March 31, 2006

An Apple Computer-branded mobile phone could hit the market this spring, predicts research and consulting firm Visiongain.

The “iPhone” product, which has long been a popular rumor topic, is likely to launch in tandem with mobile virtual network operator Helio’s service in the United States, said Visiongain.

“There exists a relationship between Apple and Helio management that goes back to the Rokr iTunes phone, and Helio has declared a target audience identical to iPod’s existing market,” said Pam Duffey, a telecom analyst at the research firm.

“Helio’s top-rank executives have also publicly voiced frustration with mainstream carriers and appear to be on a crusade to radically shake up the industry.”

Duffey added that Visiongain believes the iPhone product, which likely will be available exclusively through Helio, will be made in South Korea by an existing handset maker.

Duffey’s comments follow similar predictions from a variety of other analyst firms. Most speculation has swirled around Apple launching a mobile virtual network operator service to support an iPhone product.

Apple has routinely declined to comment on such rumors.

Source: RCR