New iPod lineup 2010 [Archive]

ipedro

Jul 2, 2010, 03:17 PM

September is inching closer and with it, the annual iPod refresh.

It's always fun to make predictions and see how close you come when they're announced. For the last couple of years, back to back, I've gotten my predictions spot on, including sizes introduced and dropped and price accuracy so here goes again:

iPod classic will be discontinued as the touch doubles its memory to 128GB, enough for most audiophiles with big collections. The iPod touch will become simply "iPod". I'm tempted to say that the Shuffle will drop out the bottom end as the Nano's price drops to under $100 but there may still be room for the diminutive iPod.

As for the look of the devices, I expect the iPod (formerly touch) to lose the chrome and go unibody, looking a lot like the iPad rather than the new all glass iPhone. The iPod Nano will mirror the new iPod in an aluminium unibody enclosure with a flat front and rounded back. I don't expect the nano to have a glass front due to its low price and popular use as a workout companion, prone to being tossed around and dropped regularly. Both iPods will fit in together in appearance as a duo, looking like twins, finally moving the iPod (touch) into the line, instead of a completely different looking black sheep of the family.

The Shuffle will see little if any improvement other than a price drop for the 4GB model, which will be the only option available in this brand.

iPod 16GB, 64GB, 128GB - starting @ $199
iPod Nano 8GB, 16GB, 32GB - starting @ $99
iPod Shuffle 4GB - $59

What are you predictions?

rw3

Jul 2, 2010, 03:20 PM

I don't foresee the iPod Classic ever going away...but that's just me.

ipedro

Jul 2, 2010, 03:29 PM

obsidian1200

Jul 2, 2010, 03:34 PM

@rw3 "Ever" is a really long time. There's no room for the classic to stay. It has stagnated in memory size and the micro HDD's are in less demand in the market and thus prone to costing more to Apple.

Moving the classic to flash memory makes no sense in that case as the current iPod Touch is more than capable of filling that role.

iPod classic is out this September. I'm firm on that prediction.

I have to agree with the person who said the Classic will stay. True, micro HDD's are falling out of style/the market, but the larger size of the Classic would allow for a larger flash memory capacity and a larger battery with less RAM since the classic doesn't need the power of the Touch/Pad/Phone for system processes. Audiophiles, I think, would rather spend money on a high-capacity, long-lasting media-player rather than on a lower-capacity wifi browsing device that can play music.

That's just me, though.

rw3

Jul 2, 2010, 03:50 PM

I didn't say forever...I said ever, like with in a 5 year time span. I don't need all the video and games stuff, that's why I have my iPhone. But for having all my music on the go, I need the Classic. You can fit 256GB of Flash Memory in the Classic. (This figure is based off how much space a 256GB SSD needs and the Classic has the available space.)

ipedro

Jul 2, 2010, 04:14 PM

I'm not going to argue semantics but for the record, "ever" means "eternally" "perpetually" which is where "for ever" or "forever" comes from.

That said, I see the point of keeping it as an audiophile device but I don't see it as Apple's character to stay in a niche market when they can push their flagship iPod (touch) and still mostly satisfy even the audiophiles who will have to do with more functionality, that they can simply ignore.

Apple hasn't updated the classic for several years now and the component prices will only be increasing due to lower demand.

To wrap up my point, this Appleinsider report (http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/07/02/special_report_the_end_of_apples_ipod_era.html) demonstrates how iPod is no longer a considerable part of Apple's revenue so they need to condense the product line to keep it profitable.

I'm looking at this from a business and marketing standpoint and the Classic has no role in either. Sure, iPod lovers have an emotional attachment to the original iPod form factor but they're an ever smaller niche and Apple is in the business to make money, and few in that niche would be capable or willing to prop up a money losing product model.

There might be some steam left in the classic for one last year but my money is on the iPod classic going EOL in September.

rgarjr

Jul 2, 2010, 04:42 PM

Classic is here to stay.

na1577

Jul 2, 2010, 05:06 PM

iPod classic
Capacity: 128 GB flash memory (for durability)
Price: $299
Design: Thinner (0.37 mm) aluminum/chrome encolsure; new colors
Features: FM radio; Nike+; updated software

I think there is still a lot of room for improvement with the iPod classic. Since it's nearing the end of its life, Apple will probably max it out and sell it for a few more years like this, emphasizing the "classic" aspect.
---

iPod nano
Capacity: 16/32 GB
Price: 16-$129; 32-$179
Design: slightly thinner (0.23 mm); refreshed colors
Features: 2 MP still/video camera

The iPod nano got a huge upgrade last year, so I don't see Apple doing much with it this year.
---

iPod touch
Capacity: 16/32/64 GB
Price: 16-$199; 32-$249; 64-$349
Design: Flat with aluminum border (iPhone 4); separated/rounded volume controls; polished backing
Features: 3 MP still/video camera (iPhone 3GS); built-in microphone; A4; "retina" display; gyroscope

iEvolution

Jul 2, 2010, 06:29 PM

As much of a fan as I am of the classic I think it is gonna be gone this year. Its been slowly getting phased out. 2008 introduced the 120GB model with some new menu short cuts and Genius.

2009 they introduced the 160GB model with no additional features.

This year they'll either a) take it off the line completely, or b) get whatever single layer hard drive capacity is out by the time of the release. Seeing as the latest for Samsung is 120GB still and Toshiba is still 160GB I doubt we will see anything done with it this year.

The idea of flash memory is just ridiculous for the classic, they already have three flash players in their line up. If you are concerned with the "sensitivity" of hard drives then the iPod Classic is not for you, the iPod Touch would probably suite your needs better. I think its pretty obvious that Apple is slowly letting it go the way of the dinosaurs. Besides, adding flash memory would only INCREASE the price of the iPod Classic and you'd still get 32GB less in capacity.

Seeing as it is consistently on the top 10 at amazon.com for mp3 players [in fact it is 3rd right now behind the 32GB and 8GB iPod Touch], I'm betting option b.

Hoping for a 32GB Nano or a 128GB iPod Touch, BUT I think it is highly unlikely a capacity boost for the iPod Touch will come this year since the iPhone didn't get anything. I'm pretty sure there will be one for the nano now.

That being said this is what I'd like to see:

iPod Classic
- 200GB Single Platter HD [I've swapped my 5th gen with the 240GB dual platter drive from toshiba and it is a little on the slow side, in fact I use it strictly for video on my TV]
- Increase screen size, even if it is just a little bit..even like 2.7" or something.
- Update the interface
- Increase battery life to match the 2007 classic 160GB

iPod Nano
- 32GB capacity update. This really needs to happen since iTunes files have since gotten larger since the release of the 4th gen 16GB capacity, plus the video recording needs to have a little extra room to work with. I can fill the 16GB with relative ease with just music right now.
- change the design this year, bubble gum design is getting stale
- IMPROVE BATTERY LIFE
- ability to take still pictures

iPod Touch
- SEEK BUTTONS [Back/Forward], this is the one of two things that keep me away from the touch. I don't like having to pull it out of my pocket every time I want to change songs.
- 128GB Capacity, which is the other thing that keeps me away from this device. Support for apps, great screen for viewing video yet still can't match the capacity of the iPod Classic.

na1577

Jul 2, 2010, 07:23 PM

The idea of flash memory is just ridiculous for the classic, they already have three flash players in their line up. If you are concerned with the "sensitivity" of hard drives then the iPod Classic is not for you, the iPod Touch would probably suite your needs better. I think its pretty obvious that Apple is slowly letting it go the way of the dinosaurs. Besides, adding flash memory would only INCREASE the price of the iPod Classic and you'd still get 32GB less in capacity.

You don't understand. Having all flash iPods is not a bad thing. (About the sensitivity comment: why would you recommend the iPod touch? It is just as sensitive as the classic, it has a large glass touchscreen.) It reduces technical variation, yes, but most consumers don't care about that. They want a compact, durable device that can fit all of their music and movies, something the iPod nano cannot do. (at least the niche that Apple is currently targeting with the classic)

You're right about the price increase, but if you're concerned about price increases, why would you assume Apple will increase capacity to 200GB? That would be more expensive (than 160 GB) and less useful to consumers; there's high capacity, and then there's overkill. Considering the popularity of low capacity players like the nano and touch, it's a safe assumption that most iPod owners don't need outrageous numbers of bytes, even the people who would be interested in a high capacity player probably don't need 200 GB.

ipedro

Jul 2, 2010, 07:47 PM

@iEvolution - Great analysis except for this part:

iPod Touch
- SEEK BUTTONS [Back/Forward], this is the one of two things that keep me away from the touch. I don't like having to pull it out of my pocket every time I want to change songs.

