AT&T Losing iPhone Exclusivity on Wednesday?

[Icaras]

If this is the case and the iPhone goes to Verizon won't Apple have to introduce a new CDMA phone Wednesday also ?

Yea i would think so, which makes me highly doubt that they will launching on Verizon as early as wednesday. I can only imagine the negative uproar from early adopters from Verizon when the iphone 4g launches in the Summer. Sorry buddy, can't sign up a new contract so soon!

 

[cvaldes]

Yea i would think so, which makes me highly doubt that they will launching on Verizon as early as wednesday. I can only imagine the negative uproar from early adopters from Verizon when the iphone 4g launches in the Summer. Sorry buddy, can't sign up a new contract so soon!

It is unlikely that this summer's iPhone would be an LTE model based on the fact that only Sweden/Norway has a functioning consumer LTE network (which technically isn't even 4G).

At the very most, it would be a combo GSM/CDMA model, and that's stretching it, based on chip supplier availability comments.

In 2011, there might be a 4G LTE phone, but even then, it would need to be backward compatible with GSM and possibly CDMA. You wouldn't have LTE coverage everywhere, much as you don't have 3G coverage wherever there is GSM coverage right now.

 

[retroneo]

T-Mobile HSPA iPhone 3GS ?

Easy to add, just a AWS power amplifier (a sub $1 part), the baseband and iPhone software already supports the rest.

 

[MacFly123]

I think it'd just be smarter for them to release it on all carriers like how its in canada and the other countries of the world. Apple knows their making more money selling the iphone to different carriers.

They obviously know this. It has just been a matter of time for the contract to run out and for them to look at the feasibility of which networks would be best to get on when Verizon and the others would require new hardware and software to work. The decision they made in the beginning made sense at the time. But now things have changed and so will Apple as soon as they are free to do so, which should be this summer or sooner.

You can actually thank the French government for this. Them mandating Apple to end the exclusivity there is what opened Apple up to see that being on all carriers proves very beneficial for all involved! If that hadn't happened, I'll bet Apple would have waited till either the "world" chip comes out later this year, or till LTE since it is all compatible.

This announcement sure would make a LOT of people happy for a "one more thing" though! 🙂

 

[thecoolone1]

I personally haven't had many problems with AT&T from where I'm around. Just because AT&T looses exclusivity, do you think Apple will still offer the iPhone to AT&T and also release "new" updated models for AT&T such as a 4G iPhone or what ever they will call it?

I actually don't want to switch to Verizon but I think Apple would be making a good move if they do so. I rather stick with AT&T if I can still get the newest iPhone's that are released. Also, I wonder if there would be any subsidies.

 

[saving107]

This announcement sure would make a LOT of people happy for a "one more thing" though! 🙂

I think a Tablet is more deserving of a 'One More Thing' than just the iPhone going to Verizon or T-Mobile. I could be wrong.

but Steve hasn't done a great 'One More Thing' since the iPhone was announce at MacWorld 2007,

 

[Macshroomer]

My contract w/ AT&T is up in November, I am on a 3G/16GB, this could be perfect timing. AT&T is not so hot in the mountain town I am in.

 

[daneoni]

 

[cvaldes]

I personally haven't had many problems with AT&T from where I'm around. Just because AT&T looses exclusivity, do you think Apple will still offer the iPhone to AT&T and also release "new" updated models for AT&T such as a 4G iPhone or what ever they will call it?

I actually don't want to switch to Verizon but I think Apple would be making a good move if they do so. I rather stick with AT&T if I can still get the newest iPhone's that are released. Also, I wonder if there would be any subsidies.

Again, it is unlikely that Apple would drop AT&T as a carrier. The more likely scenario would be the end of exclusivity for AT&T and other carriers being added to the mix.

It would be technically easier for Apple to add another GSM-based carrier to the mix (i.e., T-Mobile USA) rather than CDMA-based Verizon, although potential subscribers for the latter would have a larger upside.

Carrier subsidies would be likely continue as most American cellular customers expect that sort of thing. While it is rather commonplace in many other countries, the typical American would balk at paying full retail (around $700) for a smartphone like the iPhone. The typical American would rather pay for a cheaper device but sign a two-year contract with higher monthly charges.

