If you've accidentally cracked the screen on your Verizon or Sprint iPhone 4, or it's just stopped responding, and you don't want to pony up the money for a new CDMA iPhone just yet, you can DIY repair it. If you feel pretty confident that, with a little ninja daring, we can walk you through how to do an iPhone 4 screen replacement all on your own.

Disclaimer: As with any repair, neither iMore nor PXLFIX can be held responsible for any damage you may do to your device. It’s also worth considering that opening up your device to perform any repair or modification can and will void your Apple warranty. If you don’t feel comfortable opening your device, don’t. Use extreme care and caution when performing a repair on any device.

This repair is one of the more difficult repairs when it comes to the iPhone 4 (be it GSM/AT&T or CDMA/Verizon/Sprint). In short, you'll need to disassemble almost the entire phone in order to swap out the screen. While it may be a bit of a process, it's definitely do-able with a bit of patience and steady hands. Just think about whether it's a challenge you're willing to take on before proceeding.

What you need for a DIY CDMA (Verizon or Sprint) iPhone 4 screen replacement

PXLFIX recommends using only quality and genuine parts from a reputable supplier like eTech Parts. They have quality parts, tools, and much more for all your repair needs.

• CDMA iPhone 4 (please note there ARE internal differences between the GSM and CDMA models - this guide strictly deals with the CDMA model - in the US, that means Verizon or Sprint)
• Replacement LCD & digitizer assembly - Black, White
• #00 Phillips screwdriver
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Pry tool or spudger (you may need a handheld razor blade as well)
• Security screwdriver (to remove the 2 screws in your dock connector, all CDMA models will come with security screws)

Power off your iPhone 4

Before performing any repair, always power off your device before removing any screws or parts.

Remove the back

1. First remove the bottom 2 dock connector screws in your iPhone 4. Use your five point security screwdriver for this as all versions of the CDMA iPhone 4 have security screws in the dock connector.

2. To remove the back simply slide the back upwards and lift it off gently.
3. Set the back and 2 dock connector screws aside.

Organize your screws

It's very important to make sure you remember where you are pulling screws from, so place them in an arrangement that you'll understand and remember. I normally lay them out the same way every time I disassemble a device so I remember where they came from and how they go back in. They're all different sizes so trying to figure out where they go if you get them mixed up probably won't be fun.

Remove the battery

1. To remove the battery you’ll need to remove the #00 screw holding the battery clip in place. Remove this screw located to the bottom left of the battery.

2. The metal clip on the battery is what clips the battery to the logic board. You’ll need to pop this clip up with your plastic pry tool. Simply stick the end of your pry tool underneath the clip and gently pull upwards until it unfastens from the logic board.

3. To remove the battery, I do not recommend using the plastic pull tab. There is quite a bit of adhesive underneath the battery and the tab will normally just rip off or you can bend the battery. Instead, run your pry tool along the right side of the battery and break the adhesive that way. Once the battery is free from the adhesive, you can pull the battery out of the phone. There are no other connectors holding it in.

4. I typically fold the plastic tab over while working on the iPhone 4 to keep it out of the way while I'm disassembling parts. It's not necessary but convenient.

Remove the grounding clip

To the left of where you disconnected the battery you'll see another screw holding in a grounding clip over the antenna. We'll need to remove it.

1. Unscrew the one screw holding the grounding clip in place with your #00 Phillips screwdriver.

2. Gently lift the grounding clip out of the device. It's very tiny as you can see above. Take care not to misplace it or lose it.

Remove the dock connector shield and disconnect the cable

1. There is a shield held on with two screws covering the dock connector cable. Remove the two screws holding it in place and set the shield and screws aside, remembering where they came from. (They are labeled as screw 1 & 2 in the photo above.)

2. Next, use your pry tool to pry up the actual dock connector cable. Be careful as there is adhesive holding the cable in place as well. Peel back the adhesive gently to free the cable.

Unclip the antenna from the logic board

Underneath where you removed the grounding clip, you'll see a tiny circular cable. This is your antenna cable. You'll need to unclip it from the logic board.

1. Take the edge of your pry tool or spudger and gently pry up the circular head to detach it from the logic board.

2. You'll notice the cable is wound around some metal brackets. Just gently guide it out of the brackets with your pry tool and finger. It's attached to the speaker assembly. Once you've finished unwinding it from the brackets, you can leave it where it is for now.

Remove the top logic board shield

1. There are 5 screws holding the logic board shield in place as labeled in the photo above. Remove the 5 screws holding it in place plus screw number 6 off to the right (we'll get to this one in a second). Just be sure to remember which holes they came out of as the screws are different sizes. I keep them arranged in the shape they came out of the logic board with the shield next to it. I find this to be the easiest way to keep them in order.

2. Next you'll need to remove the shield. There is a tiny clip built into the shield holding it in place. (Refer to the photo above.) Grab the shield by the top where the top screw came out and gently lift up and push down. The bottom notch will come out and you should be able to gently lift the shield out of the device.

Remove wifi antenna grounding clip

1. The number 6 screw we removed previously we're now returning to. There is a clip underneath it. Gently use your pry tool to remove it.

2. You'll find a cross head screw underneath it. We'll get back to that in just a minute.

Disconnect 7 cables from the logic board

Click on the image to view a larger version

1. Pop up all the cables labeled in the pictures above by gently lifting them with your pry tool or spudger..

2. Next gently lift the camera out of the device. You'll notice there is a tiny tab that is seated underneath the LCD and digitizer cables to the right.

3. Play close attention to the direction in which the cables pop up. The cable furthest to the right will pop up in the opposite direction of the others.

Remove the logic board

Click on the image to view a larger version

1. There are 5 screws you'll need to remove in order to remove the logic board. Three need to be removed with a flat blade screwdriver (flathead) while the other two will be removed with your #00 Phillips screwdriver.
2. Remove the screws numbered 1-3 in the image above using your flat blade screw driver. Make sure you remember which ones go where as the heads are a bit different.
3. Now remove screws 4 and 5 with your #00 screwdriver. Notice that the screw labeled number 5 will have a tiny gold grounding clip for the camera underneath it. Make sure you don't lose this and save it for re-assembly.

4. You should now be able to remove your logic board. Holding it at the bottom, gently pull it upwards. I use my other hand to lift up at the top where the rear facing camera used to be.

5. Take note that there is a small rubber piece that sits at the top of the logic board. You will need this for re-assembly so make sure it doesn't fall off. If you lose this, you could experience wifi or reception issues.

Remove the speaker assembly

1. To remove the speaker assembly you have two #00 screws to remove. They sit to the right and the left of the speaker assembly. The left screw will have a tiny triangular shaped plastic spacer under the screw. Set it aside with the screw as well for re-assembly. If you lose this, your speaker assembly will not sit correctly.

2. Gently lift the speaker assembly out of your device and set it aside.

Remove the vibrator assembly

1. The vibrator assembly in the CDMA iPhone 4 is only held down with adhesive. Use your pry tool to gently pry it up from the mid-frame of the device. Just take care not to bend it.
2. Next, gently lift the vibrator assembly out of the device.

Remove the 4 screws in each corner

There are 10 total screws that attach your iPhone 4 LCD/Digitizer assembly to your frame. The 4 in the corners will need to be completely removed. They are all #00 screws.

1. The first two are located in the top right and left hand corners. You may notice the screw in the top left hand corner has black tape over it. If it does, you'll need to peel it off.

2. The last 2 are in the bottom left and right corners. There's no tricks here. Just remove them. All four screws are the same size as well, so you can keep them grouped together.

Loosen the remaining 6 screws

There are six other screws with washers holding in the LCD/digitizer assembly. Along the left and right side of the phone, loosen all six screws about 2.5 turns each. You can remove them if you'd like but I've always found them rather difficult to get back in. Loosening them works just as good.

Remove the broken LCD & digitizer assembly from your iPhone

This is where it can get a bit tricky. Your screen is held in not only with the 10 screws mentioned above but also with strong adhesive. You will need to break this adhesive in order to remove the front panel.

1. Hold your iPhone in one hand with the screen facing you. Starting in the top left hand corner, run a pry tool or razor blade in between the frame and front panel. You'll need to pry up quite a bit in order to break the adhesive. Be careful around the front facing camera and speaker area.

2. Next move your pry tool or razor blade to the bottom of your device and do the same thing, working your way around until the adhesive is broken and the front panel starts to come off. If your screen is cracked, additional glass may break off. That's perfectly normal.

3. To completely remove the front panel - start at the top of your iPhone and gently pull the assembly away from the frame. Be careful to allow the LCD and digitizer cables to slip through the opening in the frame without getting caught up.

Remove any left over glass or debris from the frame

Before reassembling your iPhone, you'll need to make sure there is no glass stuck to the remaining adhesive or inside the frame. If there is it could cause damage to the new screen or you'll be able to see it through the new assembly, which can be annoying. Just make sure you do a thorough job of picking off all the glass on and around the frame before continuing to reassembly.

Replace speaker mesh and camera hold

Some assemblies will come with new speaker mesh and camera holds pre-installed. Some will not. If your does, you can skip this step. If it doesn't, continue on...

