Although not advertised by Apple as “4G iPod nano 4GB Limited Edition”, retailers worldwide are reporting incoming shipments of 4G iPod nanos sporting 4GB of storage capacity - an aspect not disclosed by Apple when announcing the new nano at its event in San Francisco earlier this month.

In fact, Apple hasn't advertised the 4GB model at all. When announcing the fourth generation iPod nano at the Let's Rock event in San Francisco, Apple's chief executive specifically mentioned an 8GB and a 16 gig iPod nano. Steve Jobs went on describing the vibrant color variants available with the new device, as well as its accessories. No mentioning of a 4G nano was made whatsoever.

Sources now imply that the company had rushed to manufacture 4GB and 8GB models of the new iPod nano, and, at one point, had realized that a 16 gig model was in order. Sensing that 4GB nano would not be able to face the competition (Microsoft's Zune), Apple stopped production and focused on 8GB and 16GB versions of the device, German blog Cyberbloc suggests.

The first (and strongest) piece of evidence of the 4GB nano's existence comes from the folks over at OneMoreThing, who posted genuine snapshots of the actual device. To further confirm the unannounced-nano's existence, the German version of Amazon.com lists the 4GB model as being available in all nine colors advertised by Apple for €129. Austrian reseller Geizhals lists the device for €130, while another Dutch reseller, A-Mac, also has the 4GB nanos selling for €119, according to AppleInsider. Lastly, Apple Canada is advising local resellers that the 4GB Apple players will be available next week, retailing for $139 Canadian, according to the same site.

It is reported that quantities will be limited, making the fourth generation iPod nano 4GB a “Limited,” if not, a “Collector's Edition” player. Fans of Apple's iPods should really consider grabbing one while they're available, should this last allegation be true.

Why do you think Apple “forgot” to mention the 4GB iPod nano?