Subtle changes to Verizon iPhone may make AT&T cases incompatible

The Verizon iPhone 4 is, for the most part, the same as the iPhone 4 model sold by AT&T. But it does sport a different antenna and its side buttons have been moved down ever so slightly.

The performance of the phone might not be affected by these moves, which were probably made to accommodate internal changes so the iPhone 4 could run on Verizon’s CDMA 3G network.

But the button changes make it likely that iPhone users who switch from AT&T to Verizon will be unable to use many of their old iPhone 4 cases and bumpers.

The side buttons — a switch that silences the phone and volume controls — have been lowered by “about 2 millimeters or less,” according to a report from ArsTechnica.

The reason for the button move? Apple officials weren’t available to say, but it could be from the antenna change.

The single antenna notch that sits atop the AT&T iPhone 4 has been replaced by two antenna notches on either side of the Verizon iPhone. The notch sits just above the side buttons.

The two notches on the bottom and sides of the iPhone 4 are the same on both the AT&T and Verizon models.

Apple is also promising no carrier-specific apps or software will be loaded onto the iPhone 4 from Verizon, though the Verizon iPhone will be able to act as a Wi-Fi mobile hotspot, allowing other wireless devices to access the Internet. The AT&T iPhone isn’t yet offering that feature.

Verizon’s iPhone 4 is set to hit stores Feb. 10, starting at $199.99.

nathan.olivarezgiles@latimes.com