Three Things to Watch For at Verizon iPhoneapalooza
Although there doesn’t seem to be much mystery about what will be unveiled on Tuesday, there are some important details not yet known about the inaugural Verizon iPhone.
- 4G or 3G, World phone or CDMA-only?
A key question is which networks the Verizon iPhone will support. Supporting the carrier’s 4G network could help the Verizon iPhone get faster data and make calls and receive data at the same time, but would also likely drive up the cost and hurt battery life. As Apple has in the past been content to let other phone makers be the first on a given network, many analysts expect this iPhone not to support Verizon’s just introduced–and still limited–LTE (Long-Term Evolution) network. Also, will Verizon and Apple have accepted the added cost to build in support for non-U.S. networks to allow the phone to work in countries that don’t support Verizon’s CDMA technology?
- What features distinguish the Verizon iPhone from the iPhone 4?
Although many expect the Verizon iPhone to largely resemble the iPhone 4, it is unlikely to be a clone of its AT&T sibling. The differences will shape the battleground between AT&T and Verizon as the two battle over current and future iPhone customers. Unlimited data use appears to be one thing in the Verizon iPhone’s favor. Network speed could go either way, depending on whether there is 4G support in the Verizon device.
- Details, details, details.
How much will the phone cost? Will current Verizon customers be able to switch to the iPhone for the same price as new customers? What about those who have recently bought another phone–will they have to wait until their full contract is up? Will Verizon have managed to get any of its apps pre-loaded. There are all kinds of fun little details that should give us pixel-stained wretches plenty to get all lathered up about. And oh yeah, when can everyone get their hot little hands on the darn thing?
For answers to all this and more, AllThingsD will have live coverage starting just before 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT.