OnePlus could sell a phone through Verizon next year

The OnePlus 7 Pro works on Verizon’s network, but Big Red doesn’t officially sell any OnePlus smartphone. That could change as soon as next year, according to today’s report from Android Police.

It’s unclear when exactly OnePlus will launch a phone on Verizon or what model the carrier will offer. Yesterday, PhoneArena reported Verizon will exclusively offer the unannounced OnePlus 7T Pro McLaren Edition. Android Police’s sources couldn’t corroborate any specific information.

Also read: OnePlus 7T Pro may not come to the US | The OnePlus TV: All the rumors in one place

Possibly interfering with the deal between OnePlus and Verizon is the U.S. government and its impending 15-percent tariff on Chinese-made smartphones. Set to take effect in December, the tariff could lead to pricier OnePlus smartphones. It could also lead to Verizon shunning the deal to avoid any negative attention, similar to what the carrier reportedly did to its rumored deal with Huawei.

On the flip side, Android Police’s sources alleged OnePlus and Verizon fully intend to move forward with the deal. OnePlus has much to gain from this deal, since Verizon is much larger and has more clout than T-Mobile or Sprint. OnePlus currently offers the OnePlus 7 Pro through T-Mobile and Sprint.

OnePlus might announce its deal with Verizon as soon as October, when the company will announce the OnePlus 7T series in London.