Apple will soon be releasing an iPod phone, according to American Technology Research analyst Shaw Wu.

Rumors about Apple iPod phones have been around for years. Photoshop mockups, like the one above, provide a vivid image of the concept but may have no relationship to what Apple may or may not release.
Apple could release its new cell phone as early as the first half of 2007, said Wu. According to the analyst, it’s an event that could possibly disrupt the cell-phone industry the way it upset the MP3 industry with its iPod player.

“We encourage investors to get aggressive in purchasing shares of Apple prior to the potential revolution of the handset industry,” Wu said.

The new phone’s design will be similar to that of the iPod Nano, Wu said, and likely come in three colors‚Äîwhite, black and platinum.

“There were plenty of skeptics when Apple first launched its iPod MP3 players that ended up revolutionizing an emerging market,” the analyst wrote in a note to investors Tuesday. “We believe there are plenty of skeptics again, but Apple should not be discounted due to its strong brand name, loyal customer base, and obsession with quality.”

At an estimated $200 per phone, American Technology Research estimates the new phone could represent an incremental $2 billion in annual revenue for Apple.

via Forbes.com; image via iLounge