Verizon iPhones Getting OTA Updates with iOS 5?

Apple is reportedly working with Verizon to provide over-the-air updates to the network's CDMA-based iPhone 4 starting this fall. Following in Android's footsteps, this new method will eliminate the current update bottleneck which forces users to manually upgrade to the next iOS build by connecting the devices to iTunes via a Mac or PC-based USB port.

According to unnamed sources, the new feature will be available in iOS 5, meaning the over-the-air updates will begin once Verizon iPhone 4 owners download and install the new update through the traditional USB method. What's not clear is how Apple will push the iOS upgrades to users given that previous OS releases have typically been over 600 MB in size.

That said, it's speculated that Apple may switch to smaller, incremental patches rather than release full OS downloads. If that's the case, Apple will likely make updates smaller for all iOS devices to simplify the overal distribution process. The company will probably still offer manual installation through iTunes, serving as a backup installation method in case the over-the-air update fails.

Thursday the unnamed sources also indicated that Verizon and Apple have been working together on the feature since early this year, but there's no evidence that Apple is conducting the same negotiations with the original iPhone carrier, AT&T, or other international carriers. More info regarding iOS 5 and the over-the-air updates is expected to be revealed at WWDC 2011 next month.

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Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then, he’s loved all things PC-related and cool gadgets ranging from the New Nintendo 3DS to Android tablets. He is currently a contributor at Digital Trends, writing about everything from computers to how-to content on Windows and Macs to reviews of the latest laptops from HP, Dell, Lenovo, and more. 

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  • ellarpc
    Ha ha yeah AT&T is too worried about how much data is being used on their networks to allow that to happen.
    Reply
  • mister g
    Come update time you better not have used up your monthly quote! Still, couldn't users be given a choice where they want their updates to come from?
    Reply
  • Check out YouTube by greekthuglife69 see how Verizon treats their workers u already know how they treat u
    Reply
  • nebun
    lol...what i don't get is how AT&T is bragging about their network reliability and speed, yet they have so many restrictions....verizon all the way
    Reply
  • ellarpc
    GreekboyCheck out YouTube by greekthuglife69 see how Verizon treats their workers u already know how they treat uI've been through the ringer with verizon but I only have verizon or AT&T to choose from and from where I stand AT&T is all about data caps and inhibiting innovation. I'm sure Verizon will follow suite but I hope not. That is reverse progression
    Reply
  • vk_87
    OTA updates suck. Especially if you are at the end of your data limit!
    Reply
  • lamorpa
    It's sad when the most useful and informative comment here is the spam from www.bingstore.us. I didn't even report it for abuse. Why don't you all take your AT&T hatred to the gym and work it out there. Stop wasting our time.
    Reply
  • joebob2000
    vk_87OTA updates suck. Especially if you are at the end of your data limit!
    Data limits suck...
    Reply
  • lamorpa
    joebob2000Data limits suck...Yeah. Everything should be unlimited, ... and free too! I'm holding out for unlimited bandwidth too. Then downloads would take no time at all. And unlimited chocolate chip cookies every month too.
    Reply
  • eddieroolz
    Regular users care about this too. My friend who has an iPod touch4 and iPad2 laments that updates for each device is 600MB. Living in a land of capped internet (60GB) it really hurts.
    Reply