We're not discussing a wishlist, we're predicting what Apple will release.

Apple isn't going to add any new hardware buttons considering they were resisting adding volume controls to the iPod Touch. That said, your back/forward seek buttons already exist -- on the headphone cord. If you like to use your own headphones, there are cables with the remote and a minijack.

ipedro

Jul 2, 2010, 07:51 PM

You're right about the price increase, but if you're concerned about price increases, why would you assume Apple will increase capacity to 200GB? That would be more expensive (than 160 GB) and less useful to consumers; there's high capacity, and then there's overkill. Considering the popularity of low capacity players like the nano and touch, it's a safe assumption that most iPod owners don't need outrageous numbers of bytes, even the people who would be interested in a high capacity player probably don't need 200 GB.

I agree. Also, local storage is going to matter less and less with the upcoming iTunes cloud. This is another reason why the Classic will disappear from the lineup. When Apple introduces over the air synching and cloud streaming, they're going to want their entire iPod lineup to contribute to the pool of users. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Nano getting a wi-fi chip for over the air synching and cloud streaming.

iEvolution

Jul 2, 2010, 08:39 PM

You don't understand. Having all flash iPods is not a bad thing. (About the sensitivity comment: why would you recommend the iPod touch? It is just as sensitive as the classic, it has a large glass touchscreen.) It reduces technical variation, yes, but most consumers don't care about that. They want a compact, durable device that can fit all of their music and movies, something the iPod nano cannot do. (at least the niche that Apple is currently targeting with the classic)

You're right about the price increase, but if you're concerned about price increases, why would you assume Apple will increase capacity to 200GB? That would be more expensive (than 160 GB) and less useful to consumers; there's high capacity, and then there's overkill. Considering the popularity of low capacity players like the nano and touch, it's a safe assumption that most iPod owners don't need outrageous numbers of bytes, even the people who would be interested in a high capacity player probably don't need 200 GB.

The reason I say 200GB is because 40GB per year is about how much the capacity on single platter hard drives are moving. 2007 - 80GB single platter, 2008 - 120GB single platter, 2009 - 160gb single platter.

It wouldn't be more expensive because a year would have passed by the time the 160GB was released initially, now if there is a new one that has been made that takes that price point while the 160GB gets dropped lower.

Too much, in terms of space, is not possible. 12 years ago, 4GB was huge and no one would have thought they'd need a higher capacity in computers, now look where we are at. In some instances 4GB is ONE program.

Now if we are talking about the average consumer then we should just get rid of the classic if that's what determines the needs of everyone. We should have just stopped at 8GB because 80% of the market probably couldn't even fill that up with music.

File sizes are just going to keep increasing.

Apple isn't going to add any new hardware buttons considering they were resisting adding volume controls to the iPod Touch. That said, your back/forward seek buttons already exist -- on the headphone cord. If you like to use your own headphones, there are cables with the remote and a minijack.

Yeah yeah, I got that response when people thought I was crazy that they would put video function on the iPod Nano when the 3rd gen was on the rumor mill.

We're not discussing a wishlist, we're predicting what Apple will release.

Ok well then apple predictions:
- redesigned nano with 32GB capacity, ability to take pictures added.
- iPod Touch, updated to look like the iPhone 4, no capacity updates.
- iPod Classic gone
- iPod Shuffle, stays the exact same

Apple hasn't WOW'd me since 2007 on the iPod line, I don't expect this year to WOW me either. They own the market, there is little incentive to have any really big updates as there is no competition unfortunately.

na1577

Jul 2, 2010, 09:09 PM

Too much, in terms of space, is not possible. 12 years ago, 4GB was huge and no one would have thought they'd need a higher capacity in computers, now look where we are at. In some instances 4GB is ONE program.

Sorry, that's not what I meant when I said that. No one would buy a 1TB hard drive for their computer if they only use 50 GBs. They would save money and buy a 80-100 GB hard drive. Likewise, it doesn't make sense to pay for a 200 GB hard drive if you're only going to use 100 of it. Most users upgrade their devices every few years. Unless they see themselves adding 100+ GB of media during that time, they're not going to buy that extra space.

ipedro

Jul 2, 2010, 09:41 PM

Ok well then apple predictions:
- redesigned nano with 32GB capacity, ability to take pictures added.
- iPod Touch, updated to look like the iPhone 4, no capacity updates.
- iPod Classic gone
- iPod Shuffle, stays the exact same

That's more realistic :)

However, I don't think Apple is going to move to make the iPod Touch look like the iPhone. I feel that we should expect to see the nano and iPod Touch aesthetically match since these two are part of the same category.

I predict that the design of both iPods will have a flat front and curved back in a unibody frame. The iPhone's design will remain exclusive to that category.

SactoGuy18

Jul 3, 2010, 05:34 AM

Here's what I think will happen when the iPod line is refreshed in September:

iPod shuffle--no changes except for more choices in case color design. Price remains the same: 2 GB US$59, 4 GB US$79.

iPod nano--looks almost like 5G model, but case slightly thicker to accommodate bigger battery. Will be available in 16 and 32 GB versions. Price will be US$149 for 16 GB and US$179 for 32 GB.

iPod classic--will use same case format as current model, but will now sport larger display for higher-definition video playback and smaller click wheel. Storage capacity will still be 160 GB using single-platter hard drive. Price will be US$249.

iPod touch--now essentially an iPhone 4G minus the cellphone functionality, available in 32, 64 and 128 GB storage capacities. Price will be US$249 for 32 GB, US$299 for 64 GB and US$349 for 128 GB.

ipedro

Jul 3, 2010, 09:01 PM

iPod touch--now essentially an iPhone 4G minus the cellphone functionality

Using the iPhone case for the iPod touch would make it thicker than the current model. iPod doesn't need the same amount of internal space as in the iPhone because it lacks cell circuitry and antennae.

I believe that the iPod touch will look a lot like a small iPad in its unibody aluminum frame, black volume rocker and orientation lock.

puma1552

Jul 3, 2010, 10:38 PM

--Apple will never, ever increase the thickness of any product

--There is no such thing as capacity overkill--the last 10-15 years should have taught everyone that long before now. I have 11 gigs of music and will upgrade my classic if it goes higher just because.

--Apple turns a healthy profit on every iPod sold.

--No 128 gb touch; look at Apple's habits of maximizing margins. They could easily go 128 and be profitable--but they won't. If you've noticed, they only double flash capacities every two years now. Aside from that, no way they will have an iPod with 4x the capacity of their flagship iPhone.

iPod nano: 16/32 GB, stills camera, maybe relocated camera, 28-30 hour battery, maybe relocated camera. Same form factor, maybe different shades for a couple colors like purple and blue. Possible wifi.

iPod shuffle: Killed or left more or less the same.

iPod classic: Keeps the capacity seat warm one more year. Could go 200 but doubtful because when 128 GB chips come, the classic will get killed. Harder to get sympathy for killing it when going from 200 to 128 as the new iPod line max compared to going from 160 to 128. Form factor remains the same, glass screen finally. Possibly polished silver/black to match the nanos. Possible radio.

iPod touch: no capacity bump, form factor change to bring it inline with either the iPhone or iPad, probably iPhone. iOS4 of course, camera on back only.

saxon48

Jul 3, 2010, 10:43 PM

My thoughts on the iPod refreshes:

Classic: Exact same, one final time around.

Touch: New model similar to iPhone 4. Potential 128 gig?

Nano: No change.

Shuffle: Higher capacity. 16 GB?

