7th-Gen iPod nano Chassis Emerges with Camera Hole (Unconfirmed)

Apple is putting back the camera in its popular music player after dumping it in favor of a smaller form factor and a multi-touch screen, according to imagery leaked by a Chinese source.

Responsible for accurately leaking Apple’s plans in the past (such as the CDMA iPhone 4, the redesign of the sixth-generation iPod nano, and a bunch of iPad 2 details), Apple.pro now claims to have a solid lead regarding Apple’s seventh-generation iPod nano.

The source has published a photo purporting to show the chassis of Apple’s new iPod nano.

The Cupertino tech giant appears to be keen on retaining the small form factor while also adding a camera.

The fifth-generation iPod nano, which featured a wide-screen display, was the first nano to ever pack a camera. It did not shoot stills, but it did shoot video (a compromise made with the device’s slim design in mind).

A sixth-generation nano later emerged as a complete overhaul of the player. The latest version of the player currently available for purchase, the iPod nano 6G features a square design (apparently combining the best elements from the iPod shuffle and the iPod nano), a multi-touch screen and an iOS-like interface.

Now, it appears that Apple wants to keep all that as well as throw in a camera. Given the thicker body of the current version of the iPod nano, we can expect it to do both video, and photos.

Apple generally holds iPod events in the September-October time frame. If the new nano is slated for a launch around that time, other iPods and perhaps a new version of the iPad might emerge in tandem with the refreshed player.

In the months leading up to a potential announcement, we can expect other iPod leaks to emerge.

Apple is also believed to plan the discontinuation of its iPod classic, and perhaps the iPod shuffle as well.