Apple couldn't do VV with Verizon. None.
I stand corrected, it apparently does do this and I apologize for the misinformation. :)

[yadmonkey]

Um, no. Both are Verizon. Wow. I really wish you'd read a reply before posting. As I stated earlier, my fiance had Verizon wireless and would complain to me about their CS.

You're right. Listening to one person's second-hand accounts about their experience with Verizon's CS is definitely reason enough to hope that the iPhone doesn't become available on their network for their customers. Certainly it's enough evidence to make an absolute judgment like "Verizon has the WORST customer service."

Would you like a cookie? I actually feel that CS is part of a decision I make when I consider a vendor for a service. I sincerely hope you do not make these decisions or offer input on such matters at your place of employment.

Yes. I'd like a cookie. As I mentioned, I've used both providers extensively and both of their CS departments are pretty meh, so I have trouble imagining that it would be a significant deciding factor, especially compared to factors like coverage, rate plans, call quality, and available devices.

**Citation needed

http://news.vzw.com/news/2007/11/pr2007-11-27.html

Where's my cookie?! :D

[nyguy4u]

I switched from a Motorola Q on Sprint, to AT&T solely for the purpose of the iPhone. While AT&T's service isn't as good as Sprint's, I am happy overall.

I've had Verizon in the past, and I hated it. Way too expensive, and in my area - the coverage wasn't any better than any other carrier in the area. Plus, Consumer Reports had Verizon on the top of the list for random dropped calls, which I personally have experienced when I had them. Plus, I know of MANY people who got rid of Verizon for the random dropped call issues, as well as their high prices, and horrible customer service, and arrogant attitudes.

I like AT&T. While the coverage might not be the best, I like their customer support - and most importantly, when I call them - I get an American who can understand what I am trying to ask rather than someone in a completely different country who I can barely understand and who doesn't understand me. Little things like that make me pleased with their service.

With that said, I hope the iPhone doesn't go to Verizon. Apple doesn't need them.

[bytethese]

You're right. Listening to one person's second-hand accounts about their experience with Verizon's CS is definitely reason enough to hope that the iPhone doesn't become available on their network for their customers. Certainly it's enough evidence to make an absolute judgment like "Verizon has the WORST customer service."

You're right, 2years of my own experience and 4 years of my future wife's are not a frame of reference for opinion formulation at all...

Yes. I'd like a cookie. As I mentioned, I've used both providers extensively and both of their CS departments are pretty meh, so I have trouble imagining that it would be a significant deciding factor, especially compared to factors like coverage, rate plans, call quality, and available devices.
As mentioned, I have also used both providers, so far AT&T has blown me away. I've never had a carrier (or any other CS dept) fix a problem and call me back to resolve and make sure I am satisfied. For example when I purchased my 16GB original iPhone to replace my 8GB original. My 2yr contract didn't backdate as I was told. The CS rep said she'd find out what's up and that I should see a change in 30 days. I got a call 30 days later saying everything was taken care of. Perhaps Verizon's CS is actually better now and there will be one less issue should Verizon in fact be able to offer the device on their network.

http://news.vzw.com/news/2007/11/pr2007-11-27.html

Where's my cookie?! :D
Ok ok ok, chocolate chip. There ya go. :)

[winterspan]

Wont happen for another... 3 years at least.

HA.. yeah right. You think Apple doesn't want another 10+ million instant sales? An EVDO iPhone is trivial to create, its just a matter of the contract B.S. And there is no way in hell I believe they would be naive enough to sign their life away for 5 years with AT&T. That's an eternity in consumer electronics/cellphones/computer terms..


First, CDMA in this context, may only refer to the encoding standard used in HSPA (GSM 3G), not CDMA like Verizon and Sprint.

1) They usually talk about HSPA in terms of "W-CDMA", and not solely "CDMA".

2) More importantly, the job listing specifically mentioned "EV-DO".