Peterson8765

Jul 12, 2010, 04:01 PM

I think that the iPod Classic won't be phased out this year, but probably next year. I also don't think that the Classic is going to have flash memory, since 128GB of flash memory is crazy expensive, and the Classic is $249, and Apple doesn't raise the prices on iPods. Apple usually sticks to the same prices of iPods but adds more features with that on iPod refreshes. This year I think that the new iPod Classic will have a Price drop to $229 and have the same 160GB storage, though we might see some new features such as a higher resolution and bigger 2.8" LCD screen. I don't think a camera will go in the new Classic. As for the iPod Touch, no 128GB this year, it usually follows the foot steps of the iPhone with capacitie, last year when the iPhone got 32GB, the iPod Touch got 64GB, this year the iPhone 4 stuck with the same 16GB, 32GB, but there is also an 8GB model. So I think this year it is going to be the same 8GB, 32GB, 64GB for the touch, which is a shame. The shuffle will most likely be unchanged, with a price drop of $10-$20 for each one hopefully and an added 8GB model. Those are just my two cents.

mrlaxrules

Jul 17, 2010, 09:15 PM

iPod Touch 4- Takes iphone 4 body. front and back camera, facetime. they would not bring 16gb back from the dead. 8-199 36-299 64-399.
ipod nano- still image, same price and gig
ipod shuffle- hard to predict but i think no changes

mrlaxrules

Jul 17, 2010, 09:17 PM

discuss and read amazing new news and leaks on
www.behindthewallsofcupertino.blogspot.com

Peterson8765

Jul 17, 2010, 09:59 PM

Theres no way Apple can make a $99 8GB iPod Nano 6G. the 5G's features right now are way ahead of the average MP3 player. In fact, in terms of technology and UI, iPod's are way ahead of the game. I even bet Apple will make the new nano even better this year, but I still don't know how. I also believe that the new nano will start at the same price this year at the same capacity, a possible small $10-$20 price drop might happen as well. As for the touch, well, I already covered that. The Classic will live on.

iMac0765

Jul 17, 2010, 10:14 PM

iPod nano: 16/32 GB, stills camera, maybe relocated camera, 28-30 hour battery, maybe relocated camera. Same form factor, maybe different shades for a couple colors like purple and blue. Possible wifi.

No Wi-Fi. No 32 GB. No stills. Different design (to an extent of same shape).

iPod shuffle: Killed or left more or less the same.

There is no ####ing way Shuffle will be killed. The shuffle is a really good and cheap iPod entry device for kids, sports, and X-Mas presents. The design could see a change like the past refreshes.

iPod classic: Keeps the capacity seat warm one more year. Could go 200 but doubtful because when 128 GB chips come, the classic will get killed. Harder to get sympathy for killing it when going from 200 to 128 as the new iPod line max compared to going from 160 to 128. Form factor remains the same, glass screen finally. Possibly polished silver/black to match the nanos. Possible radio.

Radio is a yes. Glass screen is a maybe. Polished is a yes. 160 is also a yes.

iPod touch: no capacity bump, form factor change to bring it inline with either the iPhone or iPad, probably iPhone. iOS4 of course, camera on back only.

Probably Retina too on 32/64 models, and 3Gen for 8 GB model.

SkippyThorson

Jul 18, 2010, 12:09 AM

--Apple will never, ever increase the thickness of any product

Um... iPhone to iPhone 3G - increase in thickness.

iPod Touch to iPod Touch v2 - increase in thickness.

Never ever? :rolleyes: You know why they tapered the second version of both of those? They started too thin to add what needed to be added, and still shrink, let alone keep the same size.

My predictions:
iPod Classic sticks around. Possibly a capacity bump. Same price, possibly polished aluminum and an FM radio. They will not put a camera in the Classic, unless it's HD. I always thought it would be cool, as the most expensive and the biggest of the core iPod family, that they include the most of everything, to get it to sell more - AM/FM radio, HD still and video camera, etc.

iPod Nano gets a capacity bump and the current colors remain. They will probably keep the same pack-of-gum form factor, because they've only deviated from that proven popular style once - iPod Nano v3 - and while I loved it, it's the only major design change to ever hit the Nano. It's always been rectangle, square was admittedly strange.

iPod Shuffle will probably see some sort of a more uniform melding between the clickwheel and speech-only variations. Something needs to make them more similar. They come in different colors and capacities, and couldn't be much more different. I predict the next generation of Shuffle sees one line with a lower capacity and clickwheel, and one line with a higher capacity and speech-only. I know they have that now, but they should come in certain colors, with each having a distinctive higher / lower counterpart.

iPod Touch... This one is a tough call. I don't know where Apple wants to go with this. Personally, I can see them going to with an iPhone 4 design, with separated volume buttons, a metal band, and a back that makes it symmetrical to the front - probably glass. I think it would be cool if they made it look like an iPad, though. An anodized (or polished) aluminum tapered body with a black volume rocker, a black plastic top center strip for the Wifi, and a black Apple logo would look AWESOME. I could also see a polished tapered back like the iPhone 3G / 3GS, that comes in all the colors of the Nano. Color choices would be sick too.

That was actually really fun to type up. Thanks for the thread. :)

Peterson8765

Jul 18, 2010, 11:00 AM

Um... iPhone to iPhone 3G - increase in thickness.

iPod Touch to iPod Touch v2 - increase in thickness.

Never ever? :rolleyes: You know why they tapered the second version of both of those? They started too thin to add what needed to be added, and still shrink, let alone keep the same size.

My predictions:
iPod Classic sticks around. Possibly a capacity bump. Same price, possibly polished aluminum and an FM radio. They will not put a camera in the Classic, unless it's HD. I always thought it would be cool, as the most expensive and the biggest of the core iPod family, that they include the most of everything, to get it to sell more - AM/FM radio, HD still and video camera, etc.

iPod Nano gets a capacity bump and the current colors remain. They will probably keep the same pack-of-gum form factor, because they've only deviated from that proven popular style once - iPod Nano v3 - and while I loved it, it's the only major design change to ever hit the Nano. It's always been rectangle, square was admittedly strange.

iPod Shuffle will probably see some sort of a more uniform melding between the clickwheel and speech-only variations. Something needs to make them more similar. They come in different colors and capacities, and couldn't be much more different. I predict the next generation of Shuffle sees one line with a lower capacity and clickwheel, and one line with a higher capacity and speech-only. I know they have that now, but they should come in certain colors, with each having a distinctive higher / lower counterpart.

iPod Touch... This one is a tough call. I don't know where Apple wants to go with this. Personally, I can see them going to with an iPhone 4 design, with separated volume buttons, a metal band, and a back that makes it symmetrical to the front - probably glass. I think it would be cool if they made it look like an iPad, though. An anodized (or polished) aluminum tapered body with a black volume rocker, a black plastic top center strip for the Wifi, and a black Apple logo would look AWESOME. I could also see a polished tapered back like the iPhone 3G / 3GS, that comes in all the colors of the Nano. Color choices would be sick too.

That was actually really fun to type up. Thanks for the thread. :)

That would be cool if the iPod Classic got all of those things. I think it is also time for the Classic to get a redesign since it's design has been the same for three years and it has gotten bland. I am hoping for FM radio w/ LivePause, a 3.2MP camera w/ video capture, same 160GB storage, and able to connect it to a TV like an Apple TV.

Aero26

Jul 18, 2010, 11:07 AM

That would be cool if the iPod Classic got all of those things. I think it is also time for the Classic to get a redesign since it's design has been the same for three years and it has gotten bland. I am hoping for FM radio w/ LivePause, a 3.2MP camera w/ video capture, same 160GB storage, and able to connect it to a TV like an Apple TV.
Wouldn't the radical design change contradict the "Classic" concept?

SkippyThorson

Jul 18, 2010, 12:13 PM

Wouldn't the radical design change contradict the "Classic" concept?

Maybe not too radical. It needs to keep the same basic form factor of a non-widescreen screen, and the same spacious clickwheel. However, that housing needs to change. I say keep the chrome too. That makes it "Classic" - and even if it's scratch-prone, I love the look of the chrome. That silver or flat black front needs to change. It's basically been a v6 Classic for years.

I bought the v5.5 Classic when the new one came out because I liked that white. I think that was the best design. Think about it, what is the iPhone 4? White or black behind glass. The iPods just before the move to metal were white and black behind plastic.

My v5.5 iPod is able to do video out from both the 30-pin in a universal dock, as well as right through the headphone jack. Simplicity and versatility like that needs to return as well. Don't the new ones not do headphone-jack-video?

chris975d

Jul 18, 2010, 12:28 PM

I agree. Also, local storage is going to matter less and less with the upcoming iTunes cloud. This is another reason why the Classic will disappear from the lineup. When Apple introduces over the air synching and cloud streaming, they're going to want their entire iPod lineup to contribute to the pool of users. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Nano getting a wi-fi chip for over the air synching and cloud streaming.

