14 DAY TRIAL // A Chinese case vendor claims have gotten hold of fourth-generation iPod touch and sixth-generation iPod nano cases, posting images of the parts in question.
The pictures from X-Doria, picked up by iLounge, depict two iPod touch 4G cases with openings in their rear sides for a camera and a built-in LED flash, as found on Apple’s iPhone 4.
It is believed that the incorporation of a microphone is also a possibility.
It is visible from these images, if accurate, that Apple does not plan to transition the iPod touch to the boxy design of the iPhone 4. The back of this iPod will reportedly retain its curved shell.
Moving on to the two supposed iPod nano 6G cases, these appear to be made for a device with a squarish appearance, iLounge notes.
The site recalls rumors of Apple planning to introduce a 1.7-inch touch-screen shuffle, following the leak of alleged Apple-branded touch-screen parts.
It now appears this iPod is more of a nano, than a shuffle. If accurate, this would put the current iPod shuffle out of commission.
Going by the imagery, Apple’s upcoming nano has room for a front-mounted Home button, but not a click wheel - a controller typically found on current-generation Apple players.
An open strip on its rear side is also visible on the alleged nano 6G case, leading to assumptions that the device will either employ a camera, or a built-in clip, the latter making more sense than the former.
The cases also show where the volume buttons and another (larger) button would be located.
Seams for a Dock Connector and headphone port are visible along the bottom.
Many will be inclined to believe these images confirm Apple’s upcoming plans with the iPod line.
The Cupertino-based company has issued invitations to its annual iPod-event earlier this week. The invitations featured artwork akin to those handed in past years.
Apple appears to continue its September focus on music, giving absolutely no indication that a new Apple TV is being released, although recent analysis certainly indicates the iTV is coming.
The event will take place on September 1, at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, in San Francisco, a venue most preferred by Apple for its iconic keynote presentations.