Verizon iPhone coming February 3? (Update: Announcement next week)

Update: The latest rumors now point to a late January release for the Verizon iPhone. Earlier story below.
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All signs are pointing to an imminent launch of a version of Apple’s iPhone that can run on Verizon’s network, according to multiple reports.

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Apple has apparently blacked out employee vacation requests between February 3 and 6, a sign that it may be gearing up to launch the Verizon-compatible version of the iPhone during that time period, sources close to Apple told the mobile site Boy Genius Report.

Previous reports placed the announcement of the Verizon iPhone some time in the coming weeks, so this latest news fits well into that timeline. We also previously heard that Apple may black out employee vacations for several weeks in late January and early February.

BGR points out that Verizon typically launches new phones on Thursdays, and Apple doesn’t have any other rumored new products for this time period, so it’s likely we’ll see the Verizon iPhone on February 3rd. We’re expecting news on the iPad 2 in the coming months as well, but a February 3 launch seems unlikely for the tablet.

Update: It looks like Verizon is holding a big announcement next Tuesday in New York, where its iPhone will likely be announced,  according to All Things Digital. This makes it even more likely that Apple will be ready to ship the iPhone to Verizon users in February.

Update 2: The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Verizon’s event is definitely for the iPhone, citing the usual “sources familiar with the matter.” Apple CEO Steve Jobs may also make an appearance at the event, according to All Things Digital.