Even with an iTunes cloud service, I think local storage will still play a huge role in non-cellular mp3 players. Take the iPod Touch for instance. It only has wi-fi to use for streaming. What good is an mp3 player if it can't be used away from a wi-fi network? How would you use this out jogging, working outside, in your car, etc? Sure the iTunes cloud service might be great on the iPhone (even here it's going to be hampered by the new data caps the network providers have put in place). This same thing holds true in the example you gave of the Nano getting a wi-fi chip. Useless as a music player away from a wi-fi network. Or are you suggesting that they (Apple) might use a combination of local storage AND streaming? In that case, then local storage will still matter. Free wi-fi networks are far from common-place for most people. I know that I'm just 30 minutes or so east of Atlanta, and the only wi-fi networks I encounter daily are at work and home, and occasionally McDonalds. It would suck if these were the only places I could actually listen to music on my mp3 player.

AceFernalld

Jul 18, 2010, 12:57 PM

iPod touch

$199 16GB 3rd gen
$299 32GB 4th gen
$399 64GB 4th gen

4th gen will have:

A4 Processor
512MB RAM
Gyroscope
Retina Display
Aluminum back
Microphone
One camera (either 3.2MP rear or VGA front w/ FaceTime)
802.11n WiFi

iPod nano

$129 8GB
$159 16GB

I have no idea what else they could/would add...

iPod classic

$249 200GB

Thinner

iPod shuffle

$49 2GB
$69 4GB

Same design

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All models will have improved battery life

Last year the nano got the huge revamp, it's the iPod touch's turn this year.

P.S. I'm HOPING for a white front glass plate option on the iPod touch, but it is probably only 0.1% likely.

carve

Jul 19, 2010, 03:12 AM

Classic will not be discontinued.

SnowLeopard2008

Jul 19, 2010, 08:48 AM

Classic will not be discontinued.

+1

Flash memory is too expensive and while it's not popular like the iPod touch, there is still a need for it.

iMac0765

Jul 19, 2010, 09:35 PM

I bet Steve Jobs has a trophy case with every single iPod (insert suffix here) ever made. From the 2001 to 2010! :apple:

SkippyThorson

Jul 19, 2010, 09:45 PM

I bet Steve Jobs has a trophy case with every single iPod (insert suffix here) ever made. From the 2001 to 2010! :apple:

Probably, and Jony Ive probably does as well. Steve only uses his iPhone 4, though, in a 3G housing. :p

Jony primarily uses one of these:

Peterson8765

Jul 19, 2010, 09:49 PM

Steve Jobs most likely has everything Apple has even made, with prototypes as well in his house.

studioffice101

Jul 20, 2010, 01:08 AM

iPod Classic:
Will be cut, if not possibly an SSD

iPod Nano:
Tricky, Im guessing about the same, possibly new design, if the classic is ended possibly a bigger screen, higher capacity of course

iPod Shuffle:
Remember that 3CM by 3CM screen MacRumours showed a few weeks ago? im thinking some multi touch screen that allows you to browse through songs and playlists

iPod Touch:
iPhone Type Design on 32GB and 64GB versions, 8GB model will be third generation specs. New A4 processor on 32GB and 64GB versions with Facetime camera, possible 3.2megapixel back camera

Draythor

Jul 20, 2010, 05:27 AM

I seriously doubt that Apple will only put one camera on the iPod touch.
Think about it. If they just put the FaceTime camera on then you won't be able to take photos with it at all. I don't think they'll miss out on the opportunity to leave out the camera again this year. Last year was weird enough with a non premium iPod getting a video camera. It's happening. FACT!*

If you only put the 3.2MP camera on FaceTime is impossible. You wouldn't be able to see the screen and be on the camera simultaneously. They'd have to design a new 'industry standard' called 'BackofYouriPodTime'. Not as much fun...

*Not a Fact

ThunderRobot

Jul 20, 2010, 06:01 AM

That said, I see the point of keeping it as an audiophile device but I don't see it as Apple's character to stay in a niche market when they can push their flagship

Not sure I agree; Apple, traditionally, have been in a niche market promoting to a select group of pros (video, graphics, audio) rather than the masses.

Having said that, the digital media player audience is a different beast from their traditional market, but, it's unlikely that Apple would abandon the device offering highest capacity and (presumably) profit margins from the range.

Further, based on anecdotal evidence, the majority of iPod classic owners also own a flash based iPod or iPhone. I see no reason to think that would change.

Classic owners demand capacity - until the flash devices catch up, the classic will be around.

cherry su

Jul 20, 2010, 07:18 AM

shingi70

Jul 20, 2010, 04:37 PM

If apple plans to go cloud wouldn't vthey have to make every ipod with a screen wi-fi compatiable.

Hell the zune's equvilent to the clasic and nano can already use the zune marketplace and acces your data cloud.

OGDaniel

Jul 20, 2010, 05:40 PM

I don't foresee the iPod Classic ever going away...but that's just me.

I agree with you my friend. Unless they are creating some sort of Nano-Classic hybrid. Something like a little smaller than the old Mini's, but with a camera like the nano, and capacities ranging from 30-80 GB. That's still a little iffy though, but if I was an industrial designer at Apple that'd be my idea. But no one is thinking that, there just thinking about how they can upgrade the current stuff.

And to the OP, 16 GB classic starting at $199? That's impossible. If I'm paying that much, I'd get a nano that can also shoot video :p

OGDaniel

Jul 20, 2010, 05:52 PM

And to you people who doubt the camerason the Touch, what's wrong with you? Everyone's saying that since the 3rd Gen didn't have cameras, this one won't, but why the hell not? It's way more probable this year as well. "10 million FaceTime devices", 'member that? Who really thinks they're selling 10 million iPhone 4s? And they probably canned the camera last year because they said to themselves "We know the video conferencing is coming soon, so let's wait on the camera so we can include the video conferencing on the next gen Touch."

And Apple will do something very Apple-like, put both cameras on or put none. Why would it only be one? And the other very Apple-like thing to do, and put the A4 in there. 4.0 runs optimally with the A4 behind it, and 4.0 was developed with the new iPhone and it's hardware in mind, so why skimp with the Touch?

And the Nano will have the addition of shooting HD video OR shooting video and pictures.

And there are my thoughts.

Dark K

Jul 20, 2010, 08:28 PM

iPod classic is a stay, it gives Apple that feeling of keeping that product which started the whole "iPod" era. I know that is pretty obsolete in terms of what we people can do now with the other products, but it still remains as a whole library music device.

I actually expect that Steve announces these big stuff:

1. Retina display on the products, this way developers MUST update all their apps ASAP.

2. Big update on expanding FaceTime for the iPod touch.

3. Probably Steve is going to talk more about this iOS stuff, I think he wants to make this a big deal as the OSX.

SkippyThorson

Jul 20, 2010, 10:40 PM

Hell the zune's equvilent to the clasic and nano can already use the zune marketplace and acces your data cloud.

- and it's so popular! I knew one person with a Zune. It's now dead, and he didn't replace it.

"10 million FaceTime devices", 'member that? Who really thinks they're selling 10 million iPhone 4s?

~raises hand~ "3 million in 22 days." Advanced math time!

Even if that trend drops to 1.5 million a month, with 5 months left in the year, that means 7.5 million in the remaining 5 months. Adding the 3 million already sold gives you 10.5 million, not counting the amount sold / to be sold for the rest of July.

I believe iPhones will easily hit 10 million sold by 2011, and even with that said, I believe the iPod Touch will get a camera.

Googlyhead

Jul 22, 2010, 01:16 PM

That's more realistic :)

However, I don't think Apple is going to move to make the iPod Touch look like the iPhone. I feel that we should expect to see the nano and iPod Touch aesthetically match since these two are part of the same category.

I predict that the design of both iPods will have a flat front and curved back in a unibody frame. The iPhone's design will remain exclusive to that category.
I doubt any will have a glass back. Not least because I'm sure people still use the engraving options.
They're a nice touch to have available, and making it harder to resell gives the obvious advantage of more new device sales without diminishing the apparent value.

Googlyhead

Jul 22, 2010, 01:18 PM

Does no-one else think it's possible the classic could be replaced by a large capacity nano?
Charging a premium for capacity, the traditional way of operation, yet reducing manufacturing costs by having the same form factor.

Razeus

Jul 22, 2010, 07:51 PM

Hopefully, they'll have the Classic with a 250GB hard drive.

