Rumor Patrol: Why a Verizon CDMA iPhone 4G Makes Sense

May 13, 2010 - By Justin E. Gehrke

Back on March 30, 2010, GSL posted an article regarding the rumored production of a CDMA version of the Apple iPhone. The original source at the time was the highly respected Wall Street Journal. At the time, a Verizon spokesperson refused to comment on the issue. While the rumor quickly faded away into obscurity, it seems that it may not have been too far off of the mark.

According to a new report that surfaced yesterday, things may have progressed to the point where Apple (AAPL) has actually placed orders to have a CDMA iPhone produced by a Taiwan-based manufacturer called Pegatron. The source of the current iteration of the rumor is Digitimes, a technology website based in Taiwan. The article states that up to ten million units could be produced and shipped annually.

So what do the main players in the equation have to say about the rumor? As usual, Verizon, the potential big winner in this equation, has yet to confirm or deny anything. As for Apple, everyone knows not to expect much from their PR department.

While nothing is official, it does seem important to note that the resurfacing of the same exact rumor, more than a month after the first one, could lead one to believe there is some legitimacy behind the issue. One more detail that gives the rumor even more credence is the fact that Apple officially began selling contract-free iPhones in their flagship Apple Stores, back in March of this year. At the time, the move was seen as a possible indication that the iPhone 4G release was, indeed, imminent. Now, one can fast forward to April 19, 2010, when Gizmodo originally leaked photos and video of the “found” iPhone 4G prototype.

One can’t be 100% certain, but the timeline pieces do seem to add up:

• March 23, 2010 – Apple Stores begin selling iPhones without requiring a contract.
• March 30, 2010 – WSJ article on rumored Verizon, CDMA iPhone release.
• April 19, 2010 – Gizmodo leaks iPhone 4G prototype photos and video.
• May 13, 2010 – Digitimes reports Pegatron received orders to produce CDMA iPhone

The timeline makes the latest CDMA iPhone rumor seem like a reasonable one. With the WWDC scheduled to take place in June 2010, Apple could be following a very well-laid out plan to give consumers more than just the iPhone 4G. As always, we’ll have to wait and see. Until something definite is announced by Apple, though, at least Verizon customers who have long wished for the iPhone have a little more hope to which they can cling.