iPod touch The Next iPod Touch

[tech324]

Bingo.

Every single iPhone/iPod touch app in the App Store is written for 3.5" devices, they would not introduce that sort of fragmentation just after introducing the fragmentation of the Retina Display.

First of all. The iPhone didn't need a bigger screen, its a phone. The touch is a more of a media device where people could use a bigger screen.

Also do you not realize the resolution on the iphone is not much less than the iPad itself? The ipad is 1024 x 768. The iPhone is 960 x 640. They could easily port iphone 4 apps to a 4 or 4.3 " screen.

 

[Ryuu117]

I'm not sure what you mean by 2nd gen = 3rd gen with performance handicap. For the true 3rd gen (32GB and 64GB), for the most part this is true. As far as 8GB 2008 iPod touch ("2nd gen" $229 list price) vs. 8GB 2009 iPod touch (faux-"3rd gen" $199 list price), these are identical in every respect.

Why are you so certain that 2010 base $199 model will be a handicapped 4th gen? They're marketing the $199 as the cheap entree into the iOS world. The base $199 model will be seriously handicapped in some way compared to the true 4th gen models and not simply separated by storage. I'd put money that it will be a 16GB 3rd gen model, which will run iOS 4 fine (multitasking and all). In my book that is not a 4th gen part.

Either that or 4th gen will be just a marginal upgrade, so marginal that they can maintain profit margins at $199. I'll be seriously upset if they go with a weak upgrade for the $299/$399 models.

I was making the performance handicap comparison to the larger iPod touch sizes respective to 2nd and 3rd gen items.

Because, the only reason they have 2nd generation as entry model is because it's the same item as the 3rd generation physically, with slight performance downgrades. It's also still an iPod. So, what we may see come September is a 4th gen device missing some features. BUT, they still need A4. They still need retina. They still need a camera. I mean, they could just hand me the 8GB model as a 3rd generation with the all the afformentioned features and I'd still take it. I'm not really concerned with the build (although I'd like to see it across the line) BUT they STILL require these features if they want to market the device. Apps are upgrading to run iOS4 PROPERLY, A4 and retina in mind. So those are musts. The camera, maybe not so much, but we can still be hopeful. Hell, we're not even sure if we're GETTING a camera. We were sure 2 years in a row, why would this year be different? But all I'm saying is, 1st gen iPod touch - same model all across the board. 2nd gen - same. 3rd gen - same model, entry level at a slight handicap performance wise. 4th gen - follows the trend. Everyone seems to forget that we're still talking about an iPod, even if it's based off an iPhone. These should both be indicators that it will be a 4th gen.

 

[eatmylaptop]

I was making the performance handicap comparison to the larger iPod touch sizes respective to 2nd and 3rd gen items.

Because, the only reason they have 2nd generation as entry model is because it's the same item as the 3rd generation physically, with slight performance downgrades. It's also still an iPod. So, what we may see come September is a 4th gen device missing some features. BUT, they still need A4. They still need retina. They still need a camera. I mean, they could just hand me the 8GB model as a 3rd generation with the all the afformentioned features and I'd still take it. I'm not really concerned with the build (although I'd like to see it across the line) BUT they STILL require these features if they want to market the device. Apps are upgrading to run iOS4 PROPERLY, A4 and retina in mind. So those are musts. The camera, maybe not so much, but we can still be hopeful. Hell, we're not even sure if we're GETTING a camera. We were sure 2 years in a row, why would this year be different? But all I'm saying is, 1st gen iPod touch - same model all across the board. 2nd gen - same. 3rd gen - same model, entry level at a slight handicap performance wise. 4th gen - follows the trend. Everyone seems to forget that we're still talking about an iPod, even if it's based off an iPhone. These should both be indicators that it will be a 4th gen.

I think that IF apple doesn't give a camera in the ipod touch, they would come under alot of pressure ... People have been disappointed for two years.

 

[Biker]

I think that IF apple doesn't give a camera in the ipod touch, they would come under alot of pressure ... People have been disappointed for two years.

I think this time there will be a camera, last time maybe they thought it was better to wait till 2010 to put a camera

 

[onhiatus]

FM radio goddamn. Is is simple.

 

[SlovakApple]

I think that IF apple doesn't give a camera in the ipod touch, they would come under alot of pressure ... People have been disappointed for two years.

