A source who we’ve confirmed works at Verizon’s headquarters and who says has knowledge of the deal has revealed to us that the wireless carrier is in negotiations with the Cupertino company to carry the forthcoming device and provide wireless data for it.

Verizon will reportedly subsidize the cost of the tablet by locking in users to wireless data plans, much like they do now with their netbooks.

The source says the partnership is almost a done deal and that the tablet will be released in the 3rd Quarter.

The forthcoming tablet is said to be a revolutionary music, gaming, and reading device.