iPhone 4 on Verizon Wireless Launch

Today Verizon Wireless announced a partnership with Apple to carry the iPhone 4. The new Verizon Wireless iPhone 4 will carry all of the same features as the iPhone 4 on AT&T, however, it will offer capability Mobile Hotspot for 5 devices. AT&T does not currently offer this feature.

The Verizon Wireless iPhone 4 is a CDMA phone that uses Verizon Wireless's current 3G network, and not their newly introduced 4G network. It does feature a new antenna design, since CDMA requires a different antenna configuration, according to Apple.

To take advantage of the Verizon Wireless network, you cannot use your current GSM iPhone 4, you will need to purchase the new CDMA version. 

Launch date is February 10th, and current Verizon Wireless subscribers get to order first on February 3rd. 

$199 16GB w/ 2 Year Agreement

$299 32GB w/ 2 Year Agreement

Phones will require a data plan. Pricing to be announced at a later date. 

Verizon iPhone Announcement?

Verizon Wireless has just sent out press invites for a special event on 1/11/11.  All sources speculate that this IS the date of the announcement where Apple and Verizon come together to bring the iPhone to Verizon Wireless subscribers. I fully support this theory, all signs point to it.

- In an Apple Q&A, Steve Jobs said they have a 'Verizon' cell tower on the campus.

- Apple is playing nice with Verizon by offering them the ability to bundle the iPad with a MiFi device and sell in their stores.

- Verizon Wireless just made several announcements about it's network and upcoming phones at CES this week. Apple wasn't at CES, and never is.  Therefore, they are waiting to make this announcement until CES is over, as to not take the thunder out of it's other partners phones or their network announcements. 

- AT&T Contract has got to be up by now.

- AT&T is dropping iPhone 3GS prices to $49. I don't believe Verizon Wireless will have the iPhone 3GS, just the iPhone 4. A preemptive strike to keep a low cost iPhone. 

- AT&T is making great effort to promote their other phones recently, such as Android and Windows Phone 7 based phones heavily in market ads. I haven't seen any iPhone 4 ads in quite awhile. 

- Verizon Wireless is beefing up their network big time. Partially for 4G LTE, but also readying itself for the iPhone 4. 

Check out this article from ALL THINGS D.  They think this is it too, and I'm with em' 100%.

Apple Ad for iPhone 4 Retina Display

After looking at Droid phones today, not one came close to the Retina Display. I am very happy Apple is showing off this display. Everytime I look at my iPhone 4, I think, WOW!. 

White iPhone 4 Delayed. 2010, maybe?

Statement by Apple on White iPhone 4

White models of Apple’s new iPhone® 4 have continued to be more challenging to manufacture than we originally expected, and as a result they will not be available until later this year. The availability of the more popular iPhone 4 black models is not affected.

iPhone 4 Case Program - An App for That

Today Apple officially launched the iPhone 4 case program (and it literally is a program you need to use!), to order your free case for the iPhone 4. This case is offered to those with reception problems (aka - all iPhone 4s in low signal areas). 

You must first go to the App store and download the iPhone 4 Case Program app. Once you have installed it, login with your Apple ID and then select from one of several iPhone cases.  

They had offerings from Speck, Belkin, Griffin, and InCase. Also offered is an Apple brand Black iPhone Bumper. Speaking of Bumpers, if you had previously purchased one off of the online Apple Store, you will automatically receive a refund, and this will be your compensation for a free case. If you purcahsed it at an Apple Retail store, you can bring in your receipt for a refund. It's a little more painful if you purchased from AT&T, as you then have to mail in a rebate form. 

I chose a Griffin Reveal Etch case, and hope it was a good choice. It's supposed to be a 1.6mm thin case. I assume it alleviates the antenna issues, or it wouldn't be one of those offered. 

Offering a free case does help take some of the heat off of Apple, as it is the right thing to do. With that said, I don't think a case should be mandatory, and there will be those that choose to go case-free. 

This free case offer is only available to those that have bought an iPhone 4 between now and September 30th.