Verizon iPhone Possibly Available as Soon as November?

[SAD*FACED*CLOWN]

I've got a question for all of you who are against the iPhone coming to other carriers.

Honestly, why do you guys care if other carriers have the iPhone? Does it really effect you or cause you to lose sleep if T-Mobile, Verizon, or Sprint had the iPhone?

I guess AT&T customers won't feel cool anymore if iPhone is no longer exclusive to their carrier.

as an AT&T user I don't care about losing exclusivity as long as it does not become exclusive to another carrier, which I doubt will happen...the only people losing sleep are those on other carriers that want the iPhone...and I think it gets personal for people who have a positive history with AT&T and Verizon users tout how much better their carrier is and how they don't need the iPhone because they have Androids...but we know the truth... we know they all want iPhone instead of those disposable droid phones

 

[whatever]

That's the most ridiculous comment I've read yet. Apple makes decisions based on whether they will improve the bottom line and their position for markets. Spite?

Apple doesn't always makes decisions based on whether they will improve the bottom line and their market positions. At least not the Apple Computer I've been following for 25+ years.

It is well known that Steve Jobs takes things very personally, just recently he had a town hall declaring war on Google. Does he do things out of spite. Yes he does, it's very well documented.

 

[nicegoogly]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but from what I remember that ad actually complimented the iPhone but bashed AT&T.

Having just watched it to confirm, an argument can be made that Verizon is burning both Apple and AT&T.

 

[longball11]

Who cares every other day you do a rumor on Verizon! As bad as AT&T is Verizon is worse. If apple were smart and really willing to make a CDMA version of the Iphone they would put it on sprint and make it 4G WiMax and let it have the speed it needs.

Wow. wrong. you don't hear about it every day. If you think so then your on the internet too much.

AT&T sucks. Verizon rocks. Sprint is not in the competition. Don't fight it.

 

[kdarling]

Having just watched it to confirm, an argument can be made that Verizon is burning both Apple and AT&T.

I don't see how that argument could be made. The Island of Misfit Toys goes like this:

Elephant: "What are you doing here? You can download apps and browse the web."
Doll: "Yeah, people will love you!"
ATT 3G coverage map appears, all toys sound sympathetic: "Ohhhhh."

Sure sounds like they said good things about the iPhone and only dissed AT&T.

--

Some of the Droid ads could be better taken to make fun of other phones (including the iPhone), like the "clueless beauty pageant queen" and "Droid Does" ads.

They could even be used to explain why Apple is moving away from the metrosexual curved look to a more industrial look.

 

[rockieboy]

i'm not too sold on the iphone + verizon rumor. verizon likes to lock down their phones so you have to use their services. not sure if they're willing to let go of that, even for the iphone.

if these rumors are b/c of iphone hardware changes (specifically the radio), then it may not be for verizon. china mobile has a few subscribers that would love to have the iphone too. but, either way, apple wins...$$.

 

[Roessnakhan]

verizon likes to lock down their phones so you have to use their services.

That's old thinking, Verizon rarely, if ever, puts their own software on their smartphone devices anymore.

 

[nicegoogly]

I don't see how that argument could be made. The Island of Misfit Toys goes like this:

Elephant: "What are you doing here? You can download apps and browse the web."
Doll: "Yeah, people will love you!"
ATT 3G coverage map appears, all toys sound sympathetic: "Ohhhhh."

Sure sounds like they said good things about the iPhone and only dissed AT&T.

--

Some of the Droid ads could be better taken to make fun of other phones (including the iPhone), like the "clueless beauty pageant queen" and "Droid Does" ads.

They could even be used to explain why Apple is moving away from the metrosexual curved look to a more industrial look.

Putting a product on the "Island of Misfit Toys" takes a shot at not just the service, but the fact that it is more consumer than business (a very big part of Verizon's subscriber base). Are you saying Jobs likes the fact that his baby is being referred to as a mere toy? "Droid Does" was not the entire campaign. "iDon't" was what you missed. If you don't think that refers to Apple products, I can't see how you even found macrumors. I am an attorney and have to defend some crazy guys with crazy excuses, but to defend the Verizon ads that they were referring to many other phones and not just the iPhone, is totally out there. It is their main competition. I don't fault them for going for it. They may pay the price since Jobs is pretty sensitive about that stuff.

How does making the new iPhone (if the Gizmodo disaster is the final product) make it look less metrosexual and more industrial? From the side it looks like a MBP and in some ways very iPad. That's industrial? And this "industrial" look is in response to these ads? Apple's response to the "beauty queen" remark is to make the product...uglier?

 

[Geckotek]

It would not be in Apple's best interests to not announce it at WWDC if it knew it was going to drop later this year.