Also, coming out with a CDMA iPhone would be a little pointless, since Verizon is switching to GSM 4G (LTE) starting in 2010, and they will not have cross-standard phones, so if you get an LTE phone, it will only work on LTE systems and other GSM systems.


Pointless? Not really, considering there are ~400 MILLION CDMA2000/EV-DO users in the world (only 1/3 in NA) including many in Asia and South America.

Besides, it will take a *LONG* time for Verizon's 700Mhz LTE network to get anywhere NEAR the coverage area of their ubiquitous EV-DO 3G network.


i really hope that this doesn't happen, even though it would help iphone sales tremendously. i hate verizon commercials, and i would hate to see apple in one

You hope it doesn't happen because you don't like their commercials? Could you be any more childish? How about the dramatically expanded marketshare the iPhone would see? Or the choice of using a network with far larger 3G coverage?

I think i would be sick to my stomach the day that happens. I hate verizon with a passion and hope the iphone never gets to them, I hope it never even goes CDMA. I hope verizon keeps losing customers to AT&T because they were so arrogant when the iphone was first presented to them.

Another case of irrationality.. Who wouldn't want the iPhone to continue to succeed in marketshare? Or be available on another network?

[bytethese]

HA.. yeah right. You think Apple doesn't want another 10+ million instant sales? An EVDO iPhone is trivial to create, its just a matter of the contract B.S. And there is no way in hell I believe they would be naive enough to sign their life away for 5 years with AT&T. That's an eternity in consumer electronics/cellphones/computer terms..
Trivial? If it's trivial, why aren't you working for Apple engineering the new hardware necessary to accommodate a CDMA radio in the device? It's not trivial by any means.

1) They usually talk about HSPA in terms of "W-CDMA", and not solely "CDMA".

2) More importantly, the job listing specifically mentioned "EV-DO".
So if a job said WinXP or OS X 10.4 as a requirement, would you be turned away? Vista and Leopard wouldn't be too hard to master if you knew their former incarnations well. I would want an engineer familiar with EVDO if I was going to develop an iPhone for Verizon's newer network.

Pointless? Not really, considering there are ~400 MILLION CDMA2000/EV-DO users in the world (only 1/3 in NA) including many in Asia and South America.

Besides, it will take a *LONG* time for Verizon's 700Mhz LTE network to get anywhere NEAR the coverage area of their ubiquitous EV-DO 3G network.
Yes pointless, it wouldn't take as long to get their LTE network going if they say, had millions of iPhone users using a new spec. Growing the network will take time sure, but know you have a revenue stream in the form of a new flashy device people will want to use on your network makes the investment that much more worth while.

Another case of irrationality.. Who wouldn't want the iPhone to continue to succeed in marketshare? Or be available on another network?
So long as said network doesn't cheapen or tarnish the image already. Not to say Verizon will, but if marketshare is to be increased, I'd imagine small operators would be given a "slice of the pie".

[Canada Chas]

I can see the addition of a CDMA iPhone happening by the end of this year. I was reading a while ago (sorry could not find a link) of a group that wanted to set up a class action against Apple for only having one service provider. The reasoning for the class action was this. The iPhone was sold on the fact you had to sign up for a 2 or 3 year contract, and after that you are free to go whereever. Well if there is only one carrier in the US that is iPhone friendly, then you are really attached to the carrier as long as you own your iPhone.

This summer will be year 2 of the iPhone. I can't see the Exclusive AT&T deal lasting more than 2010, unless Apple decides that AT&T will get first crack at the new iPhones and other carriers will have to wait a period of time before they can offer the new iPhone.

Of course we can not forget money. More carriers, more iPhones sold more money to Apple.

JMHO

[taficke]

AT&T is terrible. The only reason i left Verizon was for the iPhone. BUT, I knew this going into it. I knew it would not be nearly as good for Verizon. So did everyone else. It's not fair to do this to AT&T. YOU knew what YOU were doing.

