This update would eliminate one of the commonly cited barriers to adopting the iPhone in the workplace, Foley says. While most major cellphone producers have long since signed up for ActiveSync -- including direct rivals Motorola, Nokia, Palm, and Sony-Ericsson -- Apple has so far made no mention of pursuing this route, which currently eliminates it from consideration as a work phone for companies that are heavily dependent on Microsoft's Exchange backend.

The sources are clear that an announcement will be made this week regarding Exchange, according to the editor, and may come as soon as Wednesday. Less than clear is whether or not the added support will be preloaded with the phone or come later as part of a software update in coming months.

Both Apple and Microsoft have so far declined comment on the report, though Microsoft has added that it routinely speaks with companies about licensing ActiveSync.