Apple has invited a number of UK journalists to a press conference in London on 18 September, but is keeping very quiet about the reason for the event.

Ironically the invitation is entitled 'Mum is no longer the word'.

Following the launch of the new iPod range, and with very little else on the horizon, many are speculating that the announcement will be about the European launch of the iPhone.

When queried about the nature of the event, an Apple spokesman told vnunet.com: "We do not have any further information. But it will be good."

UK journalists will have to sit tight until next week to see whether Apple confirms dates, pricing and distribution information about the iPhone, or has something more surprising up its sleeve.