No, because they would cannibalize their own sales. Just like people say the 4G leak hurts the sales of the 3Gs, a Verizon leak too soon would hurt sales of the 4G launch on AT&T. IF Verizon were to actually get an iPhone in the fall, I would expect an announcement much closer to release.

Sounds to me like a good rumor for Verizon to float just to keep people from jumping ship to the new iPhone.

They just like to keep that carrot of an iPhone coming to Verizon right in front of their subscribers. Don't switch now -- it'll be any day now....later this year...just a few more months...

Agreed, I see the advantage for Verizon. What I don't see is an advantage for Apple. Apple has a ton of potential customers waiting on Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile (mostly Verizon I think.) If they never plan on releasing a phone on Verizon, why wouldn't they say so in hopes that those users would go ahead and jump ship???

has anyone actually seen a CDMA iPhone yet? Logic dictates that if one were to be made availiable as soon as November we'd know because it would be undergoing testing now...and I doubt iPhones without GSM sim trays would go unnnoticed by anyone

Actually, until the recent 4G leaks, logic would dictate that Apple has always been super secretive and we would most likely NOT see a CDMA iPhone. And if one were to leak, it would be closer to launch.

However, if you want a CDMA leak from Apple...John Gruber has stated that he knows Apple has a skunkworks CDMA group.

I guarantee Apple will bring an iPhone to Verizon. When? I don't know. It will absolutely support CDMA, as well as LTE. Why CDMA? Because according to some reports (http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-20005120-94.html), LTE will cover about 200 million people by 2015. While that is quite a bit of coverage, it's not 100% coverage and the phone will have to drop back to CDMA for compatibility reasons. Also, Verizon doesn't plan to have LTE for voice up and running until 2012 (http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/27/verizon-looking-at-non-unlimited-plans-for-4g-data-will-use-lte/). It's going to be strictly data until that time. How else would a Verizon iPhone use voice? You guessed it, CDMA.

In the end, Apple was developing an Intel version of OS X for quite sometime before they let us all know. It's improbable to believe that they don't have a CDMA version testing somewhere in their labs somewhere. Anyone want to guess which particular employee isn't testing it?

+1

In reality, it is. Spread spectrum signaling is vastly more efficient. Fact.

Exactly why the GSMA adopted W-CDMA.

 

[rockieboy]

That's old thinking, Verizon rarely, if ever, puts their own software on their smartphone devices anymore.

i guess it shows that i don't have a verizon smart phone

but, i still think these rumors could be b/c there's going to be an iphone for china mobile, instead of verizon.

 

[Geckotek]

I wouldn't know, but you're probably right. We do know that China Unicom uses WCDMA, so that has to mean something.

Actually they have both a CDMA and a GSM network. They were awarded W-CDMA licenses as well in Jan '09.

All GSM carriers are going W-CDMA. Because W-CDMA was adopted by the GSMA. W-CDMA is UMTS.

Isn't this just as much of an "analyst" prediction?

Hahaha...at least the "Analyst" backs up his argument w/ reason (as weak as it may be). Gotta love the "It's never coming to Verizon!" statments that have no backing. Wasted space in our forum.

First of all, only a handful of markets around the world remain exclusive with Apple--everywhere else they are open to virtually all carriers. There is no extra revenue from selection anymore, because as your second point falsely attests--there is no revenue sharing in multi-carrier markets. I won't claim to know how it is done in the other exclusive markets, but in fact in the case of AT&T there has been no revenue sharing since the 3G's introduction. For all of Apple's control, Apple had to drop the business model they introduced in 2007 into a traditional market of carrier subsidies for the physical phone. No more revenue sharing. Verizon wouldn't have to agree to share anything on its data or telephone revenue.

If you really believe that the sticking point is a verizon logo on a phone and commercials, or letting Apple have an app store (um, you do realize they allow Android on their network right? And to let Google do whatever it wants) then nothing really will ever convince you.

http://money.cnn.com/2010/05/28/technology/verizon_iphone/index.htm?source=cnn_bin&hpt=Sbin

"Apple has a five-year exclusivity deal with AT&T (T, Fortune 500), according to court documents, making it unlikely that the iPhone could come to Verizon before 2012."

As I've posted in the past, my experience with AT&T/Cingular has been great. I get great service in the North East (better than I ever did with Verizon) and it works every where I go.

I actually have a theory on that. Didn't we hear that AT&T HATED the revenue sharing? I'm willing to bet that IF we see a Verizon iPhone before 2012, it's because AT&T wanted to dump the revenue sharing and Apple said "fine, as long as we can kill the exclusivity". Both companies knew that 5 years was too long to be mutually beneficial for a deal of that nature.

