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A report on Fortune magazine's website claims the introduction of the device has been pushed back to August from June after AT&T voiced concerns over call quality.

Analysts expect the device, which could be titled the Meteor, to be unveiled in the next six weeks as it undergoes network certification - a process which normally takes about three months.

"Perhaps it will launch in Europe (with Vodafone) prior to hitting North American soil?...A launch of this upcoming 3G device either by AT&T or Vodafone should result in a significant number of hardware shipments within the first full quarter of launch," says TD Newcrest analyst Chris Umiastowski.

Apple is also working to get its 3G iPhone out of the door, with rumours circulating that it could see a June launch after UK suppliers 02 and Carphone Warehouse made space on their shelves by selling off their remaining stock of 8GB iPhones following a price cut.