MacRumors.com

Research analyst firm PiperJaffray informed clients that they expected that Apple would release an Apple branded cell phone in the next 12 months.

Additionally, we believe Apple will benefit from the new Intel-based Mac's, along with what we estimate to be a 75 percent chance of a iPhone in the next 12 months."

Rumors of an Apple-branded phone has been ongoing for years. The rumors have slowed down since the release of the Motorola iTunes-capable phone.

Apple trademarked Mobile Me earlier this year, which many have felt could be related to a phone service. Meanwhile, Apple has also filed a trademark for the term Aloha in Hong Kong. This trademark was filed back in December 22, 2004 and based on the classification may simply have been an alternative name for Apple's Bonjour technology but the trademark categories also cover a broad range of devices.