Apple signals iPhone5 announcement on same day as Nokia and Microsoft launches

Technology giant Apple has fuelled rumours it will launch a new version of its best-selling iPhone on the day two of its competitors are expected to unveil a new device.

The secretive firm sent out invitations for a “special event” next week ahead of today’s announcement in New York by Nokia and Microsoft where they are expected to announce details of two new phones which will run on Microsoft’s Windows operating system.