That would hold all my stuff as I stand at 220GB of mp3/acc high quality files now.

ajumbaje

Jul 22, 2010, 08:07 PM

fingers crossed for a 200+ gb classic. I have a lot of cds on my amazon wishlist and am copying them over to aiff on my ipod so I can pretty much listen to what the cd is in my car. I recently got a new car deck (alpine ida-x305s) that is all digital, aka the reason why I am copying over to aiff. That and I plan to get a pair of alessandro ms1's soon

Im 15 or so gb away from filling my 120:( and I have a good 90 cds on my wish list, and it will probably grow.

yorkshire

Jul 23, 2010, 06:33 PM

I can see the classic being slimmed down by about a 1/3, with a 128GB flash drive and all the features of the current nano except maybe the camera. That'd be a killer update.

paolo-

Jul 24, 2010, 03:02 AM

I have a bit of a different vision. Too many devices doing similar things with the iphone and ipad.

iPod classic : gone, especially if streaming does come along. Apple doesn't keep old products just because it reminds them of an era. They are the first ones to move on.

iPod touch : gets a camera or two, possibly a compass and gps. Especially the compass as they market it as the gaming machine. The camera differentiates it more from the iPad.

iPod nano : fills the void of the classic. Becomes just a machine to listen to music. Available from 8gb up to a ridiculous amount of storage. Make it much more streamlined and usable. I have a 1st gen nano and I prefer it to the current ones. Especially with the touch out there, it doesn't need a big screen. Who watches video on those things anyways? A bigger scroll wheel would make it a much better experience. Probably remove the video camera along with it, if you want to shoot video, get the touch.

Make a complete redesign so it doesn't look like they are removing features from the nano, just making a solid new product possibly name it just the iPod. Big battery, big storage, possibly introduce some kind of gimmicky thing about better sound quality and make it super cheap. For the sound quality, it's not just BS, the current gen iPods have a problem giving clean sound to big headphones, lots of people use them with headphone amps. If this thing is marketed towards music listeners it could be a good selling point. You know, a solid music listening machine starting at 99$.

iPod shuffle : change in design. Right now you stick your headphones in a stick of gum that you stick onto your body and then pull on a dangling piece of gum on the cord to change tracks. Ditch that, possibly introduce a simple touch interface. Just a flat surface , a bit bigger than the current version, that tracks your finger. Tap to pause, swipe to skip track and slow swiping motion to change volume. Since there's only one dimension to check, it could be very cheap to implement.

bindle

Jul 24, 2010, 05:09 AM

As long as there's something with 128GB+ and a click wheel, I'll be happy. Fingers crossed they keep such a device - whether it be a higher capacity nano or some form of the classic. Touch screens just aren't any good for controlling music on the move so I hope things don't ever shift that way.

I'm hoping for the classic to get a capacity bump and maybe a radio. I don't care about camera etc. Just looking to get a dedicated iPod for music this year.

Googlyhead

Jul 24, 2010, 09:09 AM

iPod nano : fills the void of the classic. Becomes just a machine to listen to music. Available from 8gb up to a ridiculous amount of storage.
:D

Make it much more streamlined and usable. I have a 1st gen nano and I prefer it to the current ones. Especially with the touch out there, it doesn't need a big screen. Who watches video on those things anyways? A bigger scroll wheel would make it a much better experience.They're not really going to remove features; if there's a replacement model, it has to be at least as good eg; mini->nano
Rather than shrink the display, there is the possibility of having the scroll-wheel overlay the screen; there was something a while back about a virtual scroll-wheel on an touch LCD. They could even mould in tactile ridges for blind operation;
Big screen, touch interface, with traditional navigation option = good?

Peterson8765

Jul 24, 2010, 01:56 PM

The "real" rumors will start spreading about mid-august, and we will know when the event is in late August

Lesser Evets

Jul 26, 2010, 08:21 AM

iPod 16GB, 64GB, 128GB - starting @ $199
iPod Nano 8GB, 16GB, 32GB - starting @ $99
iPod Shuffle 4GB - $59

What are you predictions?

This would be close to sensible for Apple. Probably is close to what happens. If Apple was smart it would be:

iPod 8 GB (no design change), 16GB, 32 GB, 64GB - starting @ $129 then
iPod Nano 8GB - $79, 16GB - $99 (no design changes)
iPod Shuffle 2GB - $29, 4GB - $49 (no design changes)

Apple has to draw in market by letting the cripple-tech get cheaper. Shuffles should be everywhere for $10 in another 3 years--same memory and design. Nanos should suffer little innovation and slink down into the sub $50 market in the same frame. iPod Touch should then be available for $99 with a very minimal machine.

At this time Apple is trying to keep an odd edge on the markets they have, but it's unrealistic. In 10 years time everyone will be making iPod Touch type devices and they'll be in everyone's hands because they'll be cheap as hell. What Apple should be doing is making their software/tech widely available in order to sell new, young, poor audiences on their products through the excellent software that manages those devices.

Peterson8765

Jul 26, 2010, 02:17 PM

This would be close to sensible for Apple. Probably is close to what happens. If Apple was smart it would be:

iPod 8 GB (no design change), 16GB, 32 GB, 64GB - starting @ $129 then
iPod Nano 8GB - $79, 16GB - $99 (no design changes)
iPod Shuffle 2GB - $29, 4GB - $49 (no design changes)

Apple has to draw in market by letting the cripple-tech get cheaper. Shuffles should be everywhere for $10 in another 3 years--same memory and design. Nanos should suffer little innovation and slink down into the sub $50 market in the same frame. iPod Touch should then be available for $99 with a very minimal machine.

At this time Apple is trying to keep an odd edge on the markets they have, but it's unrealistic. In 10 years time everyone will be making iPod Touch type devices and they'll be in everyone's hands because they'll be cheap as hell. What Apple should be doing is making their software/tech widely available in order to sell new, young, poor audiences on their products through the excellent software that manages those devices.

$29 for a Shuffle? Keep in mind they were selling for $149 for 1GB 5 years ago, I don't think it'll happen.

booned

Jul 27, 2010, 03:54 PM

Peterson8765

Jul 27, 2010, 08:03 PM

I'm looking forward to what the new iPod's will have in store for us, I mean, many, many people were disappointed last year when Apple held their event, because the touch was only updated with faster components, and cheaper prices and new capacities, the Classic was only bumped up 40GB, and the nano didn't get that much of a design change, but a moderate set of new features. I think this year is going to be different, with every iPod except Shuffle getting a slight redesign, and more features, especially the touch, and maybe classic.

Yaboze

Jul 27, 2010, 08:18 PM

iEvolution

Jul 27, 2010, 08:56 PM

If they make a Touch with 128GB, then I can see the Classic going away.

Otherwise, make a Classic with a SSD or other flash ram.

The whole reason I never got the Touch is the RAM is too low. When you want 10,000 songs and video, 32GB isn't going to cut it. :)

I do not get why people think the classic would possibly go to SSD. SSD is WAY MORE expensive than flash, there is no way they are going to put a $300-$400 128GB SSD drive in the classic and have it not cost about as much as the iPod Touch.

Corbin052198

Jul 27, 2010, 09:28 PM

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPod; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_1_3 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7E18 Safari/528.16)

iPod Touch:
1. Possibly increased capacities
2. A4 Proccesor
3. More RAM to help with multitasking?
4. Back camera (They almost did it last year)
5. Maybe a retina display

iPod Nano:
1. Better back camera (still support?)
2. More capacity.
3. Possibly a bigger screen to match the iPod Touch (Probably not :( )

iPod Classic:
In my opinion two things, one or another, will hapen to the Classic - More capacity, or discontinue it :(

iPod Shuffle:
1. Maybe more colors ;)
2. Larger capacity
3. Maybe a dock connector???

OGDaniel

Jul 27, 2010, 11:18 PM

Has anyone thought of a Classic/Nano hybrid? Smaller and thinner than the current classic, capacities 80, 120 starting at like $180. And with a nice camera on the back. My god that'd be fantastic.

HoldFastHope

Jul 28, 2010, 01:08 AM

I have a new car coming in September/October with iPod integration, was planning on buying a new classic iPod and transfer my lossless library to it.

A bit torn what to do here, 160gb is plenty fine for me now but if they bump up the capacity I'd be even happier. Of course, if they discontinue it or reduce the capacity to accommodate a redesign I'm going to have to run out to a retailer that morning and hope they still have 160gb classics left :)

mlts22

Jul 28, 2010, 11:25 AM

iPod Classic: I don't think Apple with get rid of this model quite yet. They'll keep it around for the real audiophiles who don't want to waste space on Apps/Programs. Even though these may not take up that much space, if they never use it then it's useless.