 

[citi]

...for this latest attempt by your loyal supporters (employees, stock holders) to delay the inevitable exodus to other providers. This has been going on for 3 years now (rumor after rumor).

You committed the Business Blunder of the Decade by not working with Apple.

Now you are left with waiting until your LTE footprint is large enough to support an LTE iPhone (2013-14?). In the meantime, your only tool left in your purse is false hope to your current customers. Shame on you.

I think Verizon is doing alright, even without the iPhone

 

[Geckotek]

heh! he said a$$ !!

On a more serious note, how exactly would things unfold for current ATT users who might want to switch to Verizon? Say for someone who's got a year left on their contract?

1) AT&T moves up their upgrade so they can get the 4G @ launch
2) Sign a new 2 year contract for the 4G iPhone with a $325 ETF
3) The Verizon phone is announced
4)

Hey, we're all waiting to see the capabilities of this new iPhone but if it comes out next month and indeed will be available thru verizon in November, then I sure hope Stevo let's us know! I'll be pissed to sign a 2 year contract with AT&T if there's a future option only months away. Better mention this on stage Steve.

1) He won't. It would cannibalize AT&T 4G sales.
2) I'm in the same predicament. Still, I think reselling a 4G would at least cover the ETF, but perhaps not the entire cost...but maybe close ($299 + $325 ETF = $624)

Apple doesn't always makes decisions based on whether they will improve the bottom line and their market positions. At least not the Apple Computer I've been following for 25+ years.

It is well known that Steve Jobs takes things very personally, just recently he had a town hall declaring war on Google. Does he do things out of spite. Yes he does, it's very well documented.

Steve still answers to a board of directors. If the money is big enough, he won't be able to ignore it.

 

[s.t.i.l.e.s.]

No Thanks

For the longest time I've been waiting for the iPhone to go to Verizon so I could switch back. But honestly at this point I don't really want Apple to get any bigger. The company culture is changing and Apple's power is starting to go to their head. I'd rather they stay this size, stay innovative, keep the healthy Droid competition, and I'll deal with my AT&T dropped calls.

 

[Rogzilla]

Apple doesn't always makes decisions based on whether they will improve the bottom line and their market positions. At least not the Apple Computer I've been following for 25+ years.

It is well known that Steve Jobs takes things very personally, just recently he had a town hall declaring war on Google. Does he do things out of spite. Yes he does, it's very well documented.

And yeah, Steve takes things personally, we all do. But there is a difference from a partner one day deciding they are going to be a competitor and someone wanting to become a partner. I can't see Steve Jobs not looking at Verizon and seeing the huge potetial there. There are more customers who will NOT go over to ATT but want iPhones. There will also be people on other networks who would be willing to go to Verizon to get the iPhone, but not ATT (a coworker of mine just left Verizon due to them not having any phones they liked, but despite wanting an iPhone, he refused to go to ATT so he went to Sprint).

It has also been reported that, despite the jabs at each other, Google and Apple still work together. Its as if they are adults who can look pass things and work together.

 

[vpndev]

Verizon doesn't yet have its act together

As far as I know, Verizon's "free WiFi with FiOS" is STILL not available to Mac users.

You might think that they'd fix this Real Soon Now if they were serious about courting Apple for iPhone.

Since they have not, as far as I've heard, any rumors of iPhone-on-Verizon must be regarded as bunk

 

[marksman]

Did anyone here ever stop to think that Apple maybe just thinks Verizon sucks?

 

[enzo thecat]

I think it is very likely. I also think apple would have made it known that the rumors were false if it wasn't going to happen. They would sell a lot moe iPhones if they did. I have been a Verizon customer long befor it was Verizon. But i'd switch to AT&T if I knew for sure that Verizon was not getting the iphone in the near future. And apple would sell another iPhone. Same goes for my brother and about 5 of my good firends.


e

 

[BlueQ]

So tired of this non-story!

The iPhone is not coming to Verizon.

When Apple originally approached Verizon before the iPhone launch, the CEO of Verizon told Steve Jobs and Apple to take a hike.

Cingular (now rebranded as AT&T, but really has nothing to do with the "old" AT&T) took a gamble and it paid off.

Over three years later we're still talking about the iPhone.

Beyond the technology limitations of the Verizon's network, Apple will not go their out of pure spite.

Don't be surprised to see the iPhone on the other networks, just to rub it in Verizon's face.

I am sure you are right because spite always rules over making millions of dollars more...

 

[blipper]

Probably just another rumor floated by Verizon to delay further customer switching until they do actually get the iPhone.

