14 DAY TRIAL // Rumors about a CDMA iPhone made a real hype between Apple fans that couldn't take advantage of the GSM version from various reasons. Well, it seems that the Cupertino-based company is close to an official launch, which is supposed to take place in January 2011. The rumors are based on a possible order made by Apple for millions of units of Qualcomm CDMA chipsets for a Verizon iPhone due in December.
It seems that after all the rumors about the CDMA iPhone no one is willing to believe it anymore, but according to some sources involved in the manufacturing supply chain, Apple has already submitted an important number of Qualcomm CDMA chipsets. While facts and rumors don't indicate Verizon as the sole operator that will carry the first CDMA iPhone, there are only two possible carriers that might sell the device in U.S., Verizon Wireless and Sprint.
Moreover, the five-year agreement signed with AT&T for the exclusivity over the iPhone distribution in US, is ending this year, so we might see changes for the GSM version too. Word is that Verizon Wireless is preparing for an important launch at the end of the year, which again points to a possible CDMA iPhone release through one of the most important US-based carriers. It also seems that the new CDMA iPhone will have the same specs as the current iPhone 4, which might seem pretty obvious. I just hope the device will be delivered without the antenna issues.
More related rumors may surface until the end of the year, but we will surely know more about this from the CES keynotes. Even if the Verizon's CEO may refrain from revealing anything in his keynote, as CES comes before the usual Apple keynote in January, there's only a small time gap between the two events.