[fire44]

I hope the iPhone comes to verizon because out here on the west coast AT&T sucks and there coverage doesn't compare to Verizon. My roommate always has full bars and I barley get any serivce and we live in the city limits. I would jump ship to Verizon in a heart beat because out here on the westcoast Verizon has the best serivce hands down

[bobfitz14]

My contract ends this May. i was hoping for the iPhone to come out this summer or something but I probably was over my head. If it came out in 2010 and Im on my new 2 yr contract I would be god im stuck til 2011. I dont think i want cancel the phone i get this summer and pay for the cancellation then have to buy the iphone. Any suggestions as to any good VZ phones coming out by May?

i would like to know of some upcoming phones as well, and i can't seem to find anything online about this. and i bet if i walked into a Verizon store and asked about upcoming phones they either wouldn't know or wouldn't tell me.

anyone know of any good phones coming for Verizon?!?!

[butterfly0fdoom]

I hope the iPhone comes to verizon because out here on the west coast AT&T sucks and there coverage doesn't compare to Verizon. My roommate always has full bars and I barley get any serivce and we live in the city limits. I would jump ship to Verizon in a heart beat because out here on the westcoast Verizon has the best serivce hands down

Where on the west coast do you live? I've had AT&T since it was Pac Bell in various parts of California and I've never had less than 3 bars unless I was in a basement of a 5-story steel/concrete building.

[fire44]

Where on the west coast do you live? I've had AT&T since it was Pac Bell in various parts of California and I've never had less than 3 bars unless I was in a basement of a 5-story steel/concrete building.


I live in the Chico area and the service really sucks. When I go visit friends in the bay area I have no problem. We just got 3g last year so AT&T still has a lot of work to do here. I hope it's sooner than later bcause dropped calls are getting old.

[SLC Flyfishing]

I was with AT&T for the past two years, my wife's former job was paying for it (even though she had quit 1.5 years before that). We were on Verizon for about 3 years before that!

We got the call in december that our AT&T phone was going to be disconnected so we went shopping for new ones. Knowing that we'd be paying out of our own pockets this time, it didn't take us long to head straight for Verizon.

Their service (here in Utah) is miles ahead of AT&T, and we've never had a single problem with Verizon at all.

AT&T on the other hand was a nearly constant headache, the only reason we stayed on their network was because it was free for us.

I haven't bought a Blackberry from Verizon, but if an iPhone came out I'd be down there the day it was released getting one.

SLC

[d94]

now this would be AWSOME
because if they released a cdma iphone, then i could unluck the thing to sprint probably within months of release...hooray to esn cloning ahah

[calebb0917]

I think this is pretty much a no brainer. Apple's exclusivity contract with AT&T will be up soon, so I think Apple will absolutely start selling iPhones on the Verizon network.

[Tallest Skil]

I think this is pretty much a no brainer. Apple's exclusivity contract with AT&T will be up soon, so I think Apple will absolutely start selling iPhones on the Verizon network.

I still refuse to believe that Apple will waste time, resources, and money making a CDMA iPhone.

[alphaod]

I think this is pretty much a no brainer. Apple's exclusivity contract with AT&T will be up soon, so I think Apple will absolutely start selling iPhones on the Verizon network.

I think Apple just wants to sell the iPhone to sell like a delivery appliance for their core business selling applications and expanding their market.

To do that, they need a partner.

[calebb0917]

I think Apple just wants to sell the iPhone to sell like a delivery appliance for their core business selling applications and expanding their market.

To do that, they need a partner.

Verizon would be a perfect partner because they have an excellent 3G network, and they dont have very many good phones. What do they have? The Blackberry Storm and the Sidekick? The Storm is a decent phone but nothing that compares to the iPhone. Same with the Sidekick. Apple would do nothing but get lots more customers by teaming up with Verizon as well as AT&T.