1. Remove the speaker mesh off the cracked screen and place it on the new assembly or the mid-frame. I've found it easiest to line it up perfectly by placing it on the mid-frame. Add more adhesive if needed.

2. Now remove the plastic camera hold from the old assembly and place it around the front facing camera in the mid-frame. Instead of placing it on the assembly and using adhesive, it's going to be easier to place it on the mid-frame. You'll notice there is a groove in it that will allow you to align it exactly correct.

Put on new LCD/digitizer assembly

When you feed the digitizer cables through to put on a new screen, make sure the cables are the same length once you put them through. The thinner one crimps up easily and if it does, you'll find you won't be able to attach it to the logic board.

When putting on the new digitizer assembly, you'll need to make sure that it lines up correctly. Be sure to make sure the brackets for the frame go on the outside of the washers in the mid-frame. You may need to use your pry tool to position each bracket correctly.

To make sure the screen is on correctly, just look around each corner and make sure the black frame is completely flush with the aluminum mid-frame all the way around before replacing screws.

Reassemble your iPhone

Once you're sure you've gotten all the glass and leftover debris out of your iPhone, you're ready for reassembly. Watch our reassembly video or repeat all the steps above in the reverse order.

And... done!

If you followed the above steps correctly you should know have a working and non-broken iPhone 4 again. This definitely isn't the easiest repair to perform so now's the time to give yourself a big pat on the back and let us know how it went! Want to know how to perform another type of iPhone repair or modification? Send me suggestions to ally.kazmucha@imore.com.

For questions or to inquire about mail-in repairs through PXLFIX, please follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook or e-mail us directly! Of course, you can like us and follow us just because you think we're cool too!

Additional Resources:

• How to DIY replace a GSM iPhone 4 screen
• How to replace an iPhone 4 battery (GSM & CDMA
• Even more DIY repair guides

"Checking for water damage is pretty simple and something everyone should do before forking over your hard earned cash for a second-hand iPhone 4."

If you're trying to save some money and are in the market to purchase a used iPhone 4 from either Craigslist, eBay, or some other local or online seller, one of the first things you'll want to do is check for any signs of water damage. I see several people in my office each week that purchased used iPhones that mysteriously quit working after a few days. As much as we'd like to believe there aren't people out there who would sell us broken or water damaged devices, it happens every day.

While online-only iPhone purchases are convenient, I highly recommend meeting up with someone locally, for example, someone off of Craiglist, before turning to eBay or any other online broker. This allows you inspect the iPhone device before you actually commit to purchasing it, and gives you a chance test it out and check for water damage yourself.

If you can't meet someone locally and need to buy online, request that the seller inspect for water damage and send you images that allow you to see that the water sensors are still intact and that the internals have not suffered any damage or corrosion.

Apple has placed 4 sensors inside the iPhone 4 that make it pretty easy to tell if any part of the device has come in contact with liquid. These sensors are placed exactly the same in the GSM iPhone 4 and CDMA iPhone 4. You want to make sure the sensors are white as opposed to red. If you see a sensor that has turned red, that's a sign it's come into contact with liquid or heavy humidity.

How to check external iPhone water sensors

The easiest thing to check are the two sensors you can see without removing the back of the iPhone 4. I recommend bringing a small pocket or keychain flashlight with you in order to get a good look at the sensors.

Headphone jack sensor

The easiest sensor to check in an iPhone 4 for water damage is the one at the bottom of the headphone jack

Your first sensor is located inside the headphone jack at the bottom. It's the easiest sensor to find and inspect. Shine a flashlight into it and make sure you don't see anything but white. (Red is bad.)

As a side note, this sensor can come out or become dislodged occasionally. If you don't see one, just move on and check the next sensor. I wouldn't take it as a sign that the seller is trying to be dishonest (yet).

Dock connector sensor

The white part I've emphasized in the image is where you'll want to look for the water sensor in the dock connector

The next sensor is a square sensor in the dock connector. To see it, hold the phone screen down in your hand and look inside the dock connector towards the middle. On the upper side you will see a tiny white square (or red square if the device has come into contact with liquid). Make sure this one is white.

If both sensors are white, it may not be necessary to proceed any further. The device most likely has never been subjected to water damage. If the headphone jack sensor was missing or you couldn't find one of the sensors, you may want to continue to the next section.

How to checking internal iPhone water sensors

It may seem silly to bring a screwdriver with you to check out an iPhone but it'll seem a lot less silly when it saves the lost money and headache you'd get for buying a water damaged iPhone 4.

There are two sensors on the inside of the iPhone 4 that are easily visible once the back is removed. You can pick up a security screw driver online and a #00 Phillips screwdriver from your local hardware store for a few bucks. You'll need one of the two in order to remove the back.

If you're buying a CDMA iPhone 4 off of someone, you'll most certainly need the security screwdriver. Older GSM models still have standard #00 screws while newer ones have security screws. Remove the 2 screws holding the back plate on and gently push the back up and pull it off. This will give you a clear view of the last 2 sensors and a lot of the internals of the device.

While you're checking the last 2 sensors it's always a good idea to look closely at the internals and make sure everything looks ok. You'll want to avoid any devices that show signs of the following:

• Obvious corrosion
• Torn cables
• Missing screws
• The battery tab is torn off
• A large amount of debris or dust inside the device

If all those seem good, you'll just need to make sure the water sensors check out okay.

Battery sensor

Check the sensor directly above the battery to make sure it hasn't turned red

The first sensor is placed directly over the clip that holds the battery down. Again, just make sure it's white and move on the to next and final sensor. If it isn't white but all the rest are, I'd probably still advise against buying the device as the battery or other internal parts could have come into contact with liquid at some point.

Logic board sensor

Never purchase a used iPhone 4 if the sensor over the screw holding down the logic board has turned red

The final sensor is located on a screw holding the logic board in place. If this sensor is white, you're in the clear. If it's not, you'll definitely want to stay away from purchasing the device. This sensor is the closest one to the logic board. If it's red, odds are the logic board has liquid damage and will eventually go out.

Wrap up

Checking for water damage is pretty simple and something everyone should do before forking over your hard earned cash for a second-hand iPhone 4. I would personally consider buying an iPhone 4 if only the headphone jack or dock connector sensor was triggered. If the rest of the device is in perfect condition and the inside has no sensors triggered, I'd say you're okay. A lot of things including living in a humid climate can cause external sensors to be triggered. Apple will actually honor a warranty swap if only one external sensor is triggered due to these factors.

Just make sure if one external sensor is triggered or missing that you check the inside ones. As long as those are okay, the decision really lies with how comfortable you feel and how honest you think the seller is. If they seem irritated or worried about you checking out the device, find another one.

Interested in other DIY, repair, and modding info? Check out the resources below or if you ever decide certain repairs are beyond your skill level, contact PXLFIX regarding mail-in repairs and pricing.

Additional resources

• How to choose quality iPhone 4 color kits
• All DIY, repair, and mod guides
• Mod and DIY repair forums

Replacing the rear camera in your GSM or CDMA iPhone 4 isn't a very difficult DIY repair, as long as you have the right tools and parts. We'll walk you through step by step and show you how to get your camera back into working order in no time. While the GSM and CDMA variants are slightly different, the guide will work for both. So grab your tools and your sad iPhone 4 and follow along!

Disclaimer: As with any repair, iMore nor PXLFIX can be held responsible for any damage you may do to your device. It’s also worth considering that opening up your device to perform any repair or modification can and will void your Apple warranty. If you don’t feel comfortable opening your device, don’t. Use extreme care and caution when performing a repair on any device.

What you need for a DIY iPhone 4 rear camera repair

PXLFIX recommends using only quality and genuine parts from a reputable supplier like eTech Parts. They have quality parts, tools, and much more for all your repair needs.

• GSM or CDMA iPhone 4
• Rear camera replacement - iPhone 4 camera
• #00 Phillips screwdriver
• Pry tool or spudger
• Security screwdriver (only if your iPhone has 5-point security screws in the dock connector)

Power off your iPhone 4

Before performing any repair, always power off your device before removing any screws or parts.

Remove the back of your iPhone

1. First remove the bottom 2 dock connector screws in your iPhone 4. Use either your #00 screwdriver or the five point depending on whether or not your iPhone 4 has security screws in the dock connector. Almost all newer devices will have security screws.

2. To remove the back simply slide the back upwards and lift it off gently.
3. Set the back and 2 dock connector screws aside.

Before we move on to actually replacing the camera. You may want to make sure your back plate is not the culprit if your camera is producing bad images. Check and make sure neither the inside or outside of the lens cover is scratches or cloudy. If it is, try taking a picture with your back cover removed. If the pictures turn out fine, you'll just need to replace your iPhone 4 back cover. If your images are still blurry or the camera does not function at all, you'll need to continue on to replace the actual rear camera component.

Remove the battery

1. To remove the battery you’ll need to remove the #00 screw holding the battery clip in place. Remove this screw located to the bottom left of the battery.

2. The metal clip on the battery is what clips the battery to the logic board. You’ll need to pop this clip up with your plastic pry tool. Simply stick the end of your pry tool underneath the clip and gently pull upwards until it unfastens from the logic board.

