[bbfan1991]

German consumers attempting to reserve a new iPhone instead found themselves on an adult dating hotline, after the wrong number was sent out by accident.

The hotly-anticipated iPhone 5 was expected to result in record numbers of people attempting to reserve their handsets once the phone was announced last week.

The Local reports that Apple's German partner Telekom sent out a text message voucher inviting customers to call and get a voucher guaranteeing them an opportunity to purchase the new phone.

However, the number contained in the message was one digit too long, and connected to an adult dating service.

The company quickly sent out a follow-up text apologising and containing the actual pre-order hotline number.

A Telekom spokesman told German newspaper Die Welt: "We really regret what happened and have already apologised to our customers."