Device not expected until fourth quarter

Apple is allegedly facing delays bringing its rumored Verizon-branded iPhone to the market, according to Citigroup analyst Richard Gardner. The project has allegedly been pushed back due to a "manufacturing delay of several months in a key component."

Although the analyst initially expected a CDMA iPhone to launch in the third quarter of this year, it is now believed to be on-track for the fourth quarter or sometime early next year.

Other analysts, such as Kaufman Brothers' Shaw Wu, suggest the Verizon launch is inevitable but may be preceded by offerings on T-Mobile or Sprint. The delay is not said to be related to an extension of Apple's exclusivity agreement through AT&T.

Apple's Verizon plans, including the specific terms, remain unconfirmed. Despite the non-exclusive availability, Wu expects the carrier to face significantly higher subsidies than it typically pays to other handset makers.

By Electronista Staff

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iPhone, Investor, industry, Verizon, CDMA, Apple