Analyst: Apple considering iPhone tie with Verizon

Bloomberg News is reporting that Apple Inc. may offer an iPhone through Verizon Wireless this year. The story is based on comments from an analyst with Canaccord Adams.

According to the Bloomberg story, the phone would be introduced by Verizon in June, analyst Peter Misek said in a note to investors. A newer iPhone, running on fourth-generation network technology, which makes Web browsing and downloads faster, may come in 2011, he said.

Expanding the reach of a phone now available exclusively through AT&T Inc. will contribute to 37 million iPhones sold this year, up from an estimated 27 million in 2009, Misek said. The device is the second most popular phone among U.S. consumers, after Research In Motion Ltd.’s BlackBerry Curve, and helped AT&T add about 2 million wireless customers in the third quarter.

Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris didn’t immediately return a call and e-mail seeking comment before regular business hours. Verizon spokeswoman Brenda Raney declined to comment.