Apple has issued a statement denying it is working on its own mobile network, following reports claiming testing had already begun.
On Monday, Business Insider claimed Apple was planning to launch a Mobile Virtual Network Operator service, allowing it to piggyback on existing networks at home and abroad.
According to the report Apple had signed up testing partners in the US and was seeking similar arrangements with existing carriers in Europe for the Google Project Fi-like service.
Read more: What is Google Project Fi?
However, the firm has taken the rare step of acknowledging and shooting down speculation.
In a statement (via Reuters) an Apple spokesperson wrote: “
While it is unusual for Apple to comment on rumours, this situation is slightly different given the importance of Apple’s partnerships with mobile carriers around the world.
Device speculation is easy to ignore, but when the rumours can affect the very people who help the company shift record numbers of iPhone handsets each year, it’s a slightly different matter.
The earlier reports had claimed Apple had planned to use its Apple SIM technology – currently only available for the very latest iPad models – to enable easy network switching for users.
The Business Insider piece had also stated that, despite tests being underway, the company wouldn’t be looking to roll out the MVNO to iPhone users within the next five years.
Anyway, as you were folks. It appears Apple won’t be following Google into the mobile network sector.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.