With AT&T’s exclusivity on the iPhone nearing an end next year, Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) appears to be playing the field. USA Today is reporting that Verizon Wireless (NYSE: VZ) and Apple are considering making an iPhone that would be ready for Verizon’s network as early as next year, according to people familiar with the situation.

SEE ALSO: Extending AT&T’s iPhone Exclusivity Is Bad For Consumers, Apple—And Maybe AT&T

The unidentified sources said the two companies entered “high-level” discussions a few months ago when CEO Steve Jobs was still overseeing day-to-day business. And, even though Jobs is on medical leave until June, the conversations have continued. Meanwhile, AT&T’s exclusivity is rumored to end sometime next year, something the WSJ reported that CEO Randall Stephenson is working hard at extending until 2011. It’s no surprise that the iPhone is a hot commodity among wireless carriers. Last week, AT&T (NYSE: T), beat expectations, boosted in part by the iPhone. More on our sister site mocoNews.