3. To remove the battery, I do not recommend using the plastic pull tab. There is quite a bit of adhesive underneath the battery and the tab will normally just rip off or you can bend the battery. Instead, run your pry tool along the right side of the battery and break the adhesive that way. Once the battery is free from the adhesive, you can pull the battery out of the phone. There are no other connectors holding it in.

4. GSM iPhone 4 users will notice a tiny grounding clip sitting underneath where you unscrewed the battery. Set this aside for replacement during reassembly. This is a grounding clip for your antenna. Make sure you put it back in place before reconnecting your battery. CDMA users will not see this as it is in a different location.

Remove the top logic board shield

1. There are 5 screws holding the logic board shield in place. Depending on whether you have a CDMA or GSM iPhone 4, your shield will look different. The process is the same though. Simply remove the 5 screws holding it in place. Just be sure to remember which holes they came out of as the screws are different sizes. I always keep them in order of how they came out.

2. Next you'll need to remove the shield. Both models have a tiny clip built into the shield holding it in place. (Refer to the photo above.) Pop it up with your pry tool and you should be able to slide the shield up fairly easily. Just take care not to bend it or break off a clip. The Verizon variant seats into the logic board with two tiny notches underneath the camera connection. When reassembling, just line up the two notches on the shield and it will slide into place easily. For the AT&T model, just make sure the clip in the photo above is the first part you insert and it will line up nicely again.

Replace the rear camera

1. There is only one connector holding the camera to the logic board. Simply remove this cable in the picture above using your pry tool. Gently lift upwards and it will pop right off.

2. Next gently lift the camera out of the device. You'll notice there is a tiny tab that is seated underneath the LCD and digitizer cables to the right.

3. To insert the new camera, start by sliding the tabbed part underneath the two cables and then push down gently to seat the camera. Try not to touch the lens at all.

4. Re-fasten the cable to the logic board.

And ...done!

That's it! All you'll need to do now is reassemble your device in the reverse order and you'll be taking pictures again in no time.

Have you done this repair yourself? Let us know how it went! Want to know how to perform another type of iPhone repair or modification? Send me suggestions to ally.kazmucha@tipb.com or leave a comment in our brand new Mod and DIY Repair Forum!

For repair questions or to inquire about mail-in repairs through PXLFIX, please follow us on Twitter or e-mail us directly!

Matthew Panzarino of The Next Web reports that Sprint knows about, and is working on, the slow data speeds frustrating many iPhone 4S

Now it seems that an internal email has been sent to Sprint representatives, informing them that Apple and Sprint are working together on a “confirmed nationwide issue” dealing with the slow data rates many users are experiencing. There was no information about what the cause of the issues are or what the expected resolution date might be.

Since the CDMA iPhone 4S is limited to EV-DO rev A speeds, they're going to potentially be much slower than an HSPA 14.4 AT&T iPhone 4S, but they should be equal to the similarly networked Verizon iPhone 4S.

Check out the link below for the details and, if you're on Sprint, let us know how your data is performing.

Source: The Next Web

Sprint and Verizon will offer the iPhone 4S with an unlocked micro-SIM card slot according to information given to Macworld. The iPhone 4S is the first iPhone that can be classed as a world phone which means it has a GSM and CDMA radio. This is particularly useful if travelling overseas where CDMA networks are few and far between.

In simple terms, this means that users of Sprint or Verizon who buy an iPhone 4S and travel overseas will have the ability to install a local micro-SIM card in their phone; to use on GSM networks. AT&T will still offer the iPhone 4S with a locked micro-SIM card slot; which means users can roam on overseas GSM networks but do so via AT&T agreements with local carriers. This leads to a huge increase in call and data charges with this method.

If you use Sprint or Verizon and travel overseas, having an unlocked phone could save you a considerable amount of money. The downside however is that your number will be different when using a local micro-SIM card. Sprint’s iPhone 4S will be unlocked from day one but Verizon will do it on request after 60 days; as long as your account is in good standing.

Source: Macworld

A leak in iTunes may have settled the rumors and debates about the design and name of the next iPhone. iTunes 10.5 beta 9 includes image files for the new iPhone - and they look exactly like the CDMA iPhone 4. Additionally, the files reference the new handset as 'iPhone 4S'. Both of these findings are exactly what TiPb has been hearing all along.

Also notable is that the files reference only two new iPhone 4S models: black and white, whereas the iPhone 4 references 4 models: black/GSM, black/CDMA, white/GSM, and white/CDMA. This is a strong indicator that the iPhone 4S will be a dual-mode, GSM+CDMA handset.

We are now only 3 days away from putting all the rumors to rest, because on Tuesday, Apple will reveal the truth.

Continue speculating in the meantime!

Source: 9TO5 Mac, AppleInsider

Right now iPhone 5, like any dark matter, can only be observed by its effects on others, including the log traces it leaves and the cases manufacturers leak. This time it's TechCrunch, citing an undisclosed developer who's iOS app, points to records of a never-before-seen dual-mode GSM/CDMA world phone.

The logs show that the app has been briefly tested by a handful of people using what is almost certainly an iPhone 5, evidently running iOS 5, sporting two distinct sets of mobile network codes (MNC) / mobile country codes (MCC). Those codes can be used to uniquely identify mobile carriers.

Sure enough, some registrations for the app – which the developer also asked not to be named – were logged from a new Apple device, using the MNC/MCC codes from both Verizon and AT&T.

Apple has had theoretical support for a world phone since switching to Qualcomm chips, but previous iPhone 4 models haven't enabled the feature. Turning it on would likely be bad news for those hoping iPhone 5 would sport LTE (the faster and closest to a "real" next generation wireless technology). HSPA+, a not-quite-as-fast but far more widespread "4G" protocol looks like a safer bet, though it would leave Verizon behind on the same EVDO Rev A speed the current iPhone supports. (See TiPb's guide to wireless network terminology for more on what this all means.)

In other words, Verizon could advertise a world phone but AT&T could say they have a 4G iPhone.

[TechCrunch]

Sn0wBreeze for Windows users has now officially been updated to support iOS 5 beta 6 users. We reported the old version of Sn0wBreeze already working for some users, yet others had complications. But the tool has now been updated to officially support beta 6.

Yes the jailbreak is still tethered (with the exception of old bootrom iPhone 3GS users). This version of Sn0wBreeze not only lets you jailbreak iOS 5 beta 6, it will also allow you to skip the UDID check. This basically means you can install the beta without having a developer's license. (We don't condone this but to each their own.) Sn0wBreeze will also preserve your baseband like before and allow "hacktivation". The following devices are supported -

• Original iPad
• iPhone 3GS (if you had the older bootrom it will also be untethered)
• iPhone 4 (GSM)
• iPhone 4 (CDMA)
• iPod Touch 3G
• iPod Touch 4

Keep in mind that not only is iOS 5 still in beta but that these jailbreaks are also beta. So if you're not afraid of some bugs and are already aware of the risks involved, simply hit the link below to download the updated version of Sn0wBreeze.

[Sn0wBreeze 2.8b6 download link]

Needham analyst Charlie Wolf thinks most Verizon Android users have been holding out for the iPhone 5, and once it's released, a mass exodus from the Android platform will ensue.

Verizon’s Android users are waiting for the iPhone 5. And when it arrives this fall, they’ll make the switch en masse.

Wolf suspects some Verizon subscribers chose not to pick up the Verizon iPhone after it debuted last February, some 8 months later than the iPhone 4 on AT&T.

“It’s reasonable to assume that a material percentage of Verizon subscribers who plan to switch were content to wait until the iPhone 5 arrived later this year,” says Wolf. “One reason Apple delayed the launch of iPhone 5 until September is that it reportedly plans to coordinate the launch of the GSM and CDMA versions of the phone. To do so in June would likely have upset Verizon subscribers who purchased iPhone 4 in the preceding months. It’s our expectation, then, that the anticipated surge in iPhone sales on the Verizon network is likely to occur this fall after Apple launches iPhone 5.”

TiPb has heard that the Verizon deal was a factor in Apple not launching iPhone 5 in June. However, it's just as likely that Verizon users are on contracts with a wide range of end dates, and would be penalized for switching outside their renewal window. If they want a full subsidy, especially for a device that's been on the market since June 2010, they'd wait for it. That means, rather than a sudden rush last February or this fall, we could see a slow, steady transition over time as contracts come up for renewal, and those Verizon users who want an iPhone make the switch.

Of course, not everyone is going to want an iPhone either. By fall there will no doubt be new Verizon Android devices out as well, including those with LTE data speeds -- something iPhone isn't suspected to match until 2012. That could make the decision more difficult and more complicated.

What do you think? Will Verizon Android users be switching en masse come iPhone 5 this fall?

[AllThingsD]

Apple has put up a job post requesting a carrier technician familiar with the Sprint network, which has led many to believe they may be prepping to include Sprint in their ammunition chest of US carriers that support the iPhone.

Apple in a newly discovered job posting effectively gave away plans to make a Sprint iPhone. A position for a "carrier engineer" is being offered that would work out of Kansas City, Missouri, just a short distance from Sprint's Overland Park, Kansas headquarters. The recruit would be responsible for getting technical certification of devices in an area where Sprint is the only company with a major office.

