I agree that it is bound to happen eventually.
Likewise, I agree that if apple wants to stay on top of this game, they need to bring it to more carriers.
The primary reason that android has become such a powerhouse, no matter what other advantages or disadvantages it may have compared to apple, is because the iphone isn't available on other carriers. I mean, it's a very viable alternative, superior in some ways, even, and for those who don't want to make the switch, the decision is obvious. Now, with the standing that android has, people on ATT see these sexy devices, as well, and may switch to those. Possibly even switch carriers, considering the network issues they've had.
I truly believe that if the iphone were brought to all carriers, it would mean a swift death for android. The hottest gadget on the planet, available universally, and putting an end to the network clogging, by spreading out iPhone users across the different carriers, as opposed to the one.
Plus, you have to remember, even though Steve Jobs is "the man" at apple, they are still a publicly traded company, with a board of directors and many investors to answer to. While he has a lot of pull, in the end, the bottom line is what matters, and his job is to make sure they create quality products while increasing the value of shares by increasing profits.
Now that we've established it makes sense to do, the question is when, and how. Will it only be Verizon they move to? Will there be an announcement for the much-rumored January?
Those questions are still unanswered, but many, many bits of evidence have surfaced (though admittedly nothing concrete). The rumors, over the last 6 months have heated up increasingly, especially with apple teaming with verizon to sell the ipad, and the verizon CEO giving little winks and nudges.
If I had to guess, I'd say that the iphone will be available on verizon (and possibly others) in 2011...sometime. I'll stop short of saying January, because that's right down the road and there is no indication, either way that an announcement is coming.
I would not be surprised, however, to hear of an announcement sometime in 2011...and January isn't necessarily out of the question.