iPhone Heading for Verizon?

While all eyes focus on June for a new iPhone model, is it possible that the new model will be a CDMA version, with the rest of the device the same? It's possible, as according to ITExaminer.com, Apple is looking at Verizon as its CDMA partner in the near future.

While AT&T has exclusivity over the iPhone in the U.S., that deal was initially supposed to be for two years, and according to reports (but not confirmed by AT&T or Apple), perhaps extended to 2010.

If that's not the case, then Apple could announce a model as soon as WWDC this year. Verizon as a carrier makes sense; with Sprint focused on the Palm Pre you have to be that Verizon wants in on one of the hottest mobile devices.

It's also pretty well known that Verizon was the original preferred carrier for Apple, but wouldn't give up the control that AT&T eventually did. From the story:

While the deal is so secret that Apple will not even hint that it is happening, the outfit had been trying to find EVDO and CDMA Engineers for months in their online Iphone job postings. While EVDO could cover a wide range of 3G skills, it is more likely that Apple is specifically after the Verizon Wireless standard.

That makes sense; it's no secret that Apple has been pursuing engineers with CDMA skills. It would also make sense that Apple would announce a new model at WWDC and then launch it later; as I've been saying, they always announce, then launch (months later for iPhone).

Thus, any hopes of a new phone release (as opposed to announcement) in June might be nil. I just hope they keep the same form factor so I don't have to get a new case for the dang thing. I would love to switch from AT&T's rather spotty coverage to Verizon.