Verizon iPhone Could Arrive Next Year After All

After running ads bashing Verizon iPhone, many observers agree that the technology is not inconceivable that Apple could consider sharing the popular smartphone with Verizon. But a new report shows otherwise.

Apple is providing an iPhone for Verizon in the third quarter of 2010, claims the research company Global OTR. Company cites sources that say Apple is working on a "worldmode" iPhone-compatible Verizon CDMA network. (Apple iPhone currently only works on the GSM standard, which AT & T is part of the network.)

The firm’s report, which was provided to AppleInsider, also claims the handset will have a smaller screen — 2.8 inches, significantly smaller than the current iPhone’s 3.5-inch display.

Whispers of a different iPhone being developed for Verizon were exchanged back in April. BusinessWeek cited two sources “familiar with the matter” saying Apple and Verizon were working to offer two new iPhone-like devices: a smaller, less-expensive calling device (perhaps an “iPhone lite”), and a more expensive, unnamed media pad, which can place calls over Wi-Fi, display photos, and play music as well as high-definition video.

Apple’s exclusive contract with AT&T will reportedly end in 2010, and many observers speculated that the Cupertino, California company would then share the iPhone with Verizon. However, the consensus quickly reversed when Verizon aired its Droid TV ads ruthlessly attacking the shortcomings of the iPhone.