Verizon rep says Apple not that close

Verizon spokesman John Johnson today downplayed the near-term prospects of Apple hardware on Verizon [video below]. He explained to Beet at the D8 conference that there were no plans in the "immediate future" to use Apple devices and instead switched attention to the Droid Incredible, which he said was not only a good phone but had a better experience on its network.

"No one ever asks that question [about the iPhone]," he said sarcastically.

Johnson reiterated that the situation would get better still when LTE-based 4G rolls out. The first hardware will still be modems and other adapters, but the official stressed that Verizon would be quick with 4G smartphones and should have its first 4G phones "very early" in 2011. The faster network would be the key to making online video much easier, and he saw two-way video chat becoming a staple feature over time.

The statements don't rule out a Verizon iPhone or iPad this year but makes it doubtful that any will show up at WWDC this coming Monday. Most estimates align with Johnson's statements and put the CDMA iPhone in November, while an EVDO iPad is rumored to still be in testing.

By Electronista Staff