iPhone 5, Verizon iPhone case photos surface

Despite not mentioning a word about a possible Verizon-compatible iPhone during his presentation at CES, Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg still found his company in iPhone-related news as pictures have surfaced purporting to be of the outer casing for the iPhone 5 or Verizon's CDMA iPhone.

The case photos, provided by SmartPhone Medic, show comparisons of Apple's current iPhone 4 and the newer design. Quickly noticeable is the steel antenna band redesign. The gaps in the iPhone 4 design, infamously responsible for Apple's "antenna-gate" issues and leading to a scathing review from Consumer Reports, are no longer present at the "death grip" locations.

SmartPhone Medic notes the fact that the SIM card slot remains intact, which in the site's estimate (if this is indeed a case for Verizon's iPhone) signals a world-compatible or LTE-compatible iPhone. Daring Fireball's John Gruber is still convinced, as am I, that an LTE iPhone is not in the cards for Apple for at least another year, maybe two.

In either case, the rumors surrounding Verizon's iPhone are reaching fever pitch levels. Adding to the fire was AT&T's announcement of a $49 price-point for Apple's 8GB iPhone 3GS, to be sold at AT&T stores and on the online site.

David Christopher, chief marketing officer of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets, said:

We want to deliver the best, most complete package for our customers--from price, to speed, to worldwide access, and more. Combined with our new, lower monthly data plans beginning at just $15 a month, this new price brings even more value to one of the most popular devices in our leading lineup of smartphones. We're very excited for more people to experience iPhone on the nation's fastest mobile broadband network.

Is a new case design enough to confirm a Verizon iPhone? Should AT&T be worried? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!