New iPods, Mini iPad, Apple TV and iTunes Coming Soon

Submitted by lalit on August 6, 2010 - 8:51am.

Apple’s annual September iPod event is coming close and the rumormill has started working in full force. iLounge first posted that they have heard about upcoming updates to iPod, iPhone (unlikely to happen soon) and iPad lineup from a highly reliable source. After that MacRumors posted photos of 4th generation iPod touch LCD with front facing camera for FaceTime. Also we have heard from our sources that Apple is planning to update Apple TV and iTunes along with the new iPods in September. Here’s a list of expected product updates coming from Apple very soon.

  • iPod touch: It is almost confirmed that iPod touch will get a front facing camera (image of LCD below) for FaceTime and a 3-megapixel camera on the back. Case design of the touch will remain mostly same, but internal hardware will get a major upgrade with A4 processor, better graphics chip and gyroscope.
  • iPod nano: Not much is known about iPod nano, but some rumors say that it might get a bigger 2.5-inch or 3-inch screen, maybe even a touchscreen. It might also get a better camera supporting both still images and video.
  • iPod shuffle: According to iLounge, Apple might replace the iPod shuffle with a device featuring small 1.7-inch touchscreen. Our sources say that shuffle has been very successful for Apple especially during holiday shopping season, the company might keep a smaller device (may be with touchscreen) at relatively lower price point for holiday gifts.
  • Mini iPad: Rumors are that Apple is working on a smaller iPad model featuring 7-inch touchscreen and an announcement could come as early as next month or by early next year. It was previously reported that Apple was developing tablet type device in various screen sizes even before iPhone was launched in 2007. It is very likely that Apple wants to maintain two distinctive devices in the tablet category.
  • Apple TV: Rumors that Apple is working on completely redesigned Apple TV started few months back. Speculations are Apple will ditch Intel’s processor in current Apple TV for A4 chip and use smaller flash memory in place of hard drive. The new Apple TV box will be designed for streaming iTunes content and might even support WiFi streaming from iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Macs. The best part of the new model will be its price, just $99.
  • iTunes: The last product that Apple might update next month is iTunes (in fact the rumors are Apple will update the complete iLife suite). Previously it was believed that Apple might bring streaming music, TV shows and movies with the new iTunes, but now rumors are streaming features has been delayed because  of failed negotiations with music labels. The iTunes update will bring better social network integration, updated UI and wireless streaming (WiFi only) between Apple devices.