Ad on U.K. employment site points to August 21st launch for the Apple iPhone 5

Apple might have inadvertently given away a clue as to when the iPhone 5 will launch. The Cupertino based firm hired a U.K. company called Gekko Ltd. (no connection to Gordon, we are advised!) to help Apple find people willing to work as an "Apple iPhone Sales Specialist". Gekko placed ads on U.K. employment web site Reed seeking to fill the position.

The job would require working 5 days a week at various retail locations and would start August 16th through October 29th. Bolstering the sales staff so aggressively would seem to indicate that a big product launch is upcoming. Candidates must have "passion and keen interest in Apple products" according to the ad, and must provide a first-class customer service experience. Other traits required for the job include being target oriented and driven by sales and those applying must have previous experience in selling and promoting mobile phones.

Gekko apparently has worked with Apple before in finding employees for Apple shops within larger stores. Those hired will have to attend a four day training program in London and those hired will be making the equivalent of $120 USD a day.

As we reported yesterday, most analysts have been looking for an August/September launch for the Apple iPhone 5. Based on the starting date of the job, adding in the 4 days for training, and it would appear that in the U.K. at least, August 21st seems like a pretty good estimate of when to expect the launch of the next Apple iPhone.

source: CNET