The iPod phone has to be the longest-running Apple rumor around. But signs are mounting that Apple really is preparing for the launch of a so-called "iPhone," possibly as soon as August, according to Engadget, which is when Apple holds its annual Worldwide Developers Conference. Even normally tight-lipped Apple executives are dropping hints. CFO Peter Oppenheimer, quizzed by analysts on Apple's most recent earnings call about a cell phone, said: "We do not think that the phones that are available today make the best music players. We think the iPod is. But over time, that is likely to change, and we are not sitting around doing nothing."And last month, Apple released new iPod software, which hardcore iPod geeks dissected in AppleInsider's forums. They found tantalizing references to new iPod functions for displaying signal strength and call history -- telltale clues that an iPod phone could well be in the works.

Apple fans are in a predictable froth about the latest rumors. Rather than wait for Apple to roll out the product and launch a splashy marketing campaign, they're already creating their own iPhone ads. Here's one of the most popular ones -- just click to play it in this window.