Apple is preparing at least two versions of its forthcoming iPod mobile phone, popularly known as the 'iPhone', according to reports from component suppliers in Taiwan and Japan. 

A 3G version and a GSM version of the iPhone will be available by March 2007, sources have told analysts in Taipei.

Apple's suppliers will make approximately 12 million phones during 2007, nine million GSM versions and three million 3G versions, a Taipei-based analyst revealed to vnunet.com, on condition of anonymity. 

The choice of different component suppliers for each model reinforces earlier claims that the two products will be substantially different.

Apple is believed to be working on a smartphone with wireless internet, a full keyboard and video playback, as well as a simpler music phone, according to Prudential Equity Group analyst Jesse Tortora. 

These two products appear to correspond respectively to the 3G and GSM versions.

Based on component orders reported by suppliers to analysts, Apple is gearing up to ship as many as 4.2 million iPhones in the first three months of production.

Earlier reports had said that quantities might be limited initially owing to concerns over battery life.

Apple has not yet formally announced the long-rumoured music-playing mobile phone or its official name.

However, the company is reported to have registered 'iPhone' as a trademark in several countries, and has controlled the iPhone.org internet domain for many years.

A number of companies have previously marketed products under the name 'iPhone', including Surecom and Vocaltec.