AT&T will no longer be the exclusive wireless carrier for the Apple iPhone, as Apple Inc. has decided to introduce an all new variant of the immensely popular and wide selling Apple iPhone. This new variant will be a UMTS/CDMA hybrid version of the iPhone and is expected to be launched in the third quarter of the year 2010. Apple Inc. plans to sell the new model via multiple carriers across the globe and the handset will be especially tied with Verizon Wireless in the United States.

As of now, the Apple iPhone is set to work with the UMTS 3G networks alone and there is no support available for the CDMA network. However, with the new hybrid model, all this is set to change dramatically, as the new iPhone will be modified giving it the culpability of working on both  CDMA2000 networks and the UMTS 3G networks. This new compatibility mode will be especially helpful in the United States, where Verizon Wireless has a vast CDMA network, all set to embrace the new iPhone. The compatibility feature will be enabled with the help of the hybrid chip produced by Qualcomm. Furthermore, Apple has also changing its one sided business model of employing a s single handset manufacturer. Currently, all Apple iPhones are being built by Hon Hai. But the new hybrid iPhone will be manufactured by Pegatron, which is a long standing subsidiary of Asustek.

The new hybrid is expected to sport a 2.8 inch touch sensitive screen, which is quite the small than the current generation iPhones, that have been given a 3.5 inch touch sensitive display. The new iPhone is also beloved to be lighter and smaller than its predecessors. The availabliity of the Apple iPhone on Verizon Wireless is especially a good news for the consumers, as they no more have to stick with AT&T monopolized iPhone market and will also have the freedom of choosing the carrier they seem fit.

Via Apple Insider.