Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer confirmed on a conference call yesterday that Window Mobile 7 indeed won’t be here until next year. Although Ballmer didn’t give an exact date, it’s thought that the OS will be sent to manufacturers in November of this year and will show up in consumer devices by April of next year as previously reported.

Ballmer also reminded everyone that Windows Mobile 6.5 was just announced (photo, left) and will be rolled out in the second half of 2009, so perhaps that’ll tide people over for a bit.

He also denied any plans to produce a Microsoft phone, reaffirming his company’s commitment to license the OS to outside hardware manufacturers.

[WMPowerUser via PhoneScoop]