The Verizon iPhone has finally arrived, offering users a CDMA alternative to the AT&T version introduced in the summer of 2010. But aside from the fact that they use different cell networks here in the US, the Verizon version of the iPhone 4 has a few cosmetic differences. The most significant is the fact that the controversy-filled antenna no longer has a visible gap on the top, not to mention a total lack of a SIM slot.
Our crack team in New York managed to grab a few photos comparing the Verizon and AT&T iPhones after the press conference to show off the differences. We also managed to snag some photos of the WiFi hotspot screens, and get some answers to rumors going around that the Verizon iPhone would come loaded with Verizon crapware.
But first, the photos:
Ars contributor Chris Foresman reported that bridging the remaining gap on the Verizon iPhone (using the "death grip," he says) did not result in any kind of CDMA signal attenuation. He also placed a call while death gripping and said that there was no noticeable signal loss.
Despite the wording used on Verizon's FAQ page, the WiFi hotspots are controlled via built-in preferences, not from a separate app loaded onto the device.
Apple's own Phil Schiller assured the press that Verizon would not be loading up the device with crapware, too. "We want the experience to be the same for every iPhone user. So there are no special Verizon Apps preinstalled," Schiller told Ars. "AT&T offers customers some apps via the App Store. I'll let Verizon comment if they are working on anything for that."
He also hinted—but did not confirm—that AT&T could possibly introduce the hotspot feature one day. "We did the hotspot feature because it's something Verizon offers, they have a system and specs for it in place," Schiller said. "We can't say if it will come to AT&T."
Finally, our team did confirm that the volume buttons and mute slider are indeed in a slightly different spot on the Verizon iPhone than on the AT&T version. Foresman reported that the volume buttons were moved "about 2mm or less" on the Verizon version so that they no longer line up with the AT&T iPhone. New, slightly modified cases for one and all?
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