This goes along with recent rumors of the iPhone 5 possibly including Sprint and T-Mobile as supported carriers, and also backs up Verizon's claims that the next iPhone will be a world phone supporting both CDMA and GSM networks.

You may recall Apple was seeking CDMA engineers in a similar job posting late last year, which eventually led to the Verizon iPhone being released on the network shortly after.

Do you think we'll be seeing the iPhone on Sprint anytime soon? Let us know in the comments!

[Stop it, AT&T via Electronista]

South Korean carrier SK Telecom announced yesterday that it will begin offering the iPhone 4 on March 16th, further expanding the reach Apple has made in Korea and breaking the exclusivity KT Telecom previously held for the iPhone.

"SK Telecom is proud to offer iPhone 4 on the nation's top network," said So Jin-Woo, President of Platform Business and Co-CEO of SK Telecom. "Our customers will benefit from flexible tariff plans tailored to their unique usage needs along with a high level of customer care."

Eager iPhone buyers can pre-register starting today from their website or at one of 1,500 authorized SK Telecom retail outlets. Although SK Telecom runs both CDMA and HSPA networks they have announced the iPhone 4 will function under their HSPA infrastructure.

Any readers in Korea planning on picking up an iPhone 4 on March 16th? Let us know in the comments!

[SK Telecom]

Instead of releasing separate iPad 2 models for AT&T/GSM and Verizon/CDMA, why doesn't Apple just use that new Qualcomm dual-mode chipset and support both GSM and CDMA on one device? That way users could not only swap microSIMs and move between different GSM/HSPA networks when they travel abroad, they could switch between AT&T and Verizon's CDMA/EVDO networks when at home. (For an explanation of what all those terms mean see TiPb's data and wireless networking glossary.)

Well, if the Verizon iPhone is any indication, Apple may indeed be using Qualcomm's MDM6600 dual-mode chipset, only enabling CDMA on the Verizon version. However, the radio is only part of the equation. The other part is the antenna. Supporting different frequency bands requires different antennas at different lengths.

The AT&T/GSM model supports 850, 900, 1900, and 2100 MHz for UMTS/HSPA, and 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz for GSM/EDGE. That's 5 bands (pentaband) already.

The CDMA/Verizon mode supports 800 and 1900 MHz for CDMA/EVDO rev. A. That's 2 bands (dualband).

If -- and I'm no radio engineer so I don't know -- the same antenna could work for both GSM and CDMA on 1900, Apple would still have to add the 800 MHz band for a minimum of 6 bands (hexaband) to support both GSM and CDMA in one model. (It might also require more or different internal connections on a tiny, tiny motherboard.)

While it's never wise to underestimate Apple, they may simply not be able to engineer a hexaband antenna at this point. (No death-touch jokes please.)

Note: We've posted a new version of this article, updated to include iPhone 4S and Sprint.

While many have been waiting a long time for the Verizon iPhone, the same CDMA network that gives Verizon its terrific coverage and reliability brings with it a host of other problems, including the famous lack of simultaneous voice and data and limited international roaming, but also some lesser known issues such as split SMS messages and greatly reduced conference calling options.

None of these are new to the Verizon iPhone but they are new to iPhone now that it's on Verizon, and new to users who haven't experienced CDMA before. We'll take a look at them after the break.

No simultaneous voice and data

Verizon runs on CDMA2000 using EVDO Rev. A for 3G data (see our wireless networking guide for more on what those terms mean). EVDO Rev. A does not support simultaneous voice and data the way AT&T (and other GSM carriers) HSPA networks do. That means if a call comes in while you're using 3G data -- surfing the web, Skyping, sharing your connection via personal hotspot -- you can either ignore the call and continue using 3G data, or answer the call and effectively put your 3G data connection on "pause". If you're on a call you won't receive email or push notifications and if you try to surf the web or download an app you'll be informed you're not connected to the 3G network. Once the call ends, 3G data reconnects and you can start using the internet again.

If you're on Wi-Fi as opposed to 3G data you can make calls and use data without a problem. It's only 3G that cuts out during calls.

Verizon has chosen not to roll out EVDO Rev. B, which does support simultaneous data in favor of more quickly deploying a 4G LTE network (currently a hybrid CDMA-voice with LTE-data network, in the future a Voice over LTE network). They are rolling out Voice over Rev A (VoRA) aka SVDO which will allow for simultaneous voice and data on future CDMA/EVDO phones, but not the Verizon iPhone. (See The Cell Phone Junky for more on the technology.)

Limited international roaming

GSM/HSPA, the standard used by AT&T and T-Mobile in the US, is far closer to being an international standard than the CDMA/EVDO technology used by Verizon. While there are a few other CDMA/EVDO networks in North America and Asia, GSM/HSPA is supported throughout most of the rest of the world, including Europe. If you use a Verizon iPhone there are a limited number of countries where you'll be able to roam. Verizon does offer loaner GSM phones for international travelers but that's not as seamless a solution as GSM iPhones that can intrinsically roam around most of the world.

SMS/Text splitting

SMS/Text messages are limited to 160 characters. On AT&T and other GSM iPhones, if a message exceeds 160 characters it will still be shown as a single message to both the sender and receiver. On Verizon once an SMS hits 160 characters, any additional text is split off into a second message, after 320, a third message, etc. The same content is still delivered, it's just not presented as nicely. (In some cases the message parts might even appear out of order which is even more annoying.)

Limited conference calling

Verizon's CDMA network only supports "3 way calling" so you can only enter into a conference call with up to 2 other people (3 including yourself) at the same time. It doesn't matter if iPhone can handle more, Verizon's network and hence the Verizon iPhone is limited to 3-way calling.

Likewise, 9to5Mac points out that handling conference calls is also more challenging on the Verizon iPhone since you can't take one party "private" or hang up on one caller while keeping the other active. (It hangs up on all callers.)

Apple provides the following diagram in their knowledge base:

That network

So yes, overall there are a lot of limitations to the way CDMA handles voice. However, if Verizon has great coverage in your area, you're on Wi-Fi when you want to talk and surf, you rarely if ever travel internationally, split SMS/Text messages don't bother you, and agile conference calling isn't a must-have business feature for your iPhone, you may not care.

Otherwise it's a compromise. Decide what's most important to you and which carrier best provides it. If anything is a deal-breaker, then that makes your choice much simpler.

For more information and help check out our Verizon iPhone Forum.

China Mobile Chairman, Wang Jianzhou, was quoted yesterday saying that Apple will support next-gen TD-LTE.

These two years we have been discussing the issue. Right now the situation is moving forward. Apple has made it clear they will support TD-LTE.

China Mobile, has been negotiating with Apple for years, to develop a TD-SCDMA supported iPhone for their current 3G network, and TD-LTE for their future 4G network.

China Mobile hasn't signed a deal with Apple yet because Apple doesn't currently support TD-SCDMA, which China Mobile use for their 3G network, but with Apple's new CDMA phone for Verizon, Wang hopes that Apple will consider supporting TD-SCDMA.

We hope that when they develop the next-generation models, since Apple can create CDMA, they can also consider developing TD-SCDMA.

The iPhone is currently only available in China on China Unicom, which lacks the subscriber base that China Mobile has.

Given the size of the Chinese market and Apple's huge growth there over the last few quarters, any chance Apple might support LTE sooner than we think?

[Reuters]

Reading up on iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, or Apple TV and wondering what all those data specifications and cellular networking terms mean? From 2G to WDCMA, 802.11 to Bluetooth, we've got you -- and every wireless term we can think of -- covered below!

For even more iOS and Apple-related terms see our complete iPhone and iPad glossary. And as always, if we're missing anything, add additions and corrections in the comments below!

[Special thanks to The Cell Phone Junkie, Mickey Papillon for help compiling this list!]

• 2G: Second generation data networking used by iPhone and iPad. Think of this like old-fashioned dial-up modems. (see EDGE.)

• 3G: Third generation data networking used by iPhone and iPad. Think of this like base level broadband Internet (cable/DSL). 3G is symbolized on the iPhone and iPad by 3G next to the carrier logo. (see HSPA and EVDO.)

• 4G: Forth generation data networking. Also a marketing term used by Sprint for WiMax, T-Mobile for HSPA+, and AT&T for HSPA+. Think of this as super-fast broadband Internet (cable/fiber). (See HSPA, HSPA+, LTE)

• 802.11: The standard used for WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), typically referred to as Wi-Fi, connections on iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. While older models supported only 802.11b/g, 2010 models added support for the faster, longer range 802.11n standard. (Only iPad supports 802.11n on the clearer 5Mhz frequency, however.)

• A2DP: Advanced Audio Distribution Profile is a Bluetooth standard used to transmit and receive stereo music. Added to iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad in iOS 3. It's what lets you send iPod music to your wireless stereo Bluetooth headset.

• Airplane Mode: A Setting on iPhone and iPad that turns off all radios, including cellular voice, data, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. Called Airplane Mode because these radios are typically required to be turned off while on an airplane.

