What You Need To Know About The Verizon iPhone

The Verizon iPhone 4 brings with it a number of questions. Here is a brief look at what you need to know before buying the device (or switching from AT&T). Availability The Verizon iPhone will be available through Verizon and Apple beginning February 10, 2011. The device will be available for pre-order only to Verizon Wireless existing customer. It will be on a “first come, first served” basis via VerizonWireless.com, on or around February 3rd 2011 – details to be confirmed a week prior by Verizon Wireless. New, and existing customers can purchase from select channels on February 10th. Contract A new 2  year contract is required. However, you will also have the option to purchase the iPhone at full retail price, which will not require you to sign a long-term agreement. Verizon will not be offering any early upgrade promotions at this time. CDMA Not LTE The Verizon iPhone works on Verizon's CDMA 3G network, not its new 4G LTE network. CDMA Limitations You will not be able to use data and make a call at the same time. However, you will be able to text at the same time. Pricing Customers will need to choose from any of the current Nationwide plans. Customers will also be required to activate a data package. Pricing will be announced at a later date. The devices themselves will be priced at $199.99 for the 16GB model, and $299.99 for the 32GB model with a new 2-year agreement. Differences between Verizon iPhone and AT&T iPhone Apple has changed the look of the antenna to work with the CDMA network. In addition, a Verizon iPhone will include settings for a mobile hotspot. These are included within the Settings app on the phone. In addition, the mute button has been moved slightly. Because of this, some cases made for the AT&T iPhone will not work with the Verizon iPhone. Future Updates Please keep in mind; if you purchase a Verizon iPhone, you will not be able to upgrade it for 20 months. The company’s “New Every Two” program will be phased out as customers re-up. This means you will be unable to purchase the expected iPhone 5 until later in its life cycle. Apps The Verizon iPhone will have the 3G Mobile Hotspot app pre-installed, and it will also have other apps available such as VZ Navigator, and V CAST Media Manager. Apps purchased outside of the App Store for an existing Verizon phone will not work on the iPhone. However, if you are switching from AT&T, these apps will work. You will have to sync your new iPhone through Apple's iTunes. AT&T Customers Your existing AT&T iPhone will not work on Verizon’s CDMA network. Therefore, you would have to purchase a new device if you want to switch. Branding Unlike every other phone available through Verizon, the iPhone will not include the familiar Verizon logo, nor will the word “Verizon” be found anywhere on the iPhone’s casing.

Related articles