As far as the style, I think they'll slim it up a bit and maybe make the screen larger. Other than that, (I hope) they'll change the silver version's back to a matte silver instead of a mirror finish. It doesn't show scratches as easily.

iPod Touch: I think they'll lower the price for these, in hope of making this their #1 seller by trying to make the others obsolete. I agree with the OP about Apple not covering the Touch with Glass, they'll try to differentiate this from the iPhone.

iPod Nano: For this model, Apple will probably cover this with the same thing as the Touch and the iPad (with the same colors). Maybe raise the amount of gigs, I don't foresee a major price change in these.

iPod Shuffle: I'm surprised these are still around, but they're predominately used by those who exercise due to the size. I think they'll try and lower the price a little more for these to help compete with the other smaller mp3 players.

I don't think Flash capacity is up where a Classic with 160+ GB of Flash is possible at the price point. Maybe in 1-2 years, a 256GB Flash Classic would be possible.

I'd say not many major changes to the lineup this year, perhaps the Touch going with a glass front and back, or it having a metal back. The Nano will still be in a bunch of colors. I doubt it will get a capacity boost. Instead, it will get a better camera that allows it to take still shots with a basic app for editing pictures on it. Form factor-wise, it will stay the same. The Shuffle is most likely going to get a capacity bump to 8GB at the high end, perhaps a slight cut in length.

Next year when SSD gets a bit cheaper, we will likely see the Classic and the Touch merge, with a 256GB offering.

you39

Jul 28, 2010, 11:48 AM

The Shuffle is most likely going to get a capacity bump to 8GB at the high end, perhaps a slight cut in length.

Why are you guys thinking the shuffle won't get a redesign? It's the only iPod that gets horrible ratings at amazon (and not without reason).

Peterson8765

Jul 28, 2010, 12:08 PM

Why are you guys thinking the shuffle won't get a redesign? It's the only iPod that gets horrible ratings at amazon (and not without reason).

I think it won't because the 2G shuffle went about 3 years without a redesign, each year Apple would do refreshed colors and a little price drop, which I am pretty sure Apple is going to do to the shuffle this year.

you39

Jul 28, 2010, 12:19 PM

I think it won't because the 2G shuffle went about 3 years without a redesign, each year Apple would do refreshed colors and a little price drop, which I am pretty sure Apple is going to do to the shuffle this year.

Sure, but the 2G was quite popular. As opposed to the 3G. That's got to hurt sales.

BenchyUK

Jul 28, 2010, 06:46 PM

Well, i was looking into getting an ipod but with a refresh coming soon, i think i'll hold off. It will be worth it.

Normally i would go for a touch but found i never actually use the apps when being limited to wifi.

I do however love the current Nano's. I think it would fall in nicely with my lifestyle but a few minor things i would love them to do.

Keep the colour options the same as well as the Size Factor. I reckon bump the Size to 32GB, allow the option to take photos and maybe improve the video camera if possible?

ajumbaje

Jul 28, 2010, 10:27 PM

what's the largest capacity 1.8" hd on the market? Thought I'd ask since apple is pretty good with having a classic model with that capacity

Peterson8765

Jul 28, 2010, 10:32 PM

Sure, but the 2G was quite popular. As opposed to the 3G. That's got to hurt sales.

I know a ton of people who used the 2G Shuffle, and other people her on macrumors say it was a hit to them as well. It may be time to do something different with the shuffle.

Googlyhead

Jul 29, 2010, 02:21 AM

what's the largest capacity 1.8" hd on the market? Thought I'd ask since apple is pretty good with having a classic model with that capacity

->
Seeing as the latest for Samsung is 120GB still and Toshiba is still 160GB I doubt we will see anything done with it this year.

Labaguette

Jul 29, 2010, 03:31 AM

seeing that this 250GB drive (http://www.idealo.de/preisvergleich/OffersOfProduct/1181617_-1-8-usata-250gb-mk2529gsg-toshiba.html) has been available for more than a year?

Regards, Baguette.

Lesser Evets

Jul 29, 2010, 10:08 AM

$29 for a Shuffle? Keep in mind they were selling for $149 for 1GB 5 years ago, I don't think it'll happen.

Au contraire--memory chips get cheaper and cheaper. The common mindset is that every 2 years it gets half as cheap to make and doubles in capability/size.

Also, they don't need to revise the packaging or inside workings much, since the device has a permanently limited capability. Thus the price to make them goes down from manufacturing and engineering becoming less "cutting edge".

If the price of a device 6 years ago was $149 (6 years for easier rounding), it should be about $19. $29 for 5 years is about right. However, Apple's mind is still on getting the bigger bux on sale and trying to make something archaic into something new and shiny. My belief is that it should be allowed to slink downward and not be improved in any (major) way, to be a VERY accessible entry item to the Apple software and "lifestyle". Same with the iPod Nano: let it slip.

Both the Nano and Shuffle are now fairly crap tech. Nano is being worked nicely, but if it can't do apps. it has no serious future. Apps are big bux for Apple, so getting iPT down to the $99 range is beneficial in the next couple years.

TheBritishBloke

Jul 29, 2010, 10:28 AM

If they make a Touch with 128GB, then I can see the Classic going away.

Otherwise, make a Classic with a SSD or other flash ram.

The whole reason I never got the Touch is the RAM is too low. When you want 10,000 songs and video, 32GB isn't going to cut it. :)

You've mistaken RAM and storage space. RAM has nothing to do with how much you can put onto the device.

trippingchris

Jul 29, 2010, 12:16 PM

Hmm I'm thinking of getting a shuffle to workout with. A lot of people are thinking there won't really be any changes. I guess I'll go ahead and get it instead of waiting and seeing.

barns

Jul 29, 2010, 04:08 PM

Looking to buy a shuffle for exercise, obviously going to wait until September.
The only thing that is putting me off (and would potentially put me off if it's not dealt with in any update) is that they ship with the standard iPod earphones. If they're selling this shuffle as an 'exercise' item, which I guess they do going by their adverts, would it be too much to ever expect them to ship the in-ear headphones with them?

I know those ear-phones are pretty much the same price as a shuffle, but if I remember correctly the cost of a dock for the 2g and the headphones to go with them would have been almost the cost of the actual shuffle itself (going on UK prices).

I can't stand the standard earphones, way too much sound leakage, and for running I find they fall out of my ears, where as at least with in-ear headphones you could select better in-ear buds to get rid of that problem.

Not really what I'm expecting though in truth. Stick three buttons on the side of the current design. That'd do. And THAT, gentlemen and women, is no doubt why I'm not an apple designer. I guess I'd like to be suprised.

iEvolution

Jul 29, 2010, 09:36 PM

seeing that this 250GB drive (http://www.idealo.de/preisvergleich/OffersOfProduct/1181617_-1-8-usata-250gb-mk2529gsg-toshiba.html) has been available for more than a year?

Regards, Baguette.

If I'm not mistaking, the iPod does not use SATA as its interface and I'm willing to bet that is a DUAL PLATTER hard drive, which means apple would be unlikely to use it.

I didn't see much of a single layer 160GB announcement last year though so who knows what will be thrown in, if anything.

tripjammer

Jul 30, 2010, 01:56 PM

Um... iPhone to iPhone 3G - increase in thickness.

iPod Touch to iPod Touch v2 - increase in thickness.

Never ever? :rolleyes: You know why they tapered the second version of both of those? They started too thin to add what needed to be added, and still shrink, let alone keep the same size.

My predictions:
iPod Classic sticks around. Possibly a capacity bump. Same price, possibly polished aluminum and an FM radio. They will not put a camera in the Classic, unless it's HD. I always thought it would be cool, as the most expensive and the biggest of the core iPod family, that they include the most of everything, to get it to sell more - AM/FM radio, HD still and video camera, etc.

iPod Nano gets a capacity bump and the current colors remain. They will probably keep the same pack-of-gum form factor, because they've only deviated from that proven popular style once - iPod Nano v3 - and while I loved it, it's the only major design change to ever hit the Nano. It's always been rectangle, square was admittedly strange.

iPod Shuffle will probably see some sort of a more uniform melding between the clickwheel and speech-only variations. Something needs to make them more similar. They come in different colors and capacities, and couldn't be much more different. I predict the next generation of Shuffle sees one line with a lower capacity and clickwheel, and one line with a higher capacity and speech-only. I know they have that now, but they should come in certain colors, with each having a distinctive higher / lower counterpart.

iPod Touch... This one is a tough call. I don't know where Apple wants to go with this. Personally, I can see them going to with an iPhone 4 design, with separated volume buttons, a metal band, and a back that makes it symmetrical to the front - probably glass. I think it would be cool if they made it look like an iPad, though. An anodized (or polished) aluminum tapered body with a black volume rocker, a black plastic top center strip for the Wifi, and a black Apple logo would look AWESOME. I could also see a polished tapered back like the iPhone 3G / 3GS, that comes in all the colors of the Nano. Color choices would be sick too.

