AT&T has iPhone until 2012

[aaf709]

Take a look at AT&T has iPhone exclusivity until 2012 - CNN.com

It was speculative before given the lack of independent confirmation, but now apparently Apple has gone on record to confirm that the original deal signed with AT&T for iPhone exclusivity back in 2007 was a five-year deal. That means at least some legal hoops would need jumping through if we're ever going to see that oft-rumored Verizon iPhone before 2012.


Kinda funny; AT&T's release of the iPhone is December 2012 and the Mayan calendar (and the Earth, some believe) ends in December 2012.

[PolyOlefin]

I think this is good news for Android devotees. AT&T's data capacity is already strained, and they have a terrible reputation for dropped calls. iPhone exclusivity will only add to the stress (not to mention the iPad's data needs), further destroying AT&T's reputation. I happen to know someone who wants an iPhone 3G very badly, but refuses to hop onto AT&T.

This only cements Google's dominance in smartphone OS territory, as a Verizon iPhone would cannibalize sales of the Droid/Incredible, even though the new iPhone will decimate Android's sales numbers in the short term.

And that Mayan end-of-the-world thing is a load of BS. People really believe in that? Did they believe in Y2K also? How about the predictions of Nostradamus? Go read a book, people.

[Big Cam]

The iphone will come to Verizon once Verizon finally moves past CDMA.

[Darkseider]

By the time the iPhone makes it off of AT&T it will no longer be relevant. Right now Android is selling more units per quarter, starting with Q1/2010, than Apple. With the release of the Incredible and EVO 4G, Q2/2010 will be wrapped up tight as well. Granted the impending release of the new iPhone will cause some hoopla but truthfully will not make much of an impact at all on Android sales. Then by the time Q4/2010 rolls around and we see the first Cortex A-9 based handsets it is pretty much game over for Apple.

[JayCizzo]

I wish "iPhone" was a censored word on this forum. I am sick of hearing about it. No disrespect meant to the OP. I know it's a relevant story, just expressing my opinion.

[Darkseider]

I think this is good news for Android devotees. AT&T's data capacity is already strained, and they have a terrible reputation for dropped calls. iPhone exclusivity will only add to the stress (not to mention the iPad's data needs), further destroying AT&T's reputation. I happen to know someone who wants an iPhone 3G very badly, but refuses to hop onto AT&T.

This only cements Google's dominance in smartphone OS territory, as a Verizon iPhone would cannibalize sales of the Droid/Incredible, even though the new iPhone will decimate Android's sales numbers in the short term.

And that Mayan end-of-the-world thing is a load of BS. People really believe in that? Did they believe in Y2K also? How about the predictions of Nostradamus? Go read a book, people.

The new iPhone will sell well only because it is the shiny new Apple iPhad device. Most people that will be purchasing that device will be current iPhone owners. Granted they will get new customers with it but nothing to the extent of what Android will get. People are getting wise to Apple and more and more are questioning whether purchasing a device for them is a good idea. Whereas more and more people that leave the iPhone for a Droid/Inc/pick a flavor have nothing but praise for Android and the devices it runs on.

[aaf709]

I happen to know someone who wants an iPhone 3G very badly, but refuses to hop onto AT&T.

That reminds me of the Coke/Pepsi cola wars. Statistics prove one is more popular based on the amount drunk, but they include numbers from fast food restaurants where only brand is available.

Statistics showing how popular AT&T is includes iPhone sales. Remove the iPhone from AT&T and we may see something like an end of the world to them.

I wish "iPhone" was a censored word on this forum. I am sick of hearing about it. No disrespect meant to the OP. I know it's a relevant story, just expressing my opinion.

I hear you (as the OP). I posted this mainly because I've seen posts from people wondering on getting a phone now or waiting until the iPhone comes to Verizon (some were thinking later this year).

[PolyOlefin]

By the time the iPhone makes it off of AT&T it will no longer be relevant.

...

Then by the time Q4/2010 rolls around and we see the first Cortex A-9 based handsets it is pretty much game over for Apple.

I really wouldn't count Apple out of the game so easily. Like Google, they have tons of capital to buy start-ups, and a die-hard fan base that is growing. They recently purchased PA Semi, which we shouldn't underestimate. Google countered that move by purchasing Agnilux, but no one's sure what the pipeline will bring.

A huge advantage Apple has over Google is that they have absolute control over the integration of hardware and software, something Goog is not yet capable of doing. The Nexus One doesn't even come close.

[Darkseider]

By the time the iPhone makes it off of AT&T it will no longer be relevant.

...

Then by the time Q4/2010 rolls around and we see the first Cortex A-9 based handsets it is pretty much game over for Apple.

I really wouldn't count Apple out of the game so easily. Like Google, they have tons of capital to buy start-ups, and a die-hard fan base that is growing. They recently purchased PA Semi, which we shouldn't underestimate. Google countered that move by purchasing Agnilux, but no one's sure what the pipeline will bring.

A huge advantage Apple has over Google is that they have absolute control over the integration of hardware and software, something Goog is not yet capable of doing. The Nexus One doesn't even come close.

Umm... PA Semi? Agnilux? This is important why? All they did was buy up some talent. You do realize how ARM licensing works, right? If not here is the breakdown. ARM Holdings does not sell chips, it sells manufacturing licenses. TI, Qualcomm, PA Semi, Agnilux and just about everyone + dog that makes an ARM SoC has a manufacturing license. This means they can make and improve on the architecture however they like. So now that Apple owns PA Semi they can manufacture their own ARM SoC to use and sell to the public. No more, no less.

[danDroid]

Thanks for the post, I wasn't aware of that! I think those holding off for a Verizon iPhone will now jump to the Incredible