Agree with that. I would bet money on a camera if I was not so poor.

 

[liamkp]

I think it will have retina display, and they will make an iPhone 4 like design but slimer, and the base model will be a 16 Gb version of 3G iTouch, just like the base model of the iPhone 4 is a 3GS 8GB Iphone. September must be the date!

The glass is too thick.

First of all. The iPhone didn't need a bigger screen, its a phone. The touch is a more of a media device where people could use a bigger screen.

Also do you not realize the resolution on the iphone is not much less than the iPad itself? The ipad is 1024 x 768. The iPhone is 960 x 640. They could easily port iphone 4 apps to a 4 or 4.3 " screen.

The iPhone is not only a phone. It is also a gaming and media device.

I think that IF apple doesn't give a camera in the ipod touch, they would come under alot of pressure ... People have been disappointed for two years.

Yep.

Agree with that. I would bet money on a camera if I was not so poor.

Who would bet against you?

 

[Outrun1986]

I'm not sure what you mean by 2nd gen = 3rd gen with performance handicap. For the true 3rd gen (32GB and 64GB), for the most part this is true. As far as 8GB 2008 iPod touch ("2nd gen" $229 list price) vs. 8GB 2009 iPod touch (faux-"3rd gen" $199 list price), these are identical in every respect.

Why are you so certain that 2010 base $199 model will be a handicapped 4th gen? They're marketing the $199 as the cheap entree into the iOS world. The base $199 model will be seriously handicapped in some way compared to the true 4th gen models and not simply separated by storage. I'd put money that it will be a 16GB 3rd gen model, which will run iOS 4 fine (multitasking and all). In my book that is not a 4th gen part.

Either that or 4th gen will be just a marginal upgrade, so marginal that they can maintain profit margins at $199. I'll be seriously upset if they go with a weak upgrade for the $299/$399 models.

I don't think it will be a weak upgrade, as I said before it seems to follow a cycle, 2008 was the big upgrade to the 2nd gen touch, 2009 was the weak upgrade with mostly performance enhancements. This year we are due for a big upgrade. They need retina display, A4 chip and more ram, and the gyro at the very least, and I do not exactly call that a weak upgrade. They really do need at least a back camera capable of taking still pictures at the very least because people are starting to get frustrated and a camera would make current touch owners upgrade, meaning a bump in sales for apple, at this point they would be stupid not to add it. Many apps require a camera as well, and the touch cannot use any of those apps because it doesn't have a camera. I could care less about the design (as long as they don't do something silly like restrict to apple only headphones so you can't use your own), just give me a camera and more battery life and I will be happy.

If they don't have the camera people will just go and buy used 8GB 2nd gen touches or what is left of the stock of the current gen at lower prices, there will be no incentive to the public to upgrade or to buy a more expensive, more profitable model because they see it as the same product. A camera and/or a design change would make people upgrade.

 

[ct95]

I was making the performance handicap comparison to the larger iPod touch sizes respective to 2nd and 3rd gen items.

Because, the only reason they have 2nd generation as entry model is because it's the same item as the 3rd generation physically, with slight performance downgrades. It's also still an iPod. So, what we may see come September is a 4th gen device missing some features. BUT, they still need A4. They still need retina. They still need a camera. I mean, they could just hand me the 8GB model as a 3rd generation with the all the afformentioned features and I'd still take it. I'm not really concerned with the build (although I'd like to see it across the line) BUT they STILL require these features if they want to market the device. Apps are upgrading to run iOS4 PROPERLY, A4 and retina in mind. So those are musts. The camera, maybe not so much, but we can still be hopeful. Hell, we're not even sure if we're GETTING a camera. We were sure 2 years in a row, why would this year be different? But all I'm saying is, 1st gen iPod touch - same model all across the board. 2nd gen - same. 3rd gen - same model, entry level at a slight handicap performance wise. 4th gen - follows the trend. Everyone seems to forget that we're still talking about an iPod, even if it's based off an iPhone. These should both be indicators that it will be a 4th gen.

Well, I see what they did to the iPhone and expect they will do that to an iPod touch - keep the 3rd gen as the low end option. Here is my rationale:

1. They need a low end model as a market entree for iOS.
2. They need the low end model to be clearly differentiated from the new high end models.
3. They need to maintain some reasonable profit margins on low end model.
4. Cost structure for iPhone 4 is higher than iPhone 3GS (from Apple conference call). I speculate that is driven by retina display and build (case, etc.).
5. Margins will be hard to sustain at $199 with higher cost structure.

Therefore, $199 model will not have retina. If no retina, it may as well be a 3rd gen model. Why build a new model with a different display?

 

[applemike]

I meant you dont know that i dont work at Apple. Which i dont.

If you did work for apple, you would have been found and removed from the company by now,

apple employees are supposed to remain silent about all products, and you would most likely be dismissed if you where found to be posting on a forum about apple rumors.

 

[eatmylaptop]

I don't think it will be a weak upgrade, as I said before it seems to follow a cycle, 2008 was the big upgrade to the 2nd gen touch, 2009 was the weak upgrade with mostly performance enhancements. This year we are due for a big upgrade. They need retina display, A4 chip and more ram, and the gyro at the very least, and I do not exactly call that a weak upgrade. They really do need at least a back camera capable of taking still pictures at the very least because people are starting to get frustrated and a camera would make current touch owners upgrade, meaning a bump in sales for apple, at this point they would be stupid not to add it. Many apps require a camera as well, and the touch cannot use any of those apps because it doesn't have a camera. I could care less about the design (as long as they don't do something silly like restrict to apple only headphones so you can't use your own), just give me a camera and more battery life and I will be happy.

If they don't have the camera people will just go and buy used 8GB 2nd gen touches or what is left of the stock of the current gen at lower prices, there will be no incentive to the public to upgrade or to buy a more expensive, more profitable model because they see it as the same product. A camera and/or a design change would make people upgrade.

I totally agree. There are the 3rd gen users and the 2nd gen users who didn't want to buy a 3rd gen because of the weak upgrade. If apple want both of them to buy new ipod touches, they will need a strong upgrade.

 

[Josh0806]

Query on ordering on release day

I was wandering if youbcan normally order the new iPods on the day they are announced from apple online? Eg as soon as they are announced are they usually available to order online and shipped within the normal period (24 hours)?. Thanks.

 

[Ryuu117]

Well, I see what they did to the iPhone and expect they will do that to an iPod touch - keep the 3rd gen as the low end option. Here is my rationale:

1. They need a low end model as a market entree for iOS.
2. They need the low end model to be clearly differentiated from the new high end models.
3. They need to maintain some reasonable profit margins on low end model.
4. Cost structure for iPhone 4 is higher than iPhone 3GS (from Apple conference call). I speculate that is driven by retina display and build (case, etc.).
5. Margins will be hard to sustain at $199 with higher cost structure.

Therefore, $199 model will not have retina. If no retina, it may as well be a 3rd gen model. Why build a new model with a different display?

Well, it's stupid of Apple to keep a 8GB model, since most of it is eaten up by the iOS4. So, chances are they'll change it to 16GB. This means they'd have to make a whole new line, so why not 4th generation? Even if it stays 8GB, your reasoning is only somewhat right. An entree low end for iOS would have to be a 4th gen. You know what entree to iOS means, right? That it will be ready to run iOS4. This involved retina. As for price, it would only cost Apple 28.50 more per touch, they'd still make 70-150 dollars per product. Obviously iPhone 4 costs more than 3GS, which is a given since they changed it. So now, would it not cost more for the iPod touch? Apple kept the prices the same for iPhone per GB size, so why not iPod touch? Also, you seem to forget it's an iPod. I can not stress the POD part enough. Not an iPhone. So don't make comparisons to it's price and form factor.

 

[eatmylaptop]

Well, it's stupid of Apple to keep a 8GB model, since most of it is eaten up by the iOS4. So, chances are they'll change it to 16GB. This means they'd have to make a whole new line, so why not 4th generation? Even if it stays 8GB, your reasoning is only somewhat right. An entree low end for iOS would have to be a 4th gen. You know what entree to iOS means, right? That it will be ready to run iOS4. This involved retina. As for price, it would only cost Apple 28.50 more per touch, they'd still make 70-150 dollars per product. Obviously iPhone 4 costs more than 3GS, which is a given since they changed it. So now, would it not cost more for the iPod touch? Apple kept the prices the same for iPhone per GB size, so why not iPod touch? Also, you seem to forget it's an iPod. I can not stress the POD part enough. Not an iPhone. So don't make comparisons to it's price and form factor.