[MacRoc45]

I can't justify jumping ship to At&t just for the Iphone. I've been loyal to Verizon since the dawn of Airtouch in '94. Why? Because the coverage and connection evolved into this good product that it is now. If it's true that the Iphone is coming out for V , I'll be at Verizon in a minute to get a 16gb in black. lol. :apple:

[ITASOR]

I still refuse to believe that Apple will waste time, resources, and money making a CDMA iPhone.

There have also been rumors for a while that Verizon is moving to GSM: http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2007/09/21/verizon-adopts-gsm-standard-for-4g-network-cdma-limelight-fading/

[Tallest Skil]

There have also been rumors for a while that Verizon is moving to GSM: http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2007/09/21/verizon-adopts-gsm-standard-for-4g-network-cdma-limelight-fading/

LTE ≠ GSM ≠ CDMA.

[lsvtecjohn3]

I still refuse to believe that Apple will waste time, resources, and money making a CDMA iPhone.

you sir are right. There's no point in Apple making a CDMA iPhone because Verizon and other top cell companies around the world are going to LTE or WiMax. If anything Apple going to make a LTE and or Wimax iPhone's to go to with the GSM iPhone

[lsvtecjohn3]

There have also been rumors for a while that Verizon is moving to GSM: http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2007/09/21/verizon-adopts-gsm-standard-for-4g-network-cdma-limelight-fading/

GSM isn't LTE

[longball11]

Iphone Iphone Iphone Iphone Lets Go Verizon!

[zflauaus]

The people who keep bashing on Verizon need to get their heads out of 2003. They've come a long way since then.

They wouldn't cripple GPS. They've unlocked it on the Storm completely, and for the most part on the Pearl and Curve. They're going to soon unlock it on some Windows Mobile smartphones. Why would the suddenly cripple it on the iPhone?

EVDO is more prevalent than HSDPA, so the iPhone 3G marketing would actually mean something to a lot more people. Also, Verizon has been doing a lot more world phones lately (GSM/UMTS/CDMA) so I think the iPhone may be the same. You couldn't use the GSM/UMTS in the states, but abroad you could.

Could the March 24th event possibly be related to an iPhone announcement? *cough*on Verizon*cough* ;)

[elcid]

If this happens, many people would simply leave AT&T. Perhaps Apple is doing this to eek out a sweeter deal with AT&T.

That's one reason. I think the other is the fact that Verizon has never let anything remotely unlocked onto its network. Even the Storm doesnt have wifi.

Didnt they go to Verizon first and they turned it down? Regardless what people think I don't think its going to happen....at least it wouldnt happen today if it became available.

[Consultant]

CDMA ≠ GSM
(used by verizon) (GSM is World wide standard, used by iPhone)

[ayeplussjr]

Why the hatred for AT&T? I use both Verizon and AT&T service and where I use my phone AT&T is a lot better. Everybody is going to have something to say about each company. There will always be Verizon haters and AT&T haters. You'll never have 100% coverage with either company. Just choose the company that's best for you. AT&T had the guts to take a chance on Apple, and I'm glad they did.

[lgoodlove]

First, CDMA in this context, may only refer to the encoding standard used in HSPA (GSM 3G), not CDMA like Verizon and Sprint. Also, coming out with a CDMA iPhone would be a little pointless, since Verizon is switching to GSM 4G (LTE) starting in 2010, and they will not have cross-standard phones, so if you get an LTE phone, it will only work on LTE systems and other GSM systems.

So I would not hold your breath for an iPhone of Verizon Wireless, at least not until it switches to the world standard (GSM).

TEG

LTE is the future of verizon it will be rolling out early 2010 same time AT&T contract with apple is rumored to be over. Would be a great idea for Apple to take a peace of big red with it's 80 million customers. Me being one of them. Verizon left CDMA because LTE is superior technology, Sprint may be left behind because of this.

[jeremybuff]

The bottom line, and I mean the bottom line, is that the iPhone will come to Verizon eventually. Maybe not the iPhone we know today, maybe an entirely different concept of the iPhone, but Apple will sell a Verizon phone one day.

