Dual-mode GSM/CDMA iPhone to be released by Apple?

11th November, 2009 by Adina
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Dual-mode phones are not at all new on the market but they typically need two chipsets and have limited UMTS and HSPA 3G support, generally because CDMA carriers try to prevent customers from switching to local UMTS/HSPA competitors like AT&T.

Apple is supposed to produce a new version of the iPhone working with both CDMA and GSM networks. The new device would rely on a hybrid Qualcomm chipset capable of supporting the two standards, normally incompatible. UMTS-based 3G would fit AT&T and other similar carriers and EVDO-based 3G would make the phone compatible with Verizon and other CDMA carriers. The same source reveals that Pegatron, which is a Taiwan-area contractor, would build the new phone to diversify iPhone’s suppliers. A smaller model would also be involved, as the source claims. Rumors have indicated a so-called “iPhone lite” model, with a 2.8-inch screen, would be destined for Verizon. This phone would ship in summer 2010 when the third anniversary of Apple’s iPhone coincides with the possible end of the extended exclusivity deal of AT&T with Apple. This exclusive agreement could be extended for one more year, as AT&T is intending. Apple has constantly denied the Verizon version of the iPhone by saying that it should make a CDMA-only device and this would force the production of two separate handsets, which would not be acceptable.

Apple might realize that AT&T is reaching the point where new iPhone customers cannot be attracted at a convenient rate, but maybe a significant percent of Verizon’s customer could want to get in possession of an iPhone. This being the case, a hybrid iPhone, supporting both CDMA and GSM would be the best solution to continue making one handset and simultaneously support customers from Verizon, Cellular South, Sprint and other CDMA carriers previously not taken into account by Apple.


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