Kicking the whispers, analysts predicts Verizon iPhone in 2010

AT&T’s exclusive hold on the iPhone may not last forever, despite Verizon’s launch of the Motorola Droid, yet another product itself being described as some form of Apple product killer (we’ve seen so many pass by before).

Now, Broadpoint AmTech analyst Brian Marshall expects Apple will reach an iPhone deal with Verizon next year. "While Apple started off with exclusive arrangements in 2007 with the original iPhone launch, the company has since migrated towards multiple carriers per region," the analyst wrote, as reported by MacObserver.

"In our view, diverse carrier support is a key element to driving global penetration of the iPhone. Therefore, we believe the chances are high the iPhone will find its way onto the Verizon network in the second half of 2010."

This follows comment from Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg earlier this week when he said the carrier would be interested in carrying the iPhone, but that, “This is a decision that is exclusively in Apple’s court.”

He also said, “We obviously would be interested at any point in the future they thought it would make sense for them to have us as a partner. And so we will leave it with them on that score.”

We were told last week that Apple is already testing some form of future iPhone-class device on Verizon’s 4G network. “Tests have been taking place for the last couple of months,” the report said.