5. Verizon passed on the iPhone once before.

In the iPhone's infancy, Verizon for the smartphone--apparently because Apple was "demanding control of marketing, pricing," and other considerations. Execs even later stated they were "relieved" they hadn't accepted the offer. Given the iPhone's success, is Apple likely to loosen the reins and ease those concerns now?

With all of that said, of course, things do change--and hey, sometimes rumors do turn true. (Like with the . Sort of.) All I'm saying is that we have to keep things in perspective and look at the big picture. There are plenty of holes in the Verizon deal theory, and even if there weren't, you can't be certain of anything with Apple until it's made official.

Just ask