Rumor: New iPods, iTunes 8.0 Coming Soon, Blu-ray Support in 10.5.6

Digg's Kevin Rose, who has been the source of several Apple-related rumors for quite a while, has recently posted a blog entry, as well as a YouTube video, talking about Apple's plans with the iPod line, the iTunes media player and the upcoming version of Leopard, Mac OS X 10.5.6, MacRumors is reporting.

According to the source, the new iPod nano will sport a significantly revamped case and screen, probably adding new functionality as well, thanks to the large, widescreen display. The touch is getting a minor facelift, according to Rose, while iTunes 8.0 will also be accompanying the changes to the iPod line. Rose adds that the new version of iTunes "deserves the 8.0 name," as it will bring some "new functionality." Also, "a couple of good sources" have allegedly told Rose that one of Apple's upcoming versions of OS X Leopard (10.5.6) is likely to have integrated blue-ray support. Hence, upcoming MacBook Pros are said to be equipped with Blu-ray playback capabilities.

Note: we are referring to the "upcoming versions of Leopard" as in Apple's maintenance updates for Leopard, not the major update known as Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6).

While Rose hopes he will be able to post more pictures to prove his allegations, everything except Snow Leopard and the rumored Blu-ray support is said to be hitting sometime in the next few weeks. So, if we were to rely on these rumors, here's what you should expect from Apple in the nearby future, according to the blogger:

- Revamp of entire iPod line.
- Small cosmetic changes to Touch, Nano to see significant redesign (see above).
- iPods to see fairly large price drops to distance itself from the $199 iPhone.
- iPod touch 2.1 software, iPhone to get update very soon after.
- iTunes 8.0 ("it's a big update w/new features").

We will post updates on these claims when more information becomes available.

Update: this article has been modified to exclude a statement saying Mac OS X 10.5.6 is dubbed Snow Leopard. Mac OS X Leopard is currently at version 10.5.5. A 10.5.6 update is believed to include Blu-ray support.