What's my reasoning? Verizon is huge- even if they were not the largest provider, which they currently are, they represent a major part of the market. Also, Verizon's service is simply better taking in account the entire United States. More people have service in more places, and traveling will not induce the woes of current AT&T traveling. What does that mean?

It means that the iPhone will become more viable for business. Business is a major influence for phone sales, as you all know. With Verizon's superior network, massive user base, comprehensive network coverage, and inclusive (maybe not always "cheap) plans, Apple would be stupid to not make a deal with Verizon, and Verizon would be stupid to not make a deal with Apple.

Apple is a business, and they want to make money. They have made smart decisions so far, as is apparent. Staying with AT&T for years to come is simply not wise and I just cannot see that happening.

My prediction is that Apple will introduce a new phone concept when they go over to Verizon.

[rhett7660]

The bottom line, and I mean the bottom line, is that the iPhone will come to Verizon eventually. Maybe not the iPhone we know today, maybe an entirely different concept of the iPhone, but Apple will sell a Verizon phone one day.

What's my reasoning? Verizon is huge- even if they were not the largest provider, which they currently are, they represent a major part of the market. Also, Verizon's service is simply better taking in account the entire United States. More people have service in more places, and traveling will not induce the woes of current AT&T traveling. What does that mean?

It means that the iPhone will become more viable for business. Business is a major influence for phone sales, as you all know. With Verizon's superior network, massive user base, comprehensive network coverage, and inclusive (maybe not always "cheap) plans, Apple would be stupid to not make a deal with Verizon, and Verizon would be stupid to not make a deal with Apple.

Apple is a business, and they want to make money. They have made smart decisions so far, as is apparent. Staying with AT&T for years to come is simply not wise and I just cannot see that happening.

My prediction is that Apple will introduce a new phone concept when they go over to Verizon.


I can see this happening also. Something like what RIM does with it's blackberry line of phones. You can get phone "a" on verizon but not on AT&T and vice versa.... also throw in there some of the other carries.... I can see it happening.

[princealfie]

Or better yet, we could expect a single model that will have CDMA and GSM and SIM card capabilities. A few models of the Blackberry can do this dual switching as a world phone and I expect the iPhone to do the same.

[rhett7660]

Or better yet, we could expect a single model that will have CDMA and GSM and SIM card capabilities. A few models of the Blackberry can do this dual switching as a world phone and I expect the iPhone to do the same.

Does it matter what carrier you are on for features to be enabled? IE Same phone on Verizon doesn't have XYZ as same phone on AT&T? Just asking don't know.

[butterfly0fdoom]

Or better yet, we could expect a single model that will have CDMA and GSM and SIM card capabilities. A few models of the Blackberry can do this dual switching as a world phone and I expect the iPhone to do the same.

Or how about Apple sell unlocked GSM/HSPA/LTE phones. If you want to use it on Verizon, you'd only be able to use it wherever LTE is setup. And Apple doesn't need to add support for a technology that's being replaced. Of course, that hinges on whether or not Verizon adopts SIM cards or not.

[Digital Skunk]

Sprint may be left behind because of this.

I am glad you used may.

I agree though, that not going the standard route will hurt Sprint more than help them, but their roll out of WiMax started in 2007 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sprint_Nextel#Sprint.27s_4G_Network) and is available now.

The WiMax enabled phones and devices have been getting access to broadband speeds (4G) since mid 2008, putting AT&T's broken network to shame.

[ShooMoe]

I really don't care if there were Verizon logos, etc. all over the iPhone.
I'd rather take advantage of the quality service.

If the iPhone were to switch to Verizon today, I'd do it in a heartbeat, and I wouldn't mind paying an early termination fee for it.

Ditto

[jeremybuff]

Ditto

I don't mind as much, but the logo- any logo -would not look good on an iPhone.