• AVCTP: Audio/Video Control Transport Protocol allows for the transmission of basic music controls between devices and accessories. Only properly supported for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad since iOS 4. It's what lets you play, pause, fast forward, rewind, and skip through music and video via wireless stereo Bluetooth headsets.

• Bluetooth: Named after a Danish King (seriously), Bluetooth is a wireless technology used for exchanging short-range (under 30-feet) data between electronic devices. iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad support Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) for better security and simpler pairing. Apple currently supports Bluetooth for wireless phone headsets, stereo headsets, keyboard connections, and data tethering.

• CDMA: Code Division Multiple Access is an underlying network standard and the common abbreviation for CDMA2000, the technology used by Verizon and Sprint in the US.

• CDMA2000: The networking technology used by Verizon and Sprint. A single CDMA tower typically has a longer range and thus provide greater coverage than a single GSM tower.

• EDGE: Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution, also called 2G, 2.5G or 2.75G depending on the data speed, is an older data network used by carriers like AT&T. The original iPhone was EDGE-only. Current iPhones can use EDGE when 3G is not available (or on T-Mobile in the US where 3G frequencies aren’t compatible). Real world EDGE speeds max out around 150Kbps and do not allow simultaneous voice and data (calls will not come through while using EDGE data). EDGE is symbolized on the iPhone and iPad by the uppercase letter E. iPhone 4 and iPad support EDGE on the 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz frequencies.

• EVDO: EVolution Data Optimized is the 3G networking technology used by CDMA carriers like Verizon. EVDO Rev A can achieve speeds up to 3.1 Mbps but cannot handle simultaneous voice and data, but does allow incoming calls to come through during an active data session. (Answering an incoming call will shut off the data connection.) EVDO Rev B can handle voice and data but is not planned for deployment by any US carriers. iPhone 4 supports CDMA EV-DO Rev. A on 800, 1900 MHz.

• GPRS: General Packet Radio Service is the oldest and slowest form of data networking available to GSM iPhones and iPads. Data rates are typically below 50 Kbps. GPRS is symbolized on the iPhone and iPad by the lowercase letter o.

• GSM: Global System for Mobile communication is the underlying technology standard used by AT&T and T-Mobile in the US and the majority of carriers in Europe and around the world.

• HSPA: High Speed Packet Access is a fast form of 3G data networking. The iPhone and iPad support HSPA up to 7.2 Mbps (AT&T currently supports up to 14 Mbps in some areas). Typically split into HSDPA (download) and HSUPA (uplink/upload). iPhone 4 and iPad support UMTS/HSPA on the 850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz frequencies.

• HSPA+: Enhanced High Speed Packet Access is a faster form of 3G data networking, now called 4G in T-Mobile and AT&T’s marketing. Apple will support HSPA+ in 2011. Top speeds can reach 56 Mbps. Bell and Telus currently offer 21 Mbps HSPA+.

• LTE: Long Term Evolution is a 4G networking technology currently being deployed by Verizon and scheduled to be deployed by AT&T, Canadian carriers, and others. Theoretical speeds are measured in the hundreds of Mbps but initial implementations haven’t reached those yet. Likewise initial implementations only use LTE for data while future versions could be pure IP-based for both voice and data. Neither iPhone nor iPad yet support LTE.

• Personal Hotspot: Introduced with the Verizon iPhone and iOS 4.3 it replaces Tethering and, on iPhone 4, adds the ability to share cellular data over a Wi-Fi connection with up to 5 additional devices. Availability will depend on carriers and some may/will charge extra for it. Think of it as a built-in MiFi or the ability to turn your iPhone into a mini mobile Wi-Fi router.

• Tethering: Sharing your iPhone's cellular data connection with your laptop via USB (dock cable) or wirelessly via Bluetooth. Available since iOS 3 though AT&T only chose to support it with iOS 4. Not available on all carriers and some carriers charge extra for it. Replaced in iOS 4.3 with Personal Hotspot.

• UMTS: Universal Mobile Telecommunications System is a 3G, transitioning to 4G networking technology. WCDMA (including HSPA) is part of UMTS.

• WCDMA: Wideband Code Division Multiple Access is a UTMS technology which, while easily confused with the CDMA network used by Verizon, is actually associated with GSM networks like HSPA.

Italian hacker Zibri went digging through iTunes and turned up some more hints that Apple just might be going with Qualcomm's hybrid GSM/CDMA hybrid chipset for iPad 2 and iPhone 5.

In the picture above you see a "chunk" of code from the latest iTunes. Maybe, for the most of you, names like "partition.mbn" or "AMSS.MBN" means little or nothing. For me and a few others that means only one thing: QUALCOMM. Those files are the building blocks of any Qualcomm baseband.

So I can tell you that the next wave of iProducts will be using a QUALCOMM baseband. Which one I don't know... maybe the iPad2, maybe the iPhone5 most probably all of them.

Our buddy Mickey Papillon broke news of the Qualcomm chipsets back at CES 2010 so it'll be interesting to see if Apple finally pulls the trigger on them. It will be especially interesting to see if that means iPad 2 and iPhone 5 will be a dual-network releases, AT&T and Verizon in 2011?

[Zibri via AppleInsider]

Looks like the CDMA variant of Apple's iPhone might eventually make its way to carriers in China, Korea, and Japan. According to the not always reliable Digitimes, Apple suppliers currently expect around 7 million CDMA iPhones to be sold in the first quarter of 2011. That's a lot of iPhones, no matter how you look at it.

Apple's two main suppliers, Foxconn and Pegatron are also slated to turn a large profit this year due to the release of a CDMA variant. Foxconn started shipping the CDMA variant of the iPhone 4 back in December 2010, while Pegatron has started shipping this month. Digitimes maintains that Foxconn will ship solely to the United States while Pegatron will ship to other countries such as China, Japan, and Korea. The Verizon iPhone is set to double the number of iPhone users in the market alone. With these other countries added to the CDMA list, the iPhone will be available to a whole new array of customers as well.

I'd say with the GSM and CDMA variants set to be available on even more carriers and in more countries, Apple is in for a year of record numbers. It's also great that customers in the US now have a choice. And if you're in the US and not sure which to pick, take a look at our Verizon vs AT&T iPhone comparison.

[Digitimes]

Bloomberg sat down with Verizon President Lowell McAdam who was on stage with Tim Cook during yesterday's big Verizon iPhone announcement, and their discussion sheds some light on some of the negotiations held between Verizon and Apple that led to them finally carrying Apple's flagship smartphone. Here are some quick highlights, beginning with McAdam talking about their branding and logo missing from the device itself:

To reach a deal, Apple and Verizon had to reconcile different approaches to branding. Verizon puts its stamp on other manufacturers’ devices, including phones from Research In Motion Ltd. and Motorola. By contrast, only Apple’s name appears on the iPhone.

“They don’t put a lot of logos on their phones,” McAdam said in the interview. “So that wasn’t a major issue for us.”

Former Apple exec Jean-Louis Gassee chimed in saying that Verizon probably saw the success of the iPhone under AT&T and quickly agreed to requests from Apple on excluding carrier branding. Given the amount of crapware and branding on every other phone under Verizon, we have a feeling this was more difficult for them to agree on than McAdam would like you to believe. But did they ultimately have a choice?

In addition, last year's reports of Verizon cell towers on Apple's campus turned out to be for testing the Verizon iPhone as most had assumed.

The companies erected Verizon cellular towers at Apple's Cupertino, California, headquarters to check the phone's signal and avoid the reliability troubles of the iPhone at AT&T.

The most interesting thing to note, however, is that most of the negotiations took place between Apple COO Tim Cook and McAdam himself, without much input from Steve Jobs unless it was really needed. Verizon and Apple worked together for over half a year on the technical hurdles they faced before deciding the device was ready for primetime.

"We probably worked six or nine months on the technical side of this and saw we could make this work," McAdam said. "Then we did the commercial side. The commercial deal took us a day."

It's interesting to see how things played out leading up to the Verizon iPhone event on Tuesday, especially when it comes to the technical and branding issues involved. Now that it's finally here, how do you think it will sell in comparison to AT&T? Let us know in the comments!

[BusinessWeek]

After yesterday's Verizon iPhone announcement, Apple's Senior Vice President Phil Schiller has weighed in on what it was like building the Verizon iPhone. The two companies began talks to build a CDMA variant for Verizon's network over 2 years ago in 2008. Over 1,000 test models later, we've officially got a Verizon variant.

Schiller says the task was anything but easy. Apple knows their own hardware but sometimes getting software and hardware to work together isn't an easy goal to accomplish.

“A big part of it is the software, I’d say the biggest part,” ... “It uses the hardware in different ways.”

[All Things Digital]

Hot off the heels of the Verizon iPhone announcement comes a report that Verizon Wireless will soon be offering Apple's iPad with an embedded CDMA chip to better compete with AT&T. From Bloomberg:

Verizon will get an embedded chip in the iPad for use on its network, Francis Shammo, chief financial officer of Verizon Communications Inc., the parent of the wireless unit, said today in an interview in New York. IPad users currently need an extra device to connect to Verizon’s network.

Apple began selling the iPad through Verizon back in October of last year starting at $629.99, but users were somewhat restricted by the need to carry Verizon's MiFi card wherever they go (unlike AT&T). Neither Verizon nor Apple have announced when a CDMA iPad will be available.

With all the Verizon iPhone news today it's nice to see Verizon taking steps to ensure a quality experience for iPad users, too. But with all those new iPhone users coming onboard, do you think their network will be able to keep up with demand - especially if they see an influx in iPad subscribers? Sound off in the comments below!

[Bloomberg]

Coming as no surprise, the CDMA Verizon iPhone 4 has just hit the FCC. (You know Apple wasn't going to let the government announce it, right?)

Model A1349 (as opposed to the GSM version's A1332) has the expected test results for CDMA / EV-DO Rev. A on the 850 and 1900MHz bands along with Bluetooth and WiFi without a whiff of GSM support for global roaming

[Engadget]

AT&T has been prepping a new advertisement plan to do what they can to keep people from switching to the Verizon iPhone. AT&T plans to focus its ads on the fact they say their network has faster 3G speeds and overall performs better than Verizon's network (not sure who they are fooling with that!).

More so than just advertising, AT&T has been taking other steps in preparation for this day of the lose of exclusivity. They have been investing in improvements to their highly criticized network as well as been promoting lower prices for older iPhone models and introducing Android and Windows Phone 7 devices.

AT&T's Chief Executive of Wireless Business, Ralph de la Vega, was asked Monday about what their plans were for the time when they lose exclusivity of the iPhone:

We are ready for it. The short- and long-term viability of AT&T will be good whether we have exclusivity or not. We are much bigger than this.

According to Consumer Reports, AT&T was ranked dead last being named the worst carrier in the US. AT&T better have a good plan in place to make up for all the issues they have run into since the iPhone launched.

One interesting note about this entire thing is the fact AT&T seemed to hit big with allowing customers to upgrade early to the iPhone 4 locking them into a brand new 2-year contract with early termination fees hitting at $325 per smartphone on your plan. This would be big revenue for AT&T if people decide to defect prior to their contract expiring.

[ The Wall Street Journal ]

Wondering if we're going to have another "Antennagate" with the Verizon iPhone 4? We obviously can't say until the device is released on February 10th, but what we can say is that Apple has redesigned the Antenna. Before you go and assume that suggests Apple thinks the original design was flawed, remember that Verizon uses CDMA for 3G, which requires a completely different radio than AT&T's GSM network and therefore requires a completely different Antenna. This also confirms that leak from last week, by the by.

In any case, if you take a close look at the image above you'll see a couple new black dividers in the external Antenna on the Verizon iPhone 4. Apple also removed the divider next to the headphone jack. Whether, as Apple says, they are just changes necessary for the switch to CDMA or, as the conspiracy theorists will no doubt spin any second now, they are changes to prevent the "Death Grip" remains to be seen. All we know is that it won't magically allow your to keep your data connection active when a call comes in. Tradeoffs, people.

It appears that what could be the design drawings for the next generation iPhone have been leaked and published by the folks over at Tw.Apple.Pro for all of our viewing pleasures. The pictures posted don't really allow us to see much but they do appear to match the leaked casing pictures/video that we posted on Wednesday. Stay with us after the break for more on this story.

The YouTube video that showed the possible next generation iPhone parts was removed due to copy right issues. Apple wanting the video pulled could hint towards possible attempts at keeping leaks of the next iPhone a secret unlike what happened with the iPhone 4. The drawings appear to match pretty well with the photos though and it seems to be a subtle sign of things to come.

So again we ask you what do you think - Real, Fake, or Really Fake?

[ MacRumors ]

Pictures have leaked out of a newly designed casing for what could be iPhone 5, the CDMA (LTE?) version of iPhone 4, or just a reworked casing for iPhone 4. If -- big if -- these are real the main difference appears on the sides of the case when it comes to the antenna bands -- there are four black separators in these photos as opposed to three on the current iPhone 4.

You will notice in pictures below that the band on the lower left of the phone that caused all the attenuation issues remains but there is a new black band above the mute rocker and also the black band is no longer on the top of the phone and appears to have been moved to the top of the right hand side of the phone.

Check out the pictures and a video after the break and let us know what you think -- real, fake, or antennagate?

[ SmartPhone Medic, MacRumors ]

According to unnamed sources in Taiwan there will be 3 different versions of the iPad 2 from Apple when it gets released in 2011, including the current Wi-Fi and UMTS 3G models, as well as a CDMA model for use with carriers like Verizon. From DigiTimes:

Apple is expected to release three versions of iPad 2, supporting either or a combination of Wi-Fi, UMTS and CDMA, for 2011 with mass production to start as early as the later half of January.

According to the rumor, Apple will begin production of 500,000 to 530,000 units during the 2nd half of January, and is expected to produce a ratio of 3:4:3 (Wi-Fi, UMTS, CDMA respectively) as it appears that 60-65% of current iPad shipments have been 3G models.

In addition to added wireless functionality, it looks like the iPad 2 might get a few other minor upgrades including better smudge-resistant screens with an anti-reflective treatment. This should help the iPad 2 better compete with eBook readers like the Amazon Kindle.

Although these are just rumors for now, it would be pretty great to see a Verizon iPad 2 released in 2011 next to a Verizon iPhone, don't you think? Sound off in the comments below!

[DigiTimes]

DigiTimes is claiming that, according to Taiwan based component suppliers, Apple has its iPhone shipment targets for the first quarter of 2011 from 19 million units to 20-21 million units. This would be up from their estimated 15.5 million units shipped in the fourth quarter of 2010. Additionally:

The first-quarter shipment goal for WCDMA iPhones has been adjusted from 13 million units to 14-15 million units, the sources said. The shipment goal for CDMA iPhones, which will be launched in North America and Asia Pacific in the first quarter, is set at 5-6 million units, the sources added.

We have all heard the rumors of an early 2011 Verizon launch but could these numbers indicate a possible reality to finally put an end to Verizon iPhone rumors? Looks like we have just a little more waiting to do as 2011 is just around the corner now.

[ DigiTimes ]

In yet another sign pointing to a Verizon iPhone launch, Apple has posted a job listing on their careers website looking for engineers with knowledge of, among other things, CDMA network.

“Cellular Systems Perf Engineer” familiar with GSM, GPSRS, EDGE, WCDMA, HSDPA, HSUPA, CDMA, etc.”

Current iPhones use GSM, including the slow GPRS, the 2G EDGE, and the 3G HSDPA and HSUPA (high speed download/upload). They don't currently use CDMA, the technology of choice for Verizon and Sprint in the US.

Rumors of Apple letting Verizon join in on the iPhone game have been thrown around the web for as long as we can remember, but much more so recently than ever before. Many industry specialists believe the Verizon iPhone could come in the first quarter of 2011, however neither Apple or Verizon have yet to confirm such rumors.

With Apple continuing to seek professional engineers who know there way around the CDMA network, how close do you think a Verizon iPhone could really be? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

[Forbes]

According to Wedge Partners anaylst Brian Blair, Apple appears to be developing a "world iPad" that would feature Qualcomm's multimode CDMA-GSM chips.

Recent checks…suggest Apple is going to be ratcheting down production of the existing 3G iPad over the next two months in anticipation of ramping up a new World iPad that is powered by Qualcomm and will run on both GSM and CDMA based networks around the world,” Blair writes. “Given our recent checks that suggest Apple is preparing to build approximately 48 million iPads in calendar 2011.

Blair also went on to report that the manufacturing process will be different due to the next generation iPad being possibly thinner and made of one piece of metal.

With a CDMA-GSM iPad possibly gearing up to hit production this could mean that either they want more people to be able to utilize the iPad on 3G all around the globe or that they have plans to make the iPad be able to run on Verizon's 3G network here in the U.S.. We already have seen Apple and Verizon come together to sell the WiFi only iPad bundled with their MiFi. This type of chip would eliminate the need to utilize a MiFi type device in the future.

We know people are tired of the Verizon rumors and speculations but would you like to utilize the iPad on their network here in the U.S.? If you are not in the U.S. is there a CDMA carrier you would like to be able to utilize for 3G use with your iPad? Let us know your thoughts below.

[ Digital Daily ]

Is Apple currently in the "AP" field testing stage -- the final stage before the product is to be released -- for the much-anticipated and often rumored Verizon CDMA iPhone? One of BGR's sources seems to think so:

For starters, we have been told that iPhone model 3,2 — what everyone is assuming to be the Verizon (or at least CDMA-compatible) phone — just hit the “AP” testing stage. This is the very last stage before retail release; final hardware, almost final software. Here is the odd thing, though… the iPhone 3,2 unit, we have been exclusively told, contains a SIM card slot.

And that's where it gets interesting, because pure CDMA devices do not have SIM card slots.

Could it be a "world phone" with both CDMA and GSM? Could it be using that new Qualcomm hybrid CDMA/GSM chipset that we previously assumed wouldn't be coming until June next year? Or could it just be a new hardware revision of the existing GSM (read AT&T) iPhone? (Maybe with an antenna fix?)

Speaking of next June, BGR's source also said the next-generation iPhone 5 was now in EVT, the engineering verification stage before the DVT phase. It seems like most of us (14.1 million at least) just got our iPhone 4, are things really moving this fast now?

