Apple and Verizon discussing iPhone model for Big Red to sell in 2010?

The story that won't die has come out of the grave like Jason in one of the Friday the 13th flicks. An article in USA Today says that Apple and Verizon have held high-level discussions about introducing a CDMA iPhone for Big Red's network as early as next year. These talks had been underway when CEO Steve Jobs was still working at the Cupertino based firm before taking a leave of absence due to health related issues. USA Today claims their sources will not give away names, because they are not authorized to talk about the meetings. AT&T is believed to have the exclusive right to sell the iPhone in the U.S. until 2010 based on an agreement the two firms entered into when the device was still being designed. Ma Bell is asking the computer company to extend the contract by at least another year.

While the USA Today article mentions a CDMA iPhone for Verizon, the carrier's CEO, Ivan Seidenberg, ruled out such a model in an interview two weeks ago. Seidenberg went on to say that it would be easier for Verizon and Apple to get together on an iPhone model running the 4G LTE network which is supposed to be up and running sometime next year. With the cellular industry moving toward 4G, an iPhone that supports the LTE network is a sure thing. The only question is, which carrier will be offering the iPhone 4G?

The new iPhone is now officially announced - you can check the Apple iPhone 3G S Specifications here.

source: USA Today via EngadgetMobile