Apple Reportedly Prepping CDMA iPhone For Verizon

Apple is reportedly moving to end AT&T's exclusive contract with the company's iPhone by developing a new version of the smartphone for Verizon's CDMA wireless networks, a possibility that Verizon's top exec declined to deny.

Apple is developing a CDMA version of its iPhone smartphone that will be sold by Verizon during the first quarter of 2011, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Mass production of the new CDMA-based iPhone is expected to begin by year-end, with shipments slated to start early next year. It will resemble the existing iPhones now sold by AT&T, except for the different wireless technology, the Journal said.

Rumors surrounding the possibility that the iPhone will be available for Verizon's networks have been swirling for some time.

For instance, the Journal in March said that Apple was readying a CDMA version of the iPhone for Verizon, and said that it was being prepared by Pegatron Technology Corp., a subsidiary of ASUSTeK Computer Inc. AT&T's iPhone is made by Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., the Journal said at the time. However, production was reported at the time to start in September of 2010.

Next: Verizon's Top Exec Didn't Say Yes, Didn't Say No

Verizon's top executive declined to confirm or deny the rumor during a news conference at the CTIA conference.

Lowell McAdam, president and COO of Verizon Communications, declined to confirm the Journal story, according to The Washington Post.

McAdam said that Apple would be the right company to make any announcements about its upcoming products, and that stories about new iPhones "roll out every few weeks," the Post quoted him as saying.

Apple has long been expected to end its exclusive iPhone contract with AT&T, a move which many in the industry expect to result in a significant increase in iPhone sales.

AT&T itself last Fall brushed off concerns about its exclusive iPhone deal with Apple, saying that such a move would have little impact on its business and that its technology would continue to give it the advantage over rivals.