 

[butterfly0fdoom]

I think it'd just be smarter for them to release it on all carriers like how its in canada and the other countries of the world. Apple knows their making more money selling the iphone to different carriers.

The only reason all Canadian carriers have the iPhone now is because the CDMA ones deployed WCDMA towers, something Verizon won't do. It's a very different circumstance from what's going on in the US market.

 

[robogobo]

AT&T Losing iPhone Exclusivity on Wednesday?

There you go with the question mark again. Conviction, dammit!

 

[GoCubsGo]

This would be great news. I would switch as soon as possible. No carrier is awesome but I'm tired of AT&T in my area.

 

[entropys]

They obviously know this. It has just been a matter of time for the contract to run out and for them to look at the feasibility of which networks would be best to get on when Verizon and the others would require new hardware and software to work. The decision they made in the beginning made sense at the time. But now things have changed and so will Apple as soon as they are free to do so, which should be this summer or sooner.

You can actually thank the French government for this. Them mandating Apple to end the exclusivity there is what opened Apple up to see that being on all carriers proves very beneficial for all involved! If that hadn't happened, I'll bet Apple would have waited till either the "world" chip comes out later this year, or till LTE since it is all compatible.

This announcement sure would make a LOT of people happy for a "one more thing" though! 🙂

Non exclusivity has nothing to do with the french government. Except in France of course where orange did manage an exclusivity deal. There were other countries, such as Australia, that did not have exclusivity and the iphone is getting close to being the most common smartphone. In the UK, Orange also managed an exclusivity deal, but clearly it was much more temporary than in the US.

In the US, the only carrier willing to give the iphone a try was AT&T, and thus AT&T were able to demand a long term exclusivity clause. No harm to them if the iphone didn't work out, a total win for them if it did.

And a verizon phone this week? Unlikely. All those CDMA iphone 3GSs to be produced for only six months until the next iphone comes out? I doubt it. Why would you take out that contract?

.

 

[trajen]

T-Mobile HSPA iPhone 3GS ?

Easy to add, just a AWS power amplifier (a sub $1 part), the baseband and iPhone software already supports the rest.

If that were the case wouldn't there be a baseband hack to enable frequency compatibility by now?

 

[9822737]

Non exclusivity has nothing to do with the french government. Except in France of course where orange did manage an exclusivity deal. There were other countries, such as Australia, that did not have exclusivity and the iphone is getting close to being the most common smartphone. In the UK, Orange also managed an exclusivity deal, but clearly it was much more temporary than in the US.

In the US, the only carrier willing to give the iphone a try was AT&T, and thus AT&T were able to demand a long term exclusivity clause. No harm to them if the iphone didn't work out, a total win for them if it did.

And a verizon phone this week? Unlikely. All those CDMA iphone 3GSs to be produced for only six months until the next iphone comes out? I doubt it. Why would you take out that contract?

.

When did Orange in the UK have exclusivity? They have only just started offering it a couple of months ago! Do you mean O2 Who have had it since the original launch?

AnDy

 

[spillproof]

I still hope AT&T will subsidize the next gen iPhone. If not, I need to not eat for a few weeks haha

 

[Trek2100]

I personally haven't had many problems with AT&T from where I'm around. Just because AT&T looses exclusivity, do you think Apple will still offer the iPhone to AT&T and also release "new" updated models for AT&T such as a 4G iPhone or what ever they will call it?

I actually don't want to switch to Verizon but I think Apple would be making a good move if they do so. I rather stick with AT&T if I can still get the newest iPhone's that are released. Also, I wonder if there would be any subsidies.

I totally agree. And, Verizon's prices are a lot higher than AT&T and no yearly rollover on minutes.

 

[japanime]

HotHardware claims that AT&T may be losing it's iPhone exclusivity as early as Wednesday...

It's its, not it's. 😀

 

[bbydon]

Hmmmm... As I recall, it was never stated that this event was dedicated to a tablet, but rather "the mobility space".

That has never been stated either.

