Apple e–mails hint at iPhone 5 launch

Technology giant Apple has fuelled rumours it will launch a new version of its best-selling iPhone on the day that two of its competitors are expected to unveil a new device.

The secretive firm sent out invitations for a “special event” next week ahead of today’s announcement in New York by Nokia and Microsoft, where they are expected to announce details of two new phones that will run on the Windows operating system. Both are under pressure to succeed, with Nokia recently losing its position as the world’s biggest phonemaker to Samsung.

The Apple e-mails, sent to selected journalists, invite them to an event on 12 September and includes the line “it’s almost here”. It also features a figure 12 with a shadow that appears to be the number 5 – seemingly confirming the company will announce the arrival of the iPhone 5.