14 DAY TRIAL // A “reliable source within Apple” is saying the company will introduce new iPods, and offer a preview of iOS 4 for iPad, according to the Brazilian MacMagazine (Google translation). Although the event is said to be primarily focused on the next-generation iPod touch, the news coincides with a recent rumor saying Apple will launch an updated version of its iLife suite this month.
In accordance with recent rumors of Apple adding FaceTime support to next-gen iPod touches and iPads, Apple’s media-centric event will be used not only to introduce these new devices, but also a brand new version of its iLife suite of apps, which allegedly leaves out iDVD in favor of a mystery application.
However, company watchers are saying that these new, camera-equipped portables that would enable customers to use FaceTime in a cross-platform manner - not just between iPhones - are hitting shelves a tad later, in September. BMO Capital’s Keith Bachman expects Apple to unveil two new iPods – a new iPod touch and a new nano, next month. Bachman reportedly said that the new nano will be “much smaller” than previous versions and will lack a track wheel, in what would kick off the phasing out of iPod shuffle.
A Barron’s report citing the analyst reveals that Bachman is projecting overall iPod shipments of 9.2 million to 9.7 million in the September quarter, and that he sees no evidence that the iPad is cannibalizing iPod touch sales.
On the Macintosh front, Bachman is confident Apple will introduce a cheaper MacBook Air in the same September timeframe. “We are not yet clear on all the specs, but supply chain checks suggest that unit shipments of the new Air products could far exceed the current Air, which we believe could suggest lower starting prices,” he wrote in a research note last week. “We project 2.9 million total notebooks units in the September quarter, which we believe is reasonable,” Bachman added.
Another finding reported by the BMO Capital analyst was that there were no signs of a slowdown in iPhone demand or supply.