Verizon iPhone has new antenna, different side buttons, and old cases might not fit
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The Verizon iPhone 4 is, for the most part, the same iPhone 4 as the model sold at AT&T, but it does sport a different antenna and its side buttons have been moved down ever so slightly.
The performance of the actual phone might not change from these moves, which likely were made to accommodate internal changes so the iPhone 4 could run on Verizon’s CDMA 3G network.
But the button changes probably will mean that iPhone users who switch from AT&T to Verizon will be unable to re-use many of their old iPhone 4 cases and bumpers.
Having to produce a separate line of cases for the phones might also be a bit frustrating for accessory makers. Then again, some may welcome manufacturing a seperate line of cases for the same phone of two different carriers.
The side buttons -- for a switch that silences the phone, an up-volume button and a down-volume button -- have been lowered by ‘about 2mm or less,’ according to a report from ArsTechnica.
The reason for the button move? Apple officials weren’t available Wednesday morning to say, but it could be from the antenna changes.
The single antenna notch that sits atop the AT&T iPhone 4 has been replaced by two antenna notches on either side of the Verizon iPhone. The notch sits just above where the side buttons are.
The two notches on the bottom and sides of the iPhone 4 are the same on both the AT&T and Verizon models.
Apple is also promising no carrier-specific apps or software will be loaded onto the iPhone 4 from Verizon, though the Verizon iPhone will be able to act as a Wi-Fi mobile hotspot for other wireless devices trying to get onto the Internet. The AT&T iPhone isn’t yet offering that feature.
Verizon’s iPhone 4 is set to hit retail on Feb. 10, starting at $199.99.
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Top image: Apple iPhone 4, AT&T version. Credit: Apple. Bottom photo: Apple iPhone 4, Verizon version. Credit: Andrew Gombert / EPA