A Verizon-powered iPhone could be announced as early as next week.

Could Apple announce a Verizon iPhone as early as next week According to an anonymous tipster who contacted me directly, yes indeedy.

During this weekend's 2011 CES, he says, Apple will steal some thunder by announcing a product-launch event on Tuesday, January 11. (That's 1/11/11, if you're into numerology.) At that event, the company will finally announce the long-awaited Verizon iPhone. (Cue "Hallelujah" chorus.)

Alas, this is all just hearsay, and while a lot of it seems reasonable--likely, even--there's still no official word from either Apple or Verizon.

My tipster, citing a close relative who works high up the Apple food chain, said the new iPhone will be CDMA-based (no surprise there) and ship in February. He also noted that Apple was limiting staff vacation time for January and February, ostensibly to handle a sharp increase in sales and service traffic.

For further indication that a Verizon iPhone launch is imminent, check out this recently leaked listing of Case-Mate cases. Of course, that doesn't indicate when it will happen, only that it will.

What do you think I'm sure you've seen the rumors that have been piling up in recent weeks. Will Apple finally give us the goods next week Or will the next announcements focus exclusively on the iPad 2 (which also appears to be a foregone conclusion at this point), leaving Verizon iPhone news to come later Heck, maybe we won't find out until June, which is typically when Apple dishes its iPhone news.

Vote in our poll, then hit the comments to share your thoughts!

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