Earlier today we heard about Verizon and Apple coming together to sell the iPad across 2000 retail outlets that Verizon has in the US. These would be WiFi iPads sold along with MiFi 2200 hotspot connection from Verizon. But if you look deeper its not (just) about the iPad selling at another retail channel around the holiday season but obvious relation between Verizon and Apple.
Verizon is the same carrier that promoted the Motorola Droid (Android) which happened to be the best selling Android phone for a long time. And the way Verizon campaigns (Droid Does) were hitting Apple’s iPhone, it was certain that a CDMA iPhone for Verizon was not happening anytime soon. However, the negotiations between Verizon and Apple which is going on since years seem to be coming to an end along with AT&T’s iPhone exclusivity. There are multiple rumors that indicate a Verizon iPhone. One clear simple motivation is the fact that Verizon is the biggest carrier in US and the reception issues of AT&T has been a worry for Apple since years.
Apart from this we have heard about Apple sourcing new Qualcomm chips that support both CDMA and GSM networks together. Couple that with Apple’s negotiation with Reliance/TATA in India gives a clear indication of a big move in 2011 by Apple. The iPhone has to move to new carriers in US to a) penetrate deeper b) give a better user experience. And this would mean that a lot of new carriers including the CDMA players in India can have the new iPhones from Apple. What remains to be seen is the release date. Would Apple stick to its annual June/July cycle or push this in early 2011? Will this be an iPhone 4G form factor with just the CDMA bit added or a tweak to check the antennagate issue?
The missing fact is Apple’s contract with ATT, but the point in your article “Apple sourcing new Qualcomm chips that supports both CDMA and GSM networks together” is an interesting fact to note. While it may still be a few years away, it’s inevitable that Apple would expand beyond ATT to further sales. If only that day were sooner than later 😉
Yes they have a 5 yr contract, but there would sure be arrangements to end that early ….