Since its January 2007 debut , Apple ’s lone iPhone partner in the U.S. has been AT&T. But that exclusive arrangement fare to an end Tuesday , as Verizon Wireless and Apple announce that they were fall in forces to sell a version of the iPhone 4 that ’s compatible with Verizon ’s cellular web . Ca n’t recite your GSM from your CDMA ? rummy what you ’ll postulate to pay to get out of your AT&T declaration ? Wondering what ’s new with this Verizon edition of the iPhone 4 ? We ’ve develop answers to some of the most coarse questions .
If I have an iPhone with AT&T , can I now use it on Verizon ’s mesh ?
No . CDMA ( Code Division Multiple Access ) is the wireless technology banner used by Verizon and Sprint Nextel in the U.S. AT&T and T - Mobile consumption GSM ( Global System for Mobile Communications ) technology , which is also the most rough-cut wireless touchstone internationally . The two technologies are not compatible with each other . As a result , a current AT&T iPhone simply ca n’t connect to Verizon ’s web . also , the new Verizon iPhone ca n’t connect to AT&T ’s internet . The unexampled Verizon version of the iPhone 4 will also work only on Verizon ’s 3 G connection , not on its next - generation 4 G LTE ( Long Term Evolution ) connection .
What version of the iPhone is Verizon deal ? Are there any ironware differences ?
The Verizon iPhone is an iPhone 4 , uncommitted in the same capacities as the AT&T version of the iPhone . However , there are some hardware conflict beyond sustenance for CDMA instead of GSM .
From what we can tell , the Verizon telephone uses a slightly unlike feeler layout . If you recall from the “ antennagate ” disputation of this past summer , the iPhone ’s metal edge is composed of three antennas , lay end - to - end . The “ joints , ” if you will , between those incision are in different locations on the Verizon iPhone . Whether or not this affects the public presentation of the phone — perhaps avoid the issue where gripping the earpiece could bridge over the antenna — we do n’t yet cognise .
What wedoknow is that along with this change in antenna layout , Apple has move the phone ’s Ring / Silent switch slenderly , and that sack means thatsome existing iPhone 4 cases wo n’t put to work with the Verizon iPhone . Specifically , depending on how a particular case ’s opening are contrive , a subject made for the original iPhone 4 may block admission to the Ring / Silent permutation on the Verizon iPhone . ( likewise , a unexampled case made for the Verizon iPhone may obturate memory access to the Ring / still electrical switch of an original iPhone . )
One nonaged hardware departure is that , because the Verizon speech sound uses CDMA — and , thus , does n’t involve a GSM SIM card — the new version has no SIM - carte time slot on the side . On the other handwriting , one way in which the Verizon and AT&T iPhones are similar is that neither feature the mail carrier ’s logo . This is famed because Verizon has long emblazoned its logotype — conspicuously large — on every earpiece it carries .
What about the elusive blank iPhone ? Will Verizon have it ?
Thar she blows ! Actually , Verizon did n’t say anything about the white iPhone , which , if you ’ll recall , Apple announced , check , delayed , anddelayed again . All the pictures of the Verizon offer that we ’ve seen on the carrier ’s site so far are of the black iPhone . Our guess is when — if?—the white iPhone is quick for the world it ’ll revolve out ( lento ) to all carriers .
Will the Verizon iPhone work where I live ?
you’re able to use theVerizon Coverage Locatorto help figure that out . You might also need to ask any local friends of yours if they ’re on Verizon and , if so , how their service is . ( Be sure to ask about data reportage and performance , too . )
Will Verizon free an iPhone 5 in the summer alongside AT&T ? Should I wait until then to exchange ?
Although we do n’t know for sure when Apple will derive out with the next iPhone ( and when Verizon will get it ) , it ’s a safe stake that Apple will stick to its summertime going schedule . And that brings up a valid question : do you want to get locked into a new two - yr contract on an iPhone 4 six month before a potential upgrade comes out ? As with all engineering , you could always wait for the next revision of a product , but then you ’ll hold back forever and never get to in reality use anything . So it reckon on whether you want / involve an iPhone now on Verizon , or whether you ’re glad to waitress half a class to see what the Next grownup affair is from the iPhone .
