Verizon iPhone or new iPhone model announced before April 2010?

Earlier this year, Apple and AT&T shook up the mobile phone marketplace by releasing the iPhone 3GS and dropping the price on the iPhone 3G to just $99. While competitors continue to adjust, some people are already thinking about Apple's next mobile moves. A lot of speculation has centered around an Apple tablet, but chatter around the next-generation iPhone also received a boost with this Gizmodo report that references a Chinese manufacturers' advertisement for an "iPhone 4 Generation Midboard."  Gizmodo noted that the source of the information had been reliable in the past:

China Ontrade calls this the iPhone 4 Generation Midboard. Not very exciting, but the last time they announced a next-generation iPhone part, they were right. A month later, the iPhone 3GS appeared with exactly those parts.

Another issue worth mentioning: AT&T's exclusive iPhone carrier deal with Apple is reportedly set to expire as early as next year. There has already been a great deal of interest -- bordering on pleading -- for Apple to cut a deal with Verizon and release a Verizon iPhone.

If Apple indeed has plans for a next-generation iPhone and/or a Verizon iPhone, the question then becomes when will Apple (or Verizon) makes its intentions public?

Prediction: A 4th-generation iPhone or Verizon iPhone is announced between now and the end of the first calendar quarter of 2010. The announcement must come from Apple, AT&T or Verizon before April 1, 2010, in the form of a press release/press event/public comment or quote in a major media outlet. If Apple does announce a device with Verizon as the carrier, it need not be branded "iPhone" but must have standard mobile phone capabilities. 

Image: iPhone 3GS