European mobile operator Orange has fueled speculation that Apple’s next-generation smartphone will be called the ‘iPhone 5’ after it made reference to the device in an official job listing on its human resources portal.
The listing, which has been live since August 11, seeks an analyst intern to work within the company’s mobile multimedia services division to propose, implement and automate monitoring methods on the mobile Internet of its customers. The specification refers to the ‘iPhone 5′ as one terminal the candiate would be expected to determine the impact the “handset would have on clients’ internet use”.
Orange has since removed references to the next-generation Apple device, suggesting the listing was an administration error. With Apple placing a ban on its partners referring to the product before its release, Orange may have moved quickly to appease its smartphone-making partner.
Rumoured to launch in late September, early October, Apple’s new iPhone smartphone is expected to sport a slimmer design, dual-core processor and will launch with the company’s new iOS5 operating system.
Only then will the Cupertino-based company reveal what its next smartphone will be called.
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