Ahead of Apple’s September and October media events that focus on Apple’s post-PC devices, a string of new rumors regarding a new iPod touch, iPod nano, and smaller iPad have surfaced.
Next-generation iPod touch case may point to new design:
The first rumor comes from GizChina, who has photos of a case purportedly for the next-generation of Apple’s iPod touch (shown above). The site believes that this new case shows less prominent tapers than found on the current, fourth-generation iPod touch. However, it’s difficult to actually see that based on this plastic case.
Additionally, the site claims that the iPod touch will have an LED flash based on this case. However, current iPod touches feature a video camera microphone next to the camera on the top left of the device. The same elongated hole on this iPod touch case (above) is found on fourth generation iPod touch cases. We believe that this case may point to the camera microphone, rather than an LED flash.
Also present on this case is a circular cutout on the bottom left corner of the device. The cutout’s purpose is currently unclear based on physical evidence, but it may be a speaker. If, in fact, the new iPod touch has a thinner design, it would likely be more difficult for Apple to retain the speaker on the bottom of the device, making it necessary to be moved to the bottom back (like on the move from the original iPad to the 2nd and 3rd generation, thinner designs).
iPod nano may gain WiFi for iTunes music downloads:
Macotakara.jp believes that the next-generation iPod nano will sport WiFi connectivity for iTunes Music Store downloads. The new nano apparently sports a WiFi cutout on one of the sides of the case. Generations of the iPod touch prior to the current version featured a WiFi cutout on the side of the device. The site previously reported that the new iPod nano would feature a taller design with an iOS device-like home button. Last week, we reported on iPod nano shortages at several high-profile retailers.
Smaller iPad may actually be called iPad mini, more claims of third-gen iPad with smaller dock connector:
While many have referred to the upcoming smaller iPad as the “iPad mini” (referring to the smaller, iPod mini from many years ago), there has not been evidence that this is actually the name. However, Mactotakara also claims today that the smaller iPad will actually be named the “iPad mini.”
The site also mirrors past reports by claiming that the third-generation Retina display iPad will be tweaked with a smaller dock connector. Sync cables and likely legitimate iPad mini diagrams point to Apple’s move to smaller dock connectors. In addition, iMore reported that Apple would roll out a smaller connector for most of its mobile devices.
We previously reported that the iPad mini would look like a larger iPod touch, complete with skinny side bezels.
Additionally, GizChina posted a photo of a purported iPad mini case that matches up with many elements found in the purported design schematics.
Besides the iPad mini, new iPod nano, and new iPod touch, Apple has a redesigned iPhone to also introduce this fall. The new iPhone will most likely feature an 1136 x 640 4-inch display (as we first reported in May), faster processor, 4G LTE, and a thinner, redesigned case.
While it seems fairly certain that Apple will introduce its new iPhone at a September 12 media event, and the iPad mini at some point in October, it is currently unclear which event Apple will use to debut the new iPods and tweaked third-generation iPad.
