Apple to launch mobile phone this fall?

Rumors are that Apple might finally launch its first own-branded mobile phone this fall. During the last couple of years, buzz on such device have been spreading rapidly through the web and hundreds of (likely fake) concept images of Apple's forthcoming mobile device have been seen around the rumor sites covering Apple products.

There is no doubt that Apple is working hard to get on the battle to take shares in the hot mobile phone consumer segment, where Sony Ericsson, Nokia, Motorola and various Asian brands such as Samsung and LG are making big bucks. Mobile music stores like Sony Connect, will not be left alone by Apple.

After the failure with the Motorola ROKR phone (with integrated iTunes) due to bad interface design, storage limitations, legacy formfactor and the lack of a mobile iTunes music store integration, Steve Jobs is not likely to release anything but perfection this time.

Look out for the two upcoming Apple events this fall, the WWDC in San Francisco on August 7, and the Apple Expo in Paris beginning of September.