Source: Apple Testing CDMA iPhone, Verizon to Benefit? (AAPL, VZ)

Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) has reached "engineering verification test" (EVT) status on a CDMA iPhone, John Gruber is reporting. A CDMA iPhone would allow it to be used on the Verizon (NYSE: VZ) network, and could signal the end of AT&T's (NYSE: ATT) exclusivity agreement.

According to Engadget.com, the EVT is "just one step below "design verification test," which is what that stolen iPhone 4 prototype was -- meaning the CDMA iPhone is apparently just two hops away from production."

While the testing is by no means a guarantee of Apple's commitment to partnering with Verizon, such rumors have gained steam in recent weeks. There are rumblings of an order increase in CDMA chipsets and AT&T has hinted that its exclusive right to carry the iPhone in the U.S. may be ending.

In Gruber's words, "the CDMA iPhone is no longer a cold storage, keep-it-alive-just-in-case-we-need-it project."

Gruber is cautious in his assertions, however. The testing could be for other CDMA carriers, such as Sprint or various international companies.

Rumors have Verizon announcing the iPhone in January at its CES press conference.