Apple offering tablet phone, ‘iPhone lite’ to Verizon?

Apple is working on two new iPhone-like devices which may be offered by Verizon Wireless, according to a new report. Citing two people “familiar with the matter,” BusinessWeek reports that one of the devices is a smaller, less expensive calling device described by one of the sources as an “iPhone lite,” while the other device is a touchscreen media pad that would allow users to listen to music, watch high definition video, view photos, and make calls via a Wi-Fi connection. According to the report, one of the devices may be introduced as early as this summer. Verizon Wireless CEO Lowell McAdam recently confirmed talks with Apple, telling BusinessWeek that “In the last six months, I have talked to Steve Jobs;” however, it is unclear whether Apple’s current exclusivity contract with AT&T would block the introduction of a new iPhone model on a competing carrier, and whether the information was leaked to provide leverage for ongoing future exclusivity negotiations between Apple and AT&T. USA Today recently reported that Verizon and Apple were discussing the development of a CDMA-based iPhone for introduction next year.