[BGR]

by Andrew Wray

The Wall Street Journal is claiming that Apple is in talks with 2 Indian carriers over a CDMA version of the iPhone. The two carriers in question are Reliance Communications and Tata Teleservices. No time frame was mentioned except "near future".

CDMA iPhones are apparently all the rage lately, especially since Verizon iPhone rumors won't die. Although GSM may be considered a worldwide standard these days, the CDMA market still caters to around 550 million users. Adding them into Apple's pool of customers should definitely be something they're interested in doing. India's mobile phone market has exploded in recent years. Nearly 20% of mobile phone subscribers are CDMA customers. That averages out to around 130 million CDMA subscribers in India alone. It's logical Apple would have an interest.

India's phone market has been a heated competition between top manufacturers like HTC, RIM, and Nokia. Perhaps Apple wants a piece of the CDMA subscriber base to increase their extremely low market share in India. Could all these CDMA iPhone rumors be misplaced or do you think we'll see a CDMA iPhone sooner rather than later?

[WSJ via AppleInsider]

Chief executive Ivan Seidenberg told investors he hopes Apple will build a Verizon iPhone for their upcomming 4G LTE network. He said nothing about an iPhone being built for Verizon's current CDMA network, however, so contrast that as you will against recent rumors of Apple building 3 million CDMA iPhones in December for an early 2011 launch.

"We don't feel like we have an iPhone deficit. We would love to carry it when we get there, but we have to earn it," Seidenberg said.

"I think 4G will accelerate the process, and any other decisions Apple makes would be fine with us," he added. "Hopefully, at some point Apple will get with the program."

Either way, it will be an interesting couple of months comming up. Verizon is currently the largest carrier in the US and they have promised 4G LTE in 30 NFL markets by the end of 2010. AT&T is also working on their 4G network with promises of a mid-2011 rollout.

What do you think, will a Verizon iPhone happen soon on CDMA, will they wait for 4G, or will it just never happen? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

[Yahoo News, AppleInsider]

This is an official entry by BriantT in TiPb’s next top blogger contest. Think you have what it takes to join Team TiPb? Bring it!

Qualcomm, which makes both the CDMA chipsets used by Verizon and Sprint, and a new hybrid GSM/CDMA chip that could be used on all 4 US networks, is looking for a little iPhone-related help:

"The iPhone has no secret for you?" the job listing posted earlier this month reads. "Well, that's what you think... join us and develop the most challenging product of your life!"

The listing has since been pulled but in today's Google-cached world, there's no taking it back.

So is this just another random factoid that ultimately means nothing, or yet another sign we may soon see an iPhone on Verizon? (Or at least on some CDMA-related network, somewhere?)

[AppleInsider]

Boy Genius has a source that informed him both the CDMA/Verizon iPhone 4 (code named N92AP) and iPad 2 may be heading into field verification testing:

Way down deep within iOS 4 is a pretty intriguing block of code. Our source says that the code queries the device, and if the device is either a CDMA iPhone or iPad 2, the device will auto-activate, thus bypassing the need for iTunes. We’re told this block of code has appeared every year consecutively before a major iPhone / device release, removed right before launch. This allows the products to be field tested by carriers (or partners) without having to activate the handsets or devices.

BG also says the upcoming iPod touch 4 is code-named N81AP. We should see that this fall at Apple's annual special music event for iPod/iTunes. iPad 2 should be announced early next year, and rumor has it the CDMA/Verizon iPhone might hit during the same period.

Anyone starting to believe that yet?

[BGR]

Daring Fireball has revealed that the CDMA iPhone 4 is codenamed N92 and is entering the engineering verification (EVT) stage, one step before the design verification test (DVT) stage, which is right before manufacturing -- and right on time for a possible January 2011 launch.

The device itself is supposed to be identical to the current GSM iPhone 4 (codenamed N90) with the exception of the CDMA radio. While Verizon is the logical and persistent rumored carrier for the device, Sprint is also a possibility. Although not identical to US CDMA (don't get us started on CDMA2000 vs WCDMA vs whateverCDMAwhatever) China and Korea, among others, are also possibilities.

But again, the smart money -- the millions and millions of units sold smart money -- is on Verizon.

Daring Fireball's John Gruber points out why:

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.

He thinks there will be lineups. We do as well. What do you think?

[Daring Fireball]

Digitimes, which should always be taken with a huge honking grain of salt, is reporting that Apple is readying CDMA iPhone 4, a 7-inch Cortex A9-based iPad 2, and only Jobs knows what else:

• Apple is set launch an upgraded 9.7-inch iPad adopting a new ARM Cortex-A9-based processor and 512MB RAM in the first quarter of 2011. Meanwhile, the company will also launch a 7-inch iPad using the Cortex-A9 processor and an IPS panel with a resolution of 1024×768

• As for the CDMA iPhone, Pegatron Technology is expected to start mass production in December and will supply to both US-based Verizon Wireless and China-based China Telecom

• The CDMA iPhone's back plate will be forged from metal materials and will feature an integrated antenna, according to Digitimes Research.

• Apple is also set to launch a new Apple TV using AMD's Fusion solution and will not include a hard drive.

ARM's Cortex A9 is the next-generation version of the current Apple A4 chipset's CPU used in iPad and iPhone. With multi-core capabilities, it's an obvious upgrade to make. Verizon iPhone rumors have been on the rise again in recent weeks, though CDMA can mean different things in different regions. I still think Apple won't fracture the brand new iPad market with a 7-inch iPad any time soon. It's not about matching resolution, it's about pixel density -- a 7" 1024x768 screen would need a whole new UI for the buttons and other UI elements to remain usable by fingers. Apple TV running iOS would be great -- but why AMD's Fusion and not Apple's own chipsets?

[Digitimes, thanks everyone who sent it in]

Digitimes is once again baiting links with CDMA (read Verizon) rumors, this time hot on the heels of the all new iPhone 4:

Pegatron [Technology] will also start shipping a CDMA version of the iPhone 4 to Apple in the fourth quarter and is currently using its plants in Shanghai, China to produce the products, the sources noted. The company is also working on gaining orders for MacBooks and iPads from Apple, added the sources.

This comes just in advance of June 24 Taiwan Stock Exchange listing, so forgive me if I take it with a huge grain of salt.

Again, there's certainly a CMDA iPhone 4 in the Cupertino labs, but AT&T exclusivity has to run out and Verizon has to give up control to Apple and make the deal -- which means it could happen at any time, or in a long time. And again, we expect it -- and will believe it -- only when Apple announces it. Same goes for iPhone 4 on Sprint, or Chinese CDMA.

Have to ask the question, though -- if a Verizon iPhone 4 does land in 2010, who'll be less happy, people with poor service who just re-upped with AT&T or people who gave up on iPhone and just bought Droid 2/Droid X?

We now return you to your regularly scheduled GSM/UTMS day...

[Digitimes]

According to one of BRG's "highly placed" sources, Verizon Wireless is currently testing CDMA-compatible iPads. Their source even went one step further and mentioned LTE with another possible iPad model though that could not be confirmed.

So with all of the Verizon rumors flying around as of late it looks as if we will see both the iPad and iPhone in the hands of Big Red faithful sooner or later.

Is anyone out there regretting picking up a AT&T compatible iPad right about now?

[BGR]

Rumors are saying the iPhone is coming to Verizon as soon as this summer. On LTE. Which follow rumors saying, due to AT&T's iPad deal, iPhone on Verizon was pushed back to 2011. Which followed rumors iPhone on Verizon would be the "one more thing" at the iPhone OS 4 event. Which followed--

Enough. Since 2007 all we've gotten is rumor after conflicted rumor that the iPhone is coming out on Verizon later in the year, no in 2012, no yesterday, no....

Forget it. There're almost certainly CDMA and LTE iPhones deep beneath Cupertino in the Apple labs, just as there were Intel Macs for years before they were released. Apple can release a CDMA or LTE iPhone whenever they feel like it. Verizon can put a CDMA or LTE iPhone on their network whenever they feel like. That is, whenever they're contractually allowed to and come to a financial arrangement (which could be tomorrow, or never, getting the idea yet?)

In other words, we'll believe it when Steve holds it up on stage.

[Engadget]

Fox News is reporting that AT&T outbid all other GSM providers in offering those reasonable $14.99 and $29.99 data plans for the iPad, and while Verizon and Apple are still discussing both the iPhone and iPad, there's still nothing approaching an agreement in place.

What about all those rumors of Verizon getting the iPhone like, now?

the two companies are still "very much talking and plan to bring an iPhone and an iPad" to the CDMA network this year, following the expiration of AT&T's exclusive agreement with Apple.

Still talking? These guys have been talking since 2006 before the launch of the first iPhone! Stop talking already and consummate the darn relationship -- or walk away. When asked for comment about these on-going talks, Verizon spokesman Jeff Nelson said, "no comment," so officially the company isn't talking about the talks.

Bottom line then, it still could be later in the year, could be as far away as LTE next year or the year after.

