Apple Inc (AAPL)

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09:21 AAPL Apple Computer: iPhone will begin shipping on time next quarter, regardless of when the co plans to unveil the device to the media - AppleInsider (87.72 )

AppleInsider reports contrary to sentiments recently expressed by some analysts, Apple Computer's much-rumored iPhone device is very real and will not fall victim to further delay.

People familiar with the matter tell AppleInsider the first of the iPod maker's music-enabled cell phones will begin shipping on time next quarter, regardless of when the co plans to first unveil the device to the media. Those same people say that, thus far, delays have stemmed from the co's self-imposed challenge of perfecting a scaled down variant of the Mac OS operating system that will run on the embedded device.

While AppleInsider awaits confirmation of a specific launch date, recent rumblings coupled with a lack of other significant Apple product developments suggest that industry watchers may be in store for an iPhone-tinged Macworld Expo early next month. An introduction during the conference or shortly thereafter would allow chief executive Steve Jobs to preempt the garden variety of necessary public disclosures -- such as FCC filings -- that would be required of the device and threaten to spoil some of its pizzazz.