As many have pointed out, it may more likely be planted by Apple to keep people from buying Androids. My iPhone contract runs out at the beginning of September. I've been keeping a VZW phone for voice for the last two years. I'm going to consolidate my cellular accounts and eliminate ATT one way or another. If I can do it with a CDMA iPhone on VZW, I'll do that. If not, it's an Android for me.

 

[JoJoCal19]

No, because they would cannibalize their own sales. Just like people say the 4G leak hurts the sales of the 3Gs, a Verizon leak too soon would hurt sales of the 4G launch on AT&T. IF Verizon were to actually get an iPhone in the fall, I would expect an announcement much closer to release.

We think alike most of the time but not in this case. I can guarantee you that if Verizon and Apple have a deal or know they will have a deal, Verizon WILL NOT let Apple announce the 4G iPhone at WWDC without mentioning the upcoming VeriPhone. Why? Because Verizon would not allow people to leave to go to AT&T knowing full well they will have it a few months later. ESPECIALLY since those users would be stuck at AT&T due to the new $325 ETF. I will bet that AT&T announced that new ETF when it did just because of this. AT&T knew a Verizon iPhone is imminent and they are counting on hundreds of thousands of un-knowing people on AT&T that have no clue about Verizon iPhone rumors and will re-up for the new 4G and then when a Verizon iPhone is announced or does come out, they cant leave to Verizon.

 

[cvaldes]

I've got a question for all of you who are against the iPhone coming to other carriers.

Honestly, why do you guys care if other carriers have the iPhone? Does it really effect you or cause you to lose sleep if T-Mobile, Verizon, or Sprint had the iPhone?

I guess AT&T customers won't feel cool anymore if iPhone is no longer exclusive to their carrier.

Actually, I want other carriers to have the iPhone. More points of distribution, more potential customers.

Whenever Apple has eliminated carrier exclusivity in a given market, iPhone sales increase.

As an AAPL shareholder, that's reason enough for me to care. I don't expect AT&T's stock to tank if they lose carrier exclusivity. There's very little growth potential for AT&T, which is why they pay a hefty dividend (about 6%, I own a few shares of 'T').

 

[cvaldes]

As many have pointed out, it may more likely be planted by Apple to keep people from buying Androids. My iPhone contract runs out at the beginning of September. I've been keeping a VZW phone for voice for the last two years. I'm going to consolidate my cellular accounts and eliminate ATT one way or another. If I can do it with a CDMA iPhone on VZW, I'll do that. If not, it's an Android for me.

This is nuts.

Joe Consumer never hears about these inane fanboy rumors. 99% of these moronic Apple rumors you read here at MacRumors, AppleInsider, Gizmodo, Engadget, wherever means zilch to the consumer marketplace.

Consumers don't know when the next-generation smartphone from X manufacturer is coming out. They only care about what's for purchase today.

 

[cjmillsnun]

Ummm... an almost instantaneous increase in sales by about 8 mn. handsets (17% of the approx 50mn customers Verizon has) is not doing it "out of pure spite".

A nice side benefit will be that it will completely crush the Android eco-system.

The only reason Android exists (and is getting stronger by the day, hurting the iPhone) is because Apple is not present on 3 of the 4 carriers in the US.

Also, CDMA technology is superior to GSM technology. I would always support GSM, primarily because of replaceable sim cards, allowing you to travel to different countries and use the same phone, but a local number, but that doesn't mean its the better tech.

Could you explain in what way CDMA is superior to GSM or actually I should say UMTS/HSPDA?

and if you say coverage I will laugh in your face. The coverage issue is down to AT&T not building their network. A case in point is to go look at the European networks. Verizon and Sprint were lucky in that a software upgrade is all their existing network required.

If you say speed I will again laugh. EV-DO Rev B goes up to 4.9Mbps (Verizon and Sprint use EV-DO Rev A which is slower) UMTS HSDPA 14.0 Mbps (majority of countries will shortly be at 7.2Mbps)

Add to that the ability to use data over 3G whilst in a voice call.

Also Android existed (Google bought it before the iPhone was released) before the iPhone. It will continue to exist even if the iPhone is on every network, as will RIM's BlackBerry platform and Symbian. The only OS for phones under threat is WinMo. There's a good reason for that.

Wow still cant belive people are saying a Verizon iPhone is coming.

Give it up guys

Corrected that for you. We've had these rumours for years now. So far, nada

 

[SockRolid]

Zero chance until...

Two things need to happen before any Apple / Verizon iPhone can ever exist:

1. CDMA needs to be upgraded to be able to handle voice and data connections simultaneously. Until then, no deal.

2. Verizon must never be allowed to put that dog butt ugly logo on any iPhone. Looks like a bored junior high schooler did it with black and red El Markos.