Apple smartphone rumours persist

Motorola has suggested that Apple is planning to build its own mobile range

Apple is going to make its own smartphone, according to Motorola boss Ed Zander, who told news website News.com that it is "only a matter of time".

Zander claimed that Motorola has information suggesting that Apple is planning to build its own mobile range.

But he downplayed his earlier comments about the iPod Nano and notably his statement: "What the hell does the Nano do? Who listens to 1,000 songs?".

In a candid aside Zander also said that there was some tension between the two companies because they are a competitors as well as partners.

The Motorola chief also hit out at the lack of collaboration in the industry. "Our biggest challenge in mobile delivery is in software such as digital rights management," he said.

Motorola has embraced open source, Java and Linux, among other software, according to Zander, and is "moving away from proprietary platforms".

The comments have raised eyebrows because Motorola is currently manufacturing the iTunes compatible Rokr phone which both firms unveiled earlier this month.

Zander also demonstrated a prototype device that can receive and play music videos.