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Apple will begin mass producing a Verizon-compatible iPhone that will debut in early 2011, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.

The Verizon iPhone will be similar to the iPhone 4 in design and be based on the CDMA standard used by Verizon, according to WSJ, who cites “people briefed by Apple.”

Apple does not officially comment on product rumors.

WSJ’s latest article is slightly inconsistent with its March report claiming that Apple would begin mass producing a CDMA-compatible iPhone in September. The March report did not suggest a release date for a presumed Verizon iPhone.

Technology observers have learned to take Verizon iPhone rumors with a big grain of salt. Speculation about a Verizon iPhone has run wild ever since the original iPhone’s launch on AT&T. Multiple publications have published rumors claiming different release dates for the fabled device (see part of the list below).

Wired magazine’s Fred Vogelstein published a feature in July illustrating that a Verizon iPhone is stifled by complicated business negotiations, not technical limitations; Steve Jobs has actively considered splitting with AT&T for over a year.

Photo of an AT&T-compatible iPhone 4: Jon Snyder/Wired.com

Source:wired.com

Posted under Gadget Reviews

Following the The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg reports that Verizon is launching an iPhone early next year.

Bloomberg cites multiple anonymous sources who claim Verizon will begin carrying the iPhone in January 2011, ending AT&T’s exclusive partnership with Apple.

Bloomberg’s report follows The Wall Street Journal’s article in May, which claimed that Apple is scheduled to produce CDMA iPhones this September. CDMA is the standard used by Verizon iPhones.

Technology publications and analysts have speculated about a Verizon iPhone for years, but the stipulations of Apple’s exclusive contract with AT&T remain unconfirmed. However, it’s notable that two mainstream news outlets are now claiming a Verizon iPhone is due soon.

In response to Verizon iPhone rumors in May, AT&T said during an investor conference that the company was not intimidated by a Verizon iPhone because discounted family and business plans would make it difficult for subscribers to transition multiple devices to a new carrier.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com

Source:wired.com

Posted under Gadget Reviews