The world's top cellphone maker, Nokia, plans to install Linux software on just one new smartphone next year, a source with direct knowledge of Nokia's product roadmap told Reuters.

A Nokia spokesman said the company does not comment on future product plans.

Nokia's Linux Maemo operating system is seen as a key for the top cellphone maker in its battle against Apple's iPhone, and many analysts and industry players have expected the firm to roll out numerous Linux models already next year.

Nokia started to sell its first Linux phone, the top-of-the-range model N900, this month.

The plan for just one Linux phone also dampens rumors the company would replace the Symbian operating system in its line-up.

We remain firmly committed to Symbian as our smartphone platform of choice, the Nokia spokesman said.

Nokia will hold its capital markets day on Wednesday, an event where the firm traditionally has outlined or updated its strategy for the coming 1-2 years.

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