Rumor: Next generation iPod nano will be super tiny

Add this to the rumor mix - AppleInsider reports that the next generation of iPod nano will be a minuscule version of the current generation. For proof, they point to a couple of third-party case makers, including this one from Orient King, pictured at right.

The case shows a 30-pin dock connector and cutouts to accommodate four buttons or ports -- most likely for a headphone jack, hold switch and volume buttons similar to the iPhone.

If this particular rumor is true, the iPod nano would more resemble its iPod shuffle sibling than retain the current form factor. It would only be the second time Apple has gone outside of the traditional gum package-shaped model. While the rumor might be a bit hard to swallow -- remember that three years ago, a lot of people did not believe the pictures of the "fat-boy" model iPod nano were true either.

But, I think this rumor could also be linked with the one we reported from iLounge earlier this month saying that the new iPod shuffle would have a touchscreen. If it did, then this form factor makes sense. It's either that, or I see the shuffle being quietly retired or not updated at all. We'll find out on Wednesday.

View Tags

Source: http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/08/30/another_next_g…

Categories

Rumors iPod

Add this to the rumor mix - AppleInsider reports that the next generation of iPod nano will be a minuscule version of the current...

Add a Comment

Sign in »

17 Comments

Filter by:

rawrawrawr

Dude, macs totally sold out when they took the apple off the command key.

/s

August 31 2010 at 9:44 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

MaxxRain

Apple always love to keep fit of their products. But I like the style of Apple stuff.

---------------------------------------------
http://www.ipodmactransfer.com

August 30 2010 at 8:09 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Drummertist

Here's my photoshop of what it may look like.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49361977@N06/4942472500/

August 30 2010 at 6:34 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

2 replies to Drummertist's comment

DaveyGM

That's exactly what I was thinking. Make it a tiny touchscreen and you can get rid of the control wheel. And they can easily retain all of the features of the current nano. Nice graphic Drummertist.

August 30 2010 at 7:45 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Dave

Nce mockup! I have to think it's a new shuffle, though. If it's the nano, people are going to have a s--- fit because the screen isn't rectangular.

August 30 2010 at 7:55 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

iko.

Not sure if anyone has noticed before but in the website of Orient King there are cases for an iPhone called iPhone 4GS. Compatible with the current iPhone 4 as well.

One of these cases:
http://orientking.en.alibaba.com/product/327256708-200501343/TPU_case_for_iPhone_4G_4GS.html

August 30 2010 at 4:34 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

redcard

That was the last one released before you got old, jaded and cynical.

August 30 2010 at 3:35 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

macfan406

Apple likes retaining features in their products: Just some examples from iPods since 2005

Classic:
5.) Video
6.) Adds Coverflow, Aluminum Design
7-9.) Adds more storage
(Notice how all features were retained)

Touch:
1.) iPhone-Phone
2.) Added Nike+, Faster processor
3.) Voice control
(Notice how all features were retained)

Shuffle
1.) No screen, 6 buttons to control
2.) Clip design
3.) Headset controls
(Notice how all features were retained)

Nano:
1.) 1.3' screen
2.) Aluminum
3.) Videos, Games (Fat nano)
4.) Return to regular form factor
5.) FM Radio, Video Camera
(Notice how all features were retained)

iPhone:
1.) First model
2.) Adds 3G, GPS
3.) Adds faster processor, more RAM, Compass, 3MP Camera
4.) Adds A4, Gyroscope, Retina Display, Front Camera, 5MP Camera, LED Flash
(Notice how all features were retained)

So if this is really for the new nano.. Where's the camera hole? It doesnt make sense for Apple to omit a selling point of the previous generation in the next revision. Touch, Classic, and Shuffle didn't. Why should the nano?

August 30 2010 at 3:20 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

2 replies to macfan406's comment

macfan406

i see the open back now, but that may end up not protecting the new nano if they're going for a Bumper design.. Again, it just doesn't make any sense..

August 30 2010 at 3:22 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Jacob Varghese

Don't get wrapped up in semantics.

Shuffle is replaced with new iPod.

Nano is merged into iPod touch.

Classic is merged into iPod touch.

iPod to be used only by people focused on music.

Everyone else uses an iPod touch or iPad nano.

August 30 2010 at 3:41 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Risto T

The odds that this case is for the new Shuffle (~75%)
The odds that this case is for the new Nano (0%)

August 30 2010 at 3:01 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

4 replies to Risto T's comment

jonathan ober

Seems plausible. Def. points at an iPhone 4 design with the metal 'frame' as long as there isn't Shufflegate, we will be good.

August 30 2010 at 2:55 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

govermeyer

If this is true, do those who run the rumor mill believe this new smaller nano will contain the recently introduced camera and FM radio?

August 30 2010 at 2:45 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply