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The changes is said to have been prompted by increased availability of the smartphone-cum-iPod.

But rumoured software update did not materialise over the weekend, doubtless to the relief of the iPhone hacking community who are still unravelling the previous patch.

Apple is also said to be in talks with China's D.Phone. Chen Jingsheng,

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vice president of the Chinese network operator, told the country's media that he has already signed a "strategic agreement' with Apple and will unveil the iPhone in China in the spring of next year.

Meanwhile Apple will be extending its own global retail reach, with openings in Brazil and Mexico among 40 new
stores planned for 2008. Ron Johnson, Apple's senior vice president of retail revealed the company's plans at the opening of the new 14th Street New York store.

Among the new stores, and in addition to those already announced, will be at least three new UK opening. One in the Westfield London shopping centre opening in late 2008, one in Covent Garden and another in an unnamed northern city. Apple is currently recruiting for staff in Cambridge, Liverpool and Milton Keynes.