That was actually really fun to type up. Thanks for the thread. :)

The black center strip is for 3G not wifi. The Itouch 4 will look like an Iphone 4 without the antennae band. Or like you said the Ipad wifi.

Also there is gonna be multiple sizes of the Itouch 4....a 3.5 inch as the base model.

A 5 inch as the mid model
and a 7 inch as the top model
The Ipad will always be at least 9.7 inches.

Lesser Evets

Jul 31, 2010, 01:12 PM

Looking to buy a shuffle for exercise, obviously going to wait until September.

I can't stand the standard earphones, way too much sound leakage...

Stick three buttons on the side of the current design. That'd do.

I'm in the same camp as you: I want a new shuffle when they are released next month (assuming it will be next month). However, the current design is awful due to the earphones. A lot of people wish they would regress the design to the last generation's config. and I totally agree.

We'll see what they do. If they jack up the shuffles to 4 & 6/8 gb and keep prices high and keep the controls on the earphones, it will be sad. Who would keep and shuffle 4gb of music on that thing?? Sheesh. 1 GB is plenty for a little work-out-travel mp3.

Personally, I'd only keep 20 or so songs on the thing.

lbro

Jul 31, 2010, 03:06 PM

iPod Touch:
1) Retina Display (remember that Apple is focusing on gaming with the iPod Touch)
2) 16GB, 32GB, 64GB (128 GB would bring the price of the iPod Touch way to high)
3) Front and back cameras, around 3 mp (iPod touch will have cameras, think of how it would benefit Apple since millions of more devices would then have Facetime)
4) Better processor,
5) More ram,
6) It will have nearly the same design as iPhone except thinner
7) Probably better battery life
The iPod Touch will get the most change this year
iPod Classic:
1) Bump capacity up (not sure how much, maybe 250GB?)
2) Other than that not much, I think the Classic will be over in 3-4 years
iPod Nano:
1) Won't become thinner
2) Not much will change in terms of looks, maybe some colours will be dropped or some will be added
3) Better battery life
4) 16GB, and 32GB capacity, possibly 64GB but I highly doubt it
5) Camera will be able to take pictures
iPod Shuffle:
1) 2GB, 4GB, 8GB
2) Possibly more colors

Prices: (in US $)
iPod Touch: 16GB($199); 32GB($299); 64GB($399)
iPod Classic: 250GB($249)
iPod Nano: 16GB($149); 32GB($179)
iPod Shuffle: 2GB($49); 4GB($69); 8GB($99)

Peterson8765

Jul 31, 2010, 06:07 PM

ohaithar

Aug 1, 2010, 01:43 AM

I think they'll find way to make the shuffle smaller, and probably edible...

barns

Aug 1, 2010, 03:18 PM

I'm in the same camp as you: I want a new shuffle when they are released next month (assuming it will be next month). However, the current design is awful due to the earphones. A lot of people wish they would regress the design to the last generation's config. and I totally agree.

We'll see what they do. If they jack up the shuffles to 4 & 6/8 gb and keep prices high and keep the controls on the earphones, it will be sad. Who would keep and shuffle 4gb of music on that thing?? Sheesh. 1 GB is plenty for a little work-out-travel mp3.

Personally, I'd only keep 20 or so songs on the thing.

I don't see them putting it up to 8gb, really think for a product such as the shuffle, 4gb is enough. I would either go 2gb or 4gb, 2gb would be fine for putting a few different playlists on, ample.

I mean, it wouldn't be such an issue if they had better headphones, even if they had the controls on them. I go through a pair of headphones maybe once every three months or so, and don't fancy dishing out £30-60 on the apple in ear jobs just so I can have something suitable. The problem with the adaptors, as someone in an amazon review said, it takes away the point of having the controls on the headphones at all if the adaptors controls are right by the shuffle anyway. May as well have them on the shuffle itself.

Something's gotta give.

billysea

Aug 2, 2010, 02:50 AM

I just hope the put buttons back onto the iPod Shuffle.
With iPhone around, I am only interested in an iPod on the opposite of the pole - the smallest one. However, I break my headphone easily, and having the only controls on the headphone and not the iPod itself means I am going to pay a lot to sustain my use of the Shuffle.

cambookpro

Aug 2, 2010, 06:13 AM

iPod: Classic discontinued. The new 'iPod' fills the gap. 128GB flash memory. Steve talks a long time about how flash memory is faster and how this iPod is great for the people who like the clickwheel. New bigger screen, unibody enclosure, thinner, comes in silver or black.

iPod Nano: 32GB introduced. Ability to take stills. Everything else stays same.

iPod touch: Main focus of event. Keeps same design, added 3mpx back camera, FaceTime with front camera, retina display, 128GB introduced, gyroscope. Like the iPhone with the 3GS and 4, the older model takes the base slot, being now 16GB. 32, 64 and 128GB are the new models.

No change to the iPod shuffle.

Lesser Evets

Aug 2, 2010, 03:00 PM

iPod Nano: 32GB introduced. Ability to take stills. Everything else stays same.

iPod touch: Main focus of event. Keeps same design, added 3mpx back camera, FaceTime with front camera, retina display, 128GB introduced, gyroscope. Like the iPhone with the 3GS and 4, the older model takes the base slot, being now 16GB. 32, 64 and 128GB are the new models.

No change to the iPod shuffle.

I hope so: nano. Today I picked up and tried out a nano for the first time. I had an earlier-pre-video version and loved the size and feel, but these are incredible in size and feel and capability. They need to put the shuffle back to the second gen. design...this design is a turkey for over $40.

For manufacturing and engineering sake, I think the iPT will be the shape and dimension of the new iPhone (better for camera space). They'll tier it with a cheap version still in the old shape sans camera or retina display and probably still 8GB. The higher versions will have retina.

jwinstonc

Aug 4, 2010, 11:22 AM

I recently destroyed my iPod Video 60GB trying to replace the LCD screen myself. (facepalm) So I'm in need of a high capacity iPod to supplement the nano I use at the gym. Really hoping they update the classic. It's been stale for what, 3 years now? I'm guessing either a higher capacity or (hopefully) refreshed design with larger screen. OS needs some tweaking and polish too. No major additions in functionality just an update. A real EQ would be welcome though.

I don't want videos, cameras, apps, games, etc in an iPod. I have my phone for that stuff. I just want a dedicated music player with enough storage for my entire library (100GB or so). Definitely am going to wait a month to see what is announced before picking up a Classic.

tactician1016

Aug 4, 2010, 11:39 AM

Here's my hope, and reason for it:
It's hard to rationalize buying anything now because my iTunes library is about 30+GB and expanding. The nano would be nice, but 32gb at most would be in this upgrade. The touch is just not my cup of tea: I like the clickwheel, and being able to control my music without looking. That leaves the Classic. Only one problem: It's too much, both in price and storage. I'm never going to use even the full 80GB on my current classic, let alone 160GB or more and don't want to spend $249 on something that I'm only going to be filling to about 25%.
I think the one thing I'd like to see, and would probably buy on sight, would be a sort of low-end iPod classic. Set up a classic with 3 or four options (are these prices realistic?):
40 or 60GB: $149
80GB: $179
120GB: $219
160GB: $249, same as now.
If they could do this, I'd buy in a minute. Anyone else think this would be a good idea?

wbham

Aug 4, 2010, 11:19 PM

No less storage is a downgrade but they should make the current storage classics cheaper.

anthorumor

Aug 5, 2010, 12:21 AM

An iPod Classic is great for a mass storage device. Dont have 160GB of music but need an external hard drive? The iPod Classic is the way to go. Also good for storing iPhoto and etc. I'm sure Apple has plenty of HDDs at their disposal so I doubt to see these flash only. What would be exciting however is to have the system stored on separate flash memory so the OS and cache can be sped up without converting the entire player to flash.
Please dont die Classic; I'm holding strong on my 30GB 4th Gen 04' iPod (photo) and it's due for an upgrade.