 

[ToroidalZeus]

the typical American would balk at paying full retail (around $700) for a smartphone like the iPhone.

RFOL, someone has been buying into too much marketing. The iPhone costs Apple around ~180 dollars to build, If even that. The 700 dollar price tag is pure markup.

The typical american balks at paying 700 dollars for a phone because he knows he is getting ripped off.

 

[caccamolle]

HotHardware claims that AT&T may be losing it's iPhone exclusivity as early as Wednesday at Apple's media event:
.......

... While the announcement of a Verizon-compatible iPhone certainly seems possible this year, we're not sure how it would fit in with what is believed to be an event focused on the new Apple Tablet.

Article Link: AT&T Losing iPhone Exclusivity on Wednesday?

What fit ? This is a very credible rumor. I don't expect Apple to have a "special" event merely to announce that AT&T loses its exclusivity. The context on the other hand for announcing additional provider(s) together with the Tablet is perfect: the latter likely will have 3G hence Apple could simply say that now is no longer only via AT&T.

I really hope so !

 

[Chupa Chupa]

This is a quas-B.S. report. ATT may have lost its exclusivity but, if so, ATT has no idea when Apple will announce it. It won't be on Wed. Here is why:

Apple has said it's traditional iPhone launch period is June/July. We all know Apple is set in its ways on these kind of things. It makes no financial sense to make a Verizon 3GS CDMA phone or a T-Mobile 3GS compatible w/ their 3G data. And Apple is not going release a whole new iPhone which would either absorb the new tablet's excitement, or be overlooked because everyone is focusing on the tablet.

If Apple were to announce "coming to [insert carrier]" in June then that would delay sales of a lot of iPhones from people who would rather wait that contract w/ ATT. Apple's style is to hold announcement until the last minute to spare as much sale damage as possible.

So logically the time for Apple to make this announcement is at the next iPhone hardware event, say May or early June.

What fit ? This is a very credible rumor. I don't expect Apple to have a "special" event merely to announce that AT&T loses its exclusivity. The context on the other hand for announcing additional provider(s) together with the Tablet is perfect: the latter likely will have 3G hence Apple could simply say that now is no longer only via AT&T.

I really hope so !

Except that Apple contract was only for phones, not tablets. Apple has never been obligated to ATT exclusivity in regards to non-phones products. You can read my post above on why its not a good time to announce the end of ATT phone exclusivity.

Hmmmm... As I recall, it was never stated that this event was dedicated to a tablet, but rather "the mobility space".

Rumor becomes reality. You are remembering a pundit's rumor, not anything Apple said. Apple has only said "Come See Our Latest Creation."

Also "mobility space" includes laptops and iPhone OS.

 

[dernhelm]

This is a quas-B.S. report. ATT may have lost its exclusivity but, if so, ATT has no idea when Apple will announce it. It won't be on Wed. Here is why:

Apple has said it's traditional iPhone launch period is June/July. We all know Apple is set in its ways on these kind of things. It makes no financial sense to make a Verizon 3GS CDMA phone or a T-Mobile 3GS compatible w/ their 3G data. And Apple is not going release a whole new iPhone which would either absorb the new tablet's excitement, or be overlooked because everyone is focusing on the tablet.

If Apple were to announce "coming to [insert carrier]" in June then that would delay sales of a lot of iPhones from people who would rather wait that contract w/ ATT. Apple's style is to hold announcement until the last minute to spare as much sale damage as possible.

So logically the time for Apple to make this announcement is at the next iPhone hardware event, say May or early June.

Logically, the best time to announce it would be the earliest time before which Apple can actually release said phone. That way, all involved companies have the best opportunity to make the most money.

If CDMA is the only difference between the phones, I don't think Apple would view it as a hardware upgrade or "new release" and would quite possible release it "out of band".

 

[rdowns]

Jumped the shark:

PowerBook G5
It's snappier
iPhone coming to Verizon

 

[harry*333]

we're not sure how it would fit in with what is believed to be an event focused on the new Apple Tablet

well if the tablet turns out to have 3g coverage from verizon then it would seem like a sure thing for the iphone to move to verizon so why not do it at the same event