We have heard several rumors lately about the CDMA-based iPhone coming to Verizon.
John Gruber of Daring Fireball who has a good track record with Apple rumors has revealed some interesting details about the CDMA-based iPhone, which is codenamed N92.
According to him, Apple is working on a CDMA-based iPhone, which could be released in January 2011.
Daring Fireball writes:
But I do know that engineering-wise, the wheels are turning on N92, the CDMA variant of the iPhone 4. It’s certainly not in production yet, and hasn’t reached DVT status (device verification test — like Gray Powell’s infamous stolen unit), but it is, a few little birdies claim, at EVT (engineering verification test). That’s one step below DVT, which is one step below production. So it’s right about where you’d think it would be if it were scheduled to go on sale in January. The CDMA iPhone is no longer a cold storage, keep-it-alive-just-in-case-we-need-it project.
But he is not sure if the CDMA-based iPhone is meant only for Verizon or might be available on Sprint or meant for the South American or Asian markets.
He believes that Verizon is very likely for the following reason:
The key bit: “At the critical juncture […], when they should have gone for market share, they went for profits.” I think this encapsulates Jobs’s philosophy since taking over Apple in 1997. Take the high end of the market first, establish a brand and presence, then steadily start to expand.
If they’re at that juncture with the iPhone now, expansion means CDMA. And in the U.S., it means Verizon.
Will you jump ship if iPhone is available on Verizon or Sprint’s network? Let us know in the comments.
[via Daring Fireball]
I thought the code name was "Hard Hat"
Hey your first you got to call it…for the CDMA phone would be nice but verizon would be just to expensive and doubt they will carry unlimited plan … Every carrier has switche to a capped plan now … So unlimited AT&T for me
I'm staying on AT&T. I actually have service where I need it, so I'm satisfied.
CODE NAME "LARD ASS"
What's the code for iPhone T-Mobile 4G?
I'm glad someone got it
fail bot 9000 cus t mobile service is scetchy
I dunno what the big deal is. We've had CDMA iPhones in Canada since the 3GS, and the 4 was released here on all carriers. Why don't they just use the same CDMA technology as the one used in our CDMA phones? Doesn't make sense why they would have to make a whole new batch of phones.
i think they should hit verizon and sprint at the same time but not sure they could keep up with the demand on those 2 networks there not even keepin up with AT&T so it will be interesting to see what happens
Great. Just wondering is it uncoded in the uk, because if bought abroad it can prevent me from making Cheap international calls.
Making CDMA iPhone is pretty dumb idea! They are valueless….globally.
lol what??!?!
Canada man here, we actually have had CDMA phones for several years.. Also there is no CDMA technology in any of the Canadian Iphones.. yeah their on almost every carrier but every carrier evolved to GSM.. so what the f*ck are you talking about buddy.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but, a CDMA phone shouldn't have a SIM card, so there is no "unlocking" it.
Plus, if you go abroad you will absolutely be roaming with no possible workaround.
With a GSM iPhone you can unlock it and use a different carrier at home (or like in my case, mine was bought natively unlocked: yeah! Full Price!) or when you go abroad you can get a different SIM card and use it on your iPhone.
Maybe in USA Verizon has better coverage, maybe. But if you want more mobility I guess the GSM version is more flexible.
CDMA is crap. I don't understand why there are networks that still use this. It's such outdated technology. To be honest, why would someone sit there and let there cellular company take full ownership of their phone. At least with a sim card, you have the possibility of unlocking the phone and/or putting it on a different network.
No other country that I have been to doesn't have the option to buy a prepaid plan with a sim card. I guess the CDMA/Verizon version is just for people who don't want to leave the US.
True CDMA is not for everybody but look at this.
With AT&T we pay roughly 49.99 + 30.00 unlimited data(OG subscribers) + misc fees a month and come up with an average bill of $86-$90ish bucks a month for one line. OH! lets not forget to add in unlimited text for an additional $20 bucks a month!
So lets just roughly say the average iphone user with the old plan roughly spends +/- $100 a month for one line.
Now lets say if Apple in fact does release this CDMA iphone. Guess what? I bet alot of people are going to get this iphone flashed (may not be easy as the Android phones) and jump ship to….Yup Metro PCS.
Yeah Metro PCS gets even lower coverage than T-mobile however at $40 a month for unlimited everything I wouldn't care for "slow downloading"
Downloads are very comparable to edge however..i'm not the type to drain my phone downloading on 3G or browsing etc. Half the time I leave my phone on edge to conserve battery life and when I do download, im always in a wifi zone anyways. The wifi uses less battery than the 3G antenna on the 3GS.
I have 3 phones that I use on a daily basis. iphone 3GS 32GB,iphone 4 16GB and a Blackberry Storm 1 flashed to Metro PCS.
Now wouldn't it be nice if the CDMA iphone would actually be a CDMA+GSM world phone like the Blackberry storm? That would totally solve the international issue if you were to go abroad… just have your SIM cutter handy
verizon all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
why would they expand to Verizon if that network still can't support simultaneous voice+data?
My money is still on the iPhone going to TMobile first
That's right! I had completely forgotten about that. The fact that Verizon's network can't support simultaneous browsing and phone calls is a deal breaker. It would seriously gimp the iPhone's features.
You can't call your friend and look up something on the net at the same time? Sorry, you lose.
I agree with the GSM + CDMA option. I still think that it won't work as well on Verizon, mostly because of the lack of ability to call and browse at the same time. I think that is a huge feature that will gimp the iPhone on their network.
AT&T is super expensive and they're probably over charging us, but at least we have most of the iphone's features. No talking and browsing at the same time defeats the multitasking feature. It makes it pointless.
There's no such thing as CDMA iPhones in Canada. You're definitely confused. Yes Bell (and Solo) & Telus (and Koodo)are mostly CDMA mobile phone service providers… But they have integrated HSPA to their network allowing them to support iPhone.
http://www.tipb.com/2009/06/25/telus-bell-hspa-hungry-iphone-3gs-canada/
Multitasking on the iPhone? Really? Since when?
Stop being a sarcastic jack ass.
Uh…no he doesn't. Voice + Data can mean skype over 3G or and VoIP client.
Though it probably isn't the case as often in real life, the iPhone commercials where the dialogue is along the lines of:
"Hey, let's meet up at a restaurant, where you want to go?"
(Spokeperson): Put the call on hold and navigate to Yelp for places to go all while holding your call. That's what makes the iPhone magical, only at AT&T.
I personally hate AT&T but they do have a point. I would love to see the iPhone go to Verizon (because they are rolling out LTE in 2011-2014 which should help with the voice+data) because of the better service and support.
Are the tests now done?
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I’ve heard that the iPhone 5 is about to be launched… any one know when?
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