Apple needs those touchscreens for something...

Jul 12, 2007 13:57 GMT  ·  By

The multi-touch interface technology is a big part of what makes the iPhone so good and that in turn is dependant on the touch screen of the device that makes it all possible. Balda has been known for some time as the manufacturer of the iPhone screens, but now it looks like Apple is getting another supplier.

Recent DIGITIMES reports mention that Taiwan-based Wintek is going to be supplying Apple with touch screen panels, but these are not intended for use in the company's iPhones, but a new generation of iPods. According to the reports, Apple is preparing to launch a next-generation of video iPods in August, which would be built around the same multi-touch technology as the iPhone. Wintek has declined to comment on the news citing customer confidentiality, but the company is said to begin shipping capacitive touch screen panels in the second half of 2007. The Taiwan-based panel maker noted that its touch screen panels will be used with customers' own software and ICs.

iPhones sans phone have been widely predicted and expected since the iPhone was first announced. While it might not make the most sense for Apple to release such a product before the first generation of iPhones is done selling, it also wouldn't makes sense for Apple to wait so long and let someone else come out with such a device first. The Cupertino company is well known for killing off its best selling products with even better selling ones and Jobs has clearly stated that if there is going to be anybody eating out of the Apple pie, it better be Apple.

The next generation of iPods would help Apple make sales to all the people that love the music and movie playing capabilities of the iPhone, but don't want to, or cannot be shackled to AT&T in order to take advantage of the features.