Filed under: Macworld, Rumors, iPhone
Rumor: Case manufacturer drawings show smaller iPhone 'nano'?
Our sister site Engadget notes that iDealsChina found this rendering of a silicone case for a new iPhone-like device with a smaller form factor.
iDealsChina says the case is "in production," and has many 3D images of a variety of angles. The device may be unveiled during Macworld Expo next month. The site also claims the "iPhone nano" will have three "sensors," a camera, a "mirror screen" and no 3G. The device will allegedly start production on December 20th at a rate of 60,000 to 80,000 units a day.
This falls in line with unsourced rumors of a wireless product slated for announcement at Macworld. It could wind up being the magic $99 Walmart iPhone that we've heard so much about.
The look of the new iPod nanos was leaked (famously by Kevin Rose) earlier this year as a result of a supplier showing off renderings of new cases for the device. According to iDealsChina, "...once one company starts making a mold their information is passed onto other mold companies or accessory companies through a China underground network."
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jd3rdpig said 2:30PM on 12-15-2008
Nothing like rumors and leaks to start revving the hype machine.
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snave said 2:34PM on 12-15-2008
This will be announced at MacWorld, and will be a cheaper contract free iPhone.
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James said 2:48PM on 12-15-2008
What would be the point of making it smaller? Congratulations you have less storage AND fewer apps on each screen!
I could see releasing a 4GB without a contract for $150 but not scaling the size at all.
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Jeff said 2:53PM on 12-15-2008
the part cost difference for memory isn't enough to matter.
Why would Apple re-release the 4gb at a cheaper price point when it would be an inferior product, but not actually any better for the bottom line?
I just don't see that happening. i see capacities getting larger, not smaller. (prices may drop, but specs probably won't.)
Jeff said 2:51PM on 12-15-2008
nah.
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Jeff said 3:58PM on 12-15-2008
Another fake rumor IMO. Apple just isn't very interested in low end/margin products. How would apps run(with fewer pixels), what sort of browsing experience would that tiny screen give you? Right now the worst part of the iPhone experience is the tiny keys - how small would they have to be on this thing? It runs totally against the vision. Take away apps and Safari and it's just a phone with a music player - there are plenty of those out there, and I doubt Apple wants to get in that low-end rat race.
To me it is another one of those ideas (like tablets and netbooks) that sounds great, but doesn't play to Apples strong points, so it would wind up being disappointing (or at best unprofitable) when you actually saw it.
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badweasel said 1:53PM on 12-16-2008
I agree.. it's not a phone. What's the point of smaller than the iphone? no 3G - so what, edge?
Wouldn't there be clues in the SDK to back up the idea of a smaller phone?
Mark Fleser said 4:12PM on 12-15-2008
Why would a case manufacturer have this information? Why do you think it takes a couple weeks for iPhone/iPod cases to start appearing, they have to redesign the cases and produce them.
Probably just a mockup or they're trying to get the hype going.
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Mike said 4:32PM on 12-15-2008
Reeks of fake.
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Hordakker said 12:28AM on 12-17-2008
This is the MinIphone,it's a knock off from China. I bought one just for calling as a second phone, and they're actually quite cute in black. Pink available for gals...
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xxhadow1 said 4:14AM on 1-02-2009
Actually this would be a perfect way for Apple to skirt the AT&T exclusivity stuff since it wouldn't technically be an iPhone they could have it on all other carriers as a way to get an iPhone like device in the hands off the masses!
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auribe14 said 9:44AM on 1-06-2009
If this is true, what would be wrong with a phone/iPod that actually works? You could still sync your contacts, calendar and music as now. Just no apps or internet. No $30 extra monthly, but yet another iTunes customer.
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