Nokia will release a new smartphone using Microsoft's latest Windows 8 software soon, possiblybefore rival Apple promotes its new iPhone.

The Finnish company will hold a trade show in Helsinki on September 5-6, just before an Apple event on September 12 where the U.S. competitor could announce a redesigned iPhone.

Nokia Chief Executive Stephen Elop did not deny a September launch but would only say Windows 8 smartphones would be released "relatively near term."

Nokia decided in early 2011 to ditch its home-grown Symbian software for a deal with Microsoft.

The Finish company lost 1.53 billion euros in the second quarter and sold just 4 million Windows phones in the period, well short of Apple's sales of 26 million iPhones and Samsung's 50 million smartphones.