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The event, titled "Mum is no longer the word" is to be held in Apple's Regent Street store on the 18 September, and could also be used to promote the new iPod range, including the touch and nano, which are due to arrive at the end of the month.

The release would confirm long circulating rumours that the iPhone will make its debut in the

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UK before Christmas, with October long mooted as the likely month.

The event will also reveal which network won the battle for the exclusive rights to the handset, with O2 currently favourite to be Apple's chosen partner.

The launch would cap a mixed month for Apple which followed the spectacular launch of the iPod touch with an embarrassing apology to early adopters of the iPhone after it slashed the price from $600 to $400.

It has also had to contend with rumours that the price cuts are an attempt to stave off a sharp drop in sales after frenzied early adoption, despite boasting the sale of its one millionth unit.