[Fox News via Apple Insider]

Apple announces their Jan. 27 "Come see our latest creation" event, and like a big, rumor-filled moth to an increasingly rabid internet flame, rumors of a Verizon iPhone being part of it follow:

"We believe there is a good chance," writes Canaccord Adams' Peter Misek in a note to clients Wednesday, "that the 'One more thing…' part of next week’s presentation may include two iPhone-related announcements: namely, the release of iPhone OS 4.0 and the unveiling of iPhone 4G coming to Verizon in June."

To be clear, TiPb still believes that, technologically, Apple will be able to produce a Verizon (i.e. CDMA) compatible iPhone by this June/July, but whether or not their exclusivity with AT&T will be over by then, and whether or not they can come to financial (subsidy) terms with Verizon is anyone's guess.

Also, Misek no doubt means G4, as in 4th gen iPhone, not 4G as in 4G wireless, LTE networking, since he later states he only thinks we'll see an LTE iPhone in 2011. And if iPhone 4.0 is "released" it will likely be a beta for developers, with the consumer "release" to follow a few months later as it has in years past.

So, anyone placing odds on a big, red iPhone next week?

[CNN/Fortune thanks Michael for the tip!]

According to TheStreet.com, Apple has struck a deal with San Diego based chip maker, Qualcomm, to supply the EV-DO chip for the rumored Verizon CDMA iPhone. Apple originally showed interest in a chip that would combine both wireless technologies, GSM and CDMA, to make it a world phone but then settled for CDMA when Qualcomm and other chip manufactures could not pull it off.

"Apple has chosen Qualcomm as its chip supplier [3G wireless technology chip for EV-DO] for the new version of the iPhone headed to Verizon this summer, according to Northeast Securities analyst Ashok Kumar," Moritz reports. "Kumar confirmed the decision with the manufacturers and suppliers involved with the phone."

Of course at this particular moment in time Apple has no comment but it just adds more fuel to the fire for the long awaited Verizon iPhone. This is Qualcomm's second big win this week as they are supplying the Snapdragon chip for the much hyped Google Nexus One.

[Via TheStreet.com]

Computerworld is rumoring that Apple's allegedly-to-be-announced-January-27th iTablet/iSlate will run on Verizon's CDMA network according to... an analysts sources (!)

"The tablet will be supported by multiple [mobile] carriers," said Brian Marshall of Broadpoint AmTech, citing unnamed sources he said were close to the situation. "Verizon and others," he continued. "Definitely Verizon. I've been told that's a certainty."

Meanwhile, AppleInsider quotes another analyst who says, when it comes to the iPhone, Apple and Verizon can't see eye-to-eye on pricing. Control-freaks the both of them, no one is yet blinking:

Currently, it is estimated that Apple gets a favorable $700 average selling price per iPhone, subsidized through exclusive carrier AT&T. Compare that with the ASP of the Motorola Droid, exclusive to Verizon, which costs an estimated $450 per sale.

Also, combined CDMA/GSM chips, which would let the iPhone run on both Verizon and GSM carriers like AT&T and most of the rest of the world, aren't likely to be ready until the second half of 2010.

Hey, maybe Verizon will get a CDMA iTablet, but it can also be perpetually tethered to an AT&T/GSM iPhone! Sound off in the comments!

Once again Taiwan's DigiTimes is raising chatter about Qualcomm and Apple and CDMA compatible (or CDMA+GSM dual mode) iPhones, which of course brings Verizon screaming back into the rumor-mill.

This time, however, it seems that Qualcomm just really, really wants to work with Apple (who currently use a GSM-only chipset from rival Infineon), and a hybrid CDMA+GSM iPhone might not even be technically possible until 2011. (Though Qualcomm's new chipset reportedly does provide compatibility with the upcoming LTE 4G standard as well, which both AT&T and Verizon will be rolling out... eventually).

So, yeah, very little to see here until we see something real here...

[DigiTimes via AppleInsider]

Is Apple making a smaller, CDMA-compatible "world phone" for Verizon, and readying it for Q3, 2010? Maybe. And TiPb's sure this "report" coming out on Droid Day is purely coincidental, given Google and Verizon's moment in the sun. AppleInsider, however, claims a new report, with the prerequisite "sources in Taiwan" (SiT) say it's so:

Qualcomm's new hybrid CDMA/WCDMA chip offers the potential for a single, global iPhone that users can take to any major carrier, solving the network fractionalization problem. It also solves other issues that had served as roadblocks, including the issue of user confusion that would result from Apple selling separate CDMA and GSM/UMTS versions of the iPhone.

And that it will have a smaller 2.8 inch screen to go with it. (We make fun in the concept picture above, because we had such lingering hopes for a 480p iPhone HD...) With the Android Droid, Windows Mobile HD2, and even the BlackBerry Storm2 going for bigger screens and pixels, however, we're hoping Apple doesn't trend completely the other way...

Since it's only a rumor, however, and a suspiciously timed one at that, we recommend you take it with a full iPhone-sized grain of salt... but let us know what you think!

Could we see a combination CDMA/HSPA iPhone hit Verizon before the holidays? No, we don't think so either, but that's the rumor we're hearing again.

Of course, we're no stranger to iPhone on Verizon rumors, whether they be wishful thinking or the result of ongoing, longterm Apple/carrier negotiations that may or may not ever amount to anything, it's ironic that rumors about America's most reliable network are almost always anything but...

Given the limited remaining lifespan on CDMA (Verizon's going LTE for 4G) and market (primarily the US -- even Bell and Telus in Canada are going HSPA), it just seems like such an un-Apple-like thing to do. Then again, Verizon's customer base is no doubt a huge temptation for Apple. Given how many iPhones they sell on AT&T, if they hit Verizon, we can only imagine the market share shift. (Not to mention the load balancing of network traffic that would hopefully follow).

Again, we're not getting our hopes up. We don't think we'll see an iPhone on Verizon any time soon, especially not before the holidays. Let's face it, it's almost October already and the window to effectively launch and market the iPhone on a new US network by then is rapidly diminishing from slim to none.

But, if you want to sound off anyway about how much you want a an iPhone world-phone on Verizon, hit the comments.

[Thanks tipster!]

iLounge reports that they've been told the next generation iPhone will come in two storage capacities (we'd guess 16GB and 32GB) and three radio flavors, 3G, 3.5/3.75G, and China CDMA. Consumers won't be able to choose which radio model they buy, each carrier in each local region will simply offer the one that best suits their network. Some choice in color -- black or white? -- should remain.

The design is said to be roughly the same with the exception of a new, more scratch-resistant matte finish for the back plate, which has been rumored for a while now.

And no, unfortunately, Chinese CDMA won't run on Sprint or Verizon in the US. Different frequencies.

Commercial Times is raising the bar on crazy rumors by claiming Apple will release not just one, not even two, but a whopping three new iPhones this summer.

• First would be the next-generation iPhone previous rumors have pointed to, with beefed up processors and features like the camera.

• Second would be a throwback of sorts to the original iPhone, dropping HSPA 3G in favor of EDGE 2.75G to lower costs and smash what little umbrella was left competitors.

• Third would be a special version to support a CDMA carrier in China, allowing Apple to penetrate that last, largest of markets. (And with the mere mention of CDMA, cue baseless Verizon rumors in 3... 2... ) [Note: Chinese CDMA bands won't work on Verizon -- hence baseless]

While TiPb has been on the next-gen bandwagon as a long as anyone, I have to admit the other two I'm not as sure about. Even though I mentioned the possibility of an EDGE-again iPhone on Twitter this weekend, Sacha Segan from PCMag was quick to point out a problem: AT&T is cutting EDGE capacity in favor of 3G. And like Giz says in the link below, Apple's never been a retro-embracing company...

Would anyone be interested in an uber-cheap (free on contract, low EDGE data plan) version of the iPhone? Or is it Next Gen or nothing? And could we see a world where people are smuggling CDMA iPhones out of China?!

[via Gizmodo via Slashphone]

UPDATE: Verizon has just announced their 4G/LTE plans for end-of-year 2010, which may make their network compatible with future iPhone models. More details here.

ORIGINAL: We've all heard that AT&T in the US has an exclusive on the iPhone, and that maybe that exclusive was bumped up to 2010 when they agreed to the new iPhone 3G model, but no one outside the lawyer-strewn vaults at Apple and AT&T likely knows how much or for how long. With that in mind, BGR is rumoring that Verizon might be getting ready to unleash a little CDMA/EVDO iPhone fury all their own.

Apple is said to have approached Verizon to be the original iPhone carrier, after all, with AT&T only getting the deal when Verizon turned it down. Likewise, it's been suggested that Apple may not exactly be thrilled at the problems 3G users (and Crackberry Kevin's, it seems!) are having on the AT&T network.

Still, this one is hard for us to believe. Irrespective of Verizon's huge footprint in the US, and regardless of the appeal a CDMA/EVDO iPhone may have for some, it's a small global market for Apple to spend their already straining resources on.

Besides, Jeremy points out that with the Blackberry Storm set to strike over at Verizon, would they really want to let the iPhone 3G steal RIM's "thunder" (ouch!)

What do you think? Any iPhone owners out there dying to switch (back?) to Verizon? Any Verizon stalwarts still holding out for an EVDO iPhone?