What does it mean that you could habituate the Verizon iPhone as a hot spot ?
Using your iPhone as a personal hotspot have in mind that you could partake its mobile ( 3 GB ) information connection with up to five other gadget ( such as laptop computer or iPads ) over USB , Wi - Fi , or Bluetooth . That means those other gimmick can get cyberspace access in places they might not otherwise have it . It ’s standardized to the Internet Tethering feature available with AT&T on the iPhone 3 GB , 3GS , and 4 models , although with AT&T you’re able to connect to only one machine at a clock time , and only via USB or Bluetooth .
Will the hotspot feature cost surplus ?
There ’s no password yet on whether the hotspot feature film will be an extra cost beyond the standard Verizon iPhone data plan ( item of which the company also has n’t announced ) , but on its other smartphones , Verizon bear down $ 20 extra to apply the feature . With AT&T iPhones , tethering costs $ 20 a month in addition to take the $ 25 - a - month 2 GB DataPlus data plan ( although you may activate the tethering feature on a calendar month - to - month basis ) . One divergence between the carriers is that with AT&T , your tether data is taken from your monthly 2 GB data plan ; Verizon ’s hotspot feature of speech — at least when used with the toter ’s existing smartphones — draws from its own , disjoined pond of data . Another difference is that AT&T ’s tethering , which is accomplished via USB or Bluetooth , restricts you to connecting a individual machine to your phone . And not all devices support tether — for exemplar , you ca n’t tether an iPad to an iPhone to use the latter ’s 3 constant of gravitation joining .
Are there any Verizon - specific apps instal ?
grant to Apple ’s Phil Schiller , no — which , as with the Verizon ’s conspicuous want of a Verizon logotype , is unique among the toter ’s smartphone offerings . AVerizon FAQsays that apps such as VZ Navigator and V Cast Media Manager will be useable on the App Store , but they wo n’t be pre - loaded on the phone .
Will I be capable to use FaceTime on Verizon ’s connection ?
FaceTime presently relies on a Wi - Fi connection , not cellular data connections , so Verizon iPhone 4 owner should be able to use FaceTime just okay . But neither fashion model of iPhone will let currently let you use FaceTime via a 3 yard connection .
What adaptation of iOS is the Verizon iPhone running ?
Engadgetreportsthat it ’s iOS 4.2.5 .
Do Verizon iPhone users get Visual Voicemail ?
Yes , iPhone on Verizon uses a similar Visual Voicemail feature . It ’s undecipherable if Verizon will file superfluous for this feature or what , if any , differences you ’ll see compare to the AT&T version .
Can I take a call while checking my e - mail ? In other words , does the Verizon iPhone accompaniment simultaneous voice and data ?
During the result , Verizon said the iPhone will offer the “ same experience as other CDMA phones ” in that respect — which is a inactive path of saying that the Verizon iPhone does n’t brook simultaneous mobile - web voice and information . ( This is a current limitation of CDMA . ) you may , however , access code information have over Wi - Fi while utter on the phone — assuming , of course , you ’re within range of a Wi - Fi connection .
What happens when a call comes in while I ’m using the 3 M electronic internet ?
telephone calls take priority , so if you ’re surfboard the Web ( or retard your Es - chain mail or ascertain a video ) , that activity will be put on hold when a call comes in . In theory , you should never miss a call because you ’re doing something on the information connection .
Any word of honor on design pricing ?
Verizon has n’t provided detail of its data plans , though wetook our best shotat guessing . Current smartphone data point plans proffer by Verizon are 150 MB per calendar month for $ 15 ( a worse batch than AT&T ’s 200 M for $ 15 ) and unlimited data for $ 30 ( compared to AT&T ’s 2 GB for $ 25 ) . Verizon may offer those design to iPhone users , or it may extend something else . We just wo n’t know until the party wee-wee an announcement . In term of voice hour , AT&T allows you to roll over mo from one month to the next ; Verizon does n’t .