Nano is their best selling and most popular (xmas stuffing) model and I expect them to upgrade the usual suspects:
Memory storage
Battery
Screen size
in addition to relocating the camera (which will be able to take stills)

The latest Shuffle is a stupid practical idea and I hope it dies a horrible death. I got myself a nice refurbished 2nd Gen shuffle the moment the faceless ones came out.

Touch will be ala iPhone 4 minus antennae issues and possibly aluminium back cladding instead of glass.

Oh, and one more thing... (how I miss thee!)

Goliath

Aug 7, 2010, 12:16 AM

Firstly I think Apple are going to break with tradition and introduce their new iPod lineup around 14-17 August. It's getting harder every year for Apple to wow the World's media and this year they face competition from Amazon's Kindle 3 in the battle for column inches. The Kindle, I believe, is set for its breakout moment and a lot of buzz will be generated following its release on 27th August. To avoid a direct clash with Amazon, Apple will release the new lineup early to steal the focus back to its offerings.

I don't see Apple doing much with the shuffle- I think it'll be a case of new colours, a bump in storage and price cut. The Nano again I believe will receive minor upgrades- probably a better camera unit and the capability to take photos. I also think we'll see the inclusion of wi-fi in preparation for the introduction of a cloud based iTunes. Again we're likely to see the usual capacity boosts and moderate price cuts.

I think Apple will use this event to talk about the iPod classic; how it all began, how it changed the music business and became a cultural phenomenon . Steve will wow the audience with how many total units the iPod has sold and he'll remind us of the various incarnations. It will dawn on the audience that Steve hasn't just been reminiscing, but in fact has just delivered a final and fitting eulogy and the iPod classic will be laid to rest.

There won't be too much time to shed a tear as Steve will introduce the future: iPod Touch 4. Much like iPhone 4 the new iPod Touch will be the biggest single improvement since its launch. The first iPod Touch was to test the waters, to see if the platform could stand on its own without the phone element and whether or not the public at large would buy into the concept. Up until this point the revisions to the platform have been incremental. The new iPod Touch will borrow heavily from the new iPhone. Much of its DNA will be evident in the new design. I believe it will sport an A4 processor with a Retina display, toughened safety glass screen, wireless N and most all the goodies the iPhone possesses. I do believe though that the new Touch will feature a new industrial design, to separate it from the iPhone and all the controversy surrounding its antenna design.
Importantly I believe that Apple will release a iPod Touch +3G a la the iPad. Some people will argue why not just get the iPhone rather than a 3G data only iPod Touch, but not everyone uses a phone enough to justify the expensive monthly voice/data package, when they would only really use the data portion of the contract. For instance in the UK I can buy a 1GB data only tariff with a micro sim for £5. Of course Apple being Apple could let me down and just release a speaker dock!

tactician1016

Aug 7, 2010, 12:31 AM

gta50419

Aug 7, 2010, 11:24 AM

my predictions
there will only be 2 ipods.... ipod touch and ipod nanos

ipod touch (ipod 4) =
-32 ($250) , 64gb ($350), and 100-ish gb ($450)
-aluminum back with light up apple logo (similar to macbook pros)
-5 mp hd camara/vga on back (no facetalk, no 3g network plans)
-able hook up to tv

ipod nanos

-16,32 gb
-able to take still pics
-bigger screen, new touch sensor wheel (but no touch screen)

QAZWSXEDCRFV

Aug 7, 2010, 11:27 AM

Apple really needs to step up they multi-media devices. With a unimpressive update last year and with new media devices coming out this holiday season, Apple needs to have a major update to all of there iPods to keep them on top of the media market.

Here is what I have cam up with so far:

iPod Nano:
1. New design (same for 2 years)
2. Video Recording AND camera (they were stupid not to put it in last year)
3. Capacity boost (They will offer 8GB to keep the price low and 32GB for music lovers)
4. Wifi (it will be able to buy songs out of itunes)
5. CLICK WHEEL STAYS (Why would they take it away?)
6. Battery life (That really needs to get better)

Ipod Shuffle:
1. 2GB, 4GB capacity (2GB for an affordable iPod and work out buddy)
2. Price drops ($50 for 2GB and $70 for 4GB)
3. New design (different colors would also be nice)
4. Battery Life (10 hours is a joke for a thing that only plays music)

Ipod Classic:
1. New Design (The back scratches way to easily)
2. Bigger Screen (2.5 in isnt gonna cut it anymore)
3. Wifi (This should be the same as on the nano plus movies)
4. Battery life (only 6 hours of video playback is awful)
5. No capacity change (160GB is plenty and I dont think there will be a bump)

Ipod Touch:
1. Retina display (This will follow the iPhone
2. Front facing camera (Steve Jobs said 10 million Facetimers by the end of 2010, and not every iPhone user will be using Facetime.
3. Back facing camera (There was a slot for it last year and this time it will be taken, I am thinking a 3 megapixel camera
4. Capacity changes (They will offer 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB offerings in the new version and a low end 8GB of the 3RD generation, like the iPhone 3GS
5. New design (Almost all the models look exactly the same)
6. Battery life (3D games played on the current version drain the batter in 3 hours, its terrible)

Thats my predictions for the iPod lineup 2010. Tag this post at let me know what you guys think!

Lesser Evets

Aug 7, 2010, 12:17 PM

Apple really needs to step up they multi-media devices.
I've been saying this all year long. It's true. They make too much cash from apps and movies and music to let devices stay merely music or music and movies. Shuffle is an exception.

iPod Nano:
1. New design (same for 2 years)
2. Video Recording AND camera (they were stupid not to put it in last year)
5. CLICK WHEEL STAYS (Why would they take it away?)
1--I love the design, but it depends how they think of this thing. Is it going to slink downward or rise upward? If they decide to make it a sub-$100 device at last, they should just keep design held as is.
2--I never understood the lack of stills. Weird.
5--They could use a touchscreen. There's a mild spossibility of that coming along, but the wheel is good. We'll see.

Ipod Shuffle:
1. 2GB, 4GB capacity (2GB for an affordable iPod and work out buddy)
2. Price drops ($50 for 2GB and $70 for 4GB)
3. New design (different colors would also be nice)
4. Battery Life (10 hours is a joke for a thing that only plays music)
1--I hope they hold it at these capacities. More is a joke.
2--Hopefully.
3--Everyone hopes for this to change. It probably will.
4--Nah. 10 hours is fine. It's a "work out" device and kiddie-school type thing. They don't need it to be longer running, but if they can, they will.

Ipod Classic:
1. New Design (The back scratches way to easily)
2. Bigger Screen (2.5 in isnt gonna cut it anymore)
3. Wifi (This should be the same as on the nano plus movies)
4. Battery life (only 6 hours of video playback is awful)
5. No capacity change (160GB is plenty and I dont think there will be a bump)

1--I doubt it, but if they do, they should make it a touch with a larger casing for the big drive.
2--if they change design, yes.
3--Hopefully if they change design
4--What can you expect from the device? It won't get much better much sooner. If people want 20 hours and a huge drive and a touchscreen, the device will be the size of a brick.
5--if it changes it won't be by much.

I'm pretty sure the designs will change on most everything, but I am not sure if they will change the classic just yet. Give it another year or two and the classic will have to change or be dropped. The nano is either going to go lower in price, improve in function, or vanish as old res/low mem/low function iPTs become the new nano in the $150 range.

They should stifle the shuffle, neglect the nano, and move the iPT into all major market positions above $99 including the classic. There are markets for nanos and shuffles, but they function so 2006. Expanding their memory is crazy, unless the nano remains above $130. My library is 130gb+ and I am hard pressed to find over 8gb of audio to store on my iPods. Who needs 100 days of music on an iPod? I was into that in the first two years of iPods, then I realized it was fatuous. Give it 5 years and capacities like that will be feasible, but not in 2010 without a hassle and a huge pricetag.

ipodtouch4

Aug 7, 2010, 09:16 PM

Shuffle-
No change, not touchscreen it would increase price too much.

Nano-
Same design but might use the 1.7" touchscreen instead of the click-wheel, unlikely though.

Classic-
Slightly different design, brushed aluminum back to prevent scratching and no memory change unless they introduce a flash storage on it, this would bring it up to 256GB. Increased battery life should be here. Apple will not get rid of the Classic anytime soon as it is the pinnacle, the closest thing to the original and it shows the heritage of iPods.

Touch-
A big update. 3.2 Megapixel rear camera, low resolution front camera for Facetime-Jobs said 10 million Facetime users by years end and he wasn't implying that they'd sell ten million iPhones. Most likely wont have same glass back because of thickness and cost.
:apple: