( Mashable ) -- It was speculative before given the lack of independent confirmation , but now apparently Apple has gone on record to confirm that the original deal signed with AT & T for iPhone exclusivity back in 2007 was a five-year deal . That means at least some legal hoops would need jumping through if we 're ever going to see that oft-rumored Verizon iPhone before 2012 . Engadget reports that court documents filed by Apple in a California class-action suit confirm the original AT & T exclusivity deal had a five-year duration . The suit , ongoing since 2007 , claims that Apple and AT & T were exerting a monopoly over iPhone service by surreptitiously locking iPhone buyers into renewing contracts with AT & T once their initial two years was up . On the flip side , there are a number of reasons such a contract might be amended or canceled , so it 's not exactly a total given that the iPhone wo n't appear on another carrier before 2012 . But given the original terms , it could require some tricky negotiation or legal fancy footwork to get there . Moreover , the class-action suit also alleges an illegal monopoly over the iPhone App Store , which the court ruled substantial enough to move forward . On both fronts then -- consumer market and legal proceedings -- it will be fascinating to watch for further details on when the AT & T iPhone exclusivity curtain might drop or even be forcibly struck down . Do you think we 'll see the iPhone come to another carrier before 2012 ? © 2010 MASHABLE.com . All rights reserved .
Apple signed a 10 - year deal with AT & T for carrier exclusivity back in 2007 , court documents show . Lawsuit claims that Apple and AT & T exerted a monopoly over iPhone service . But the iPhone could possibly still appear on another carrier before launch .