I ’m a Verizon customer . How can I check to see if I ’m eligible to upgrade ?
Current Verizon client should use Apple’stool for checking your toll and eligibility for a Verizon iPhone .
Can I practice the Verizon iPhone while travel abroad ?
regrettably , most of the world outside the U.S. uses GSM for roving networks , which signify Verizon ’s CDMA iPhone wo n’t work in many other countries . International CDMA coverage islimited to just over 40 countries , most of them in Asia , Central and South America , and the Caribbean .
So is Verizon faster than AT&T ? Better ? Does it offer more coverage ?
Now you ’ve opened a can of louse . All the carriers find unlike direction to measure velocity , reliability , and even the size of their networks , all to exact that they ’re the nation ’s number one something or other . Last yearPCWorld go against down the four majorsand reported that AT&T had the quick overall internet , but of course results varied from metropolis to city . Generally AT&T is thought to have a faster internet and bid the broadest overall sound reportage , but Verizon ’s got more 3 G coverage . When you ’re comparing cellular carrier , it gets complicated really tight . And of course , if one company is the clear succeeder overall , it might still be the exonerated loser for you if it ’s beat spoilt coverage where you inhabit , employment , and travelling .
When will the Verizon iPhone be available , who can buy it , and for how much ?
subsist Verizon customers will get the opportunity to commit pre - orders online for the iPhone “ on or around ” February 3 ( Verizon ’s FAQs say that the society will affirm the details a workweek in advance ) . On February 10 , Verizon will make the iPhone available for all user . Pricing starts at $ 200 for a 16 GB iPhone 4 and $ 300 for a 32 GB model ; a two - year contract bridge with Verizon will be require . According to the Verizon ’s iPhone FAQs , you ’ll also have the option to purchase iPhone at full retail Mary Leontyne Price , which will not command you to “ bless a long - full term agreement , ” although no specific price is list . Verizon says iPhone client will need tochoose one of its current Nationwide Talk plan — private plans start at $ 40 a month for 450 minutes and go up to $ 70 for unlimited talking clip . A data computer software is also involve , though Verizon has yet to foretell pricing for iPhone customers .
Where can I get one ?
Pre - orders for existing Verizon customers can only be placed online . After that , iPhones will be available at both Apple and Verizon Wireless retail stores ( and , presumably , online as well ) .
What if I require to switch from AT&T ?
If your contract bridge with AT&T is up , moving over to Verizon should be relatively painless ( other than make to buy a new iPhone , that is ) . If you ’re still under contract with AT&T , you ’ll have to ante up any early endpoint fee ( ETF ) that could run $ 250 to $ 300 if you ’re an iPhone 4 user to get out of your remaining obligations . We’veprepared a story that walks you through the procedure of switchingand can avail answer all your questions . In either case , you should be able to move your existing number over without much hassle .
Will the iPhone be sell unlatched ( so I can use it with other CDMA bearer ) ?
Verizon has only announce the subsidized poser that want a two - year contract , as well as a no - contract bridge , full - priced iPhone . As with AT&T , we do n’t expect Verizon to offer up an iPhone that you could easy use on another common carrier ’s meshing .
The Apple tablet , the Beatles on iTunes , an iPhone on Verizon … what do have to bet forrader to now ?
Age , infirmity , and death . Oh , wait ! You mean about Apple . Okay , presumably there will be a unexampled iPad this spring ( on the face of it includinga model that works on Verizon ) and a new iPhone this summer . Also new Macs all yr round ! It ’s not like everyone at Apple has just put their feet up and enjoin , “ business done . ” Though perhaps some initiate have done that , given that the Verizon iPhone was the most - flogged rumor of the retiring few long time .