It's because of the POD part I want it. iphone is to expencive for me and would only break in my pocket or something... :s With ipod I will (hopefully) have money left for apps and protection case.

 

[gdkid2010]

I wish we would get a new leak or some new information soon

 

[Peterson8765]

I wish we would get a new leak or some new information soon

Rumors will heat up very, very soon. (about 2 weeks)

 

[applemike]

Rumors will heat up very, very soon. (about 2 weeks)

why do you say that? any particular reason behind your thought?

Evidence? etc? or just a whim?

the iPod range follows a life cycle of 1 year, between the 5th and 15th of September apple hosts a music event where it will update and showcase its new range of products (ipod's, iTunes, etc) We will find out, when it happens.

 

[Peterson8765]

why do you say that? any particular reason behind your thought?

Evidence? etc? or just a whim?

the iPod range follows a life cycle of 1 year, between the 5th and 15th of September apple hosts a music event where it will update and showcase its new range of products (ipod's, iTunes, etc) We will find out, when it happens.

Yes, I do have some evidence, It was around Mid-August, when the iPod touch 3G prototype was leaked and rumors spreaded about, so that's when I think more rumors will come out. How about that for evidence?

 

[applemike]

Yes, I do have some evidence, It was around Mid-August, when the iPod touch 3G prototype was leaked and rumors spreaded about, so that's when I think more rumors will come out. How about that for evidence?

When you think.

your going on what has happened once before, with a prototype model.

Just because something about another product was leaked at the same time last year, doesn't mean that it'll leak at the same time this year

leaks aren't done on a timescale.

(apple)"hmm, we haven't had a leak on our new iPod yet, think we should contact Gizmodo and give them one?"

Seems a little unlikely- not having a go, just pointing out that there is no proof.

 

[eatmylaptop]

When you think.

your going on what has happened once before, with a prototype model.

Just because something about another product was leaked at the same time last year, doesn't mean that it'll leak at the same time this year

leaks aren't done on a timescale.

(apple)"hmm, we haven't had a leak on our new iPod yet, think we should contact Gizmodo and give them one?"

Seems a little unlikely- not having a go, just pointing out that there is no proof.

Agree. And there are 'prototype' leaks already seen so we won't know if it's real.

 

[applemike]

Agree. And there are 'prototype' leaks already seen so we won't know if it's real.

The only way to know for real, it to be Mr Jobs, sitting at apple laughing hysterically at the crap out out on rumor websites. or to wait until September when we will see what he has made for us.

 

[ct95]

Well, it's stupid of Apple to keep a 8GB model, since most of it is eaten up by the iOS4. So, chances are they'll change it to 16GB. This means they'd have to make a whole new line, so why not 4th generation? Even if it stays 8GB, your reasoning is only somewhat right. An entree low end for iOS would have to be a 4th gen. You know what entree to iOS means, right? That it will be ready to run iOS4. This involved retina. As for price, it would only cost Apple 28.50 more per touch, they'd still make 70-150 dollars per product. Obviously iPhone 4 costs more than 3GS, which is a given since they changed it. So now, would it not cost more for the iPod touch? Apple kept the prices the same for iPhone per GB size, so why not iPod touch? Also, you seem to forget it's an iPod. I can not stress the POD part enough. Not an iPhone. So don't make comparisons to it's price and form factor.

Yes, I agree they will likely make the base model a 16GB model. They did create an 8GB iPhone 3GS shortly before iPhone 4 came out. I don't agree that retina = iOS4. I think iPhone 3GS and iPod touch 3rd Gen run all features of iOS4, except Facetime, FT does not hinge on Retina display but more the front camera.

The analogies to iPhone are as follows:
1st gen release - same models across the board separated only by capacity
2nd gen release - same models separated only by capacity
3rd gen release - base model was a 2nd gen model, 3rd gen models at the mid and high end.

The above is true for both iPod touch and iPhone.

For iPhone 4:
4th gen release - base model was a 3rd gen model, halved in storage capacity at lower cost. 4th gen models at the mid and high end.

This suggests, that for iPod touch 2010 - base model will be 3rd gen model, halved in storage capacity to 16GB and cut in price, likely from $299 to $199.

Apple is perfectly happy selling iPhone 3GS with iOS4 without retina, Facetime, A4, etc. They would be perfectly happy selling iPod touch 3rd gen with iOS4 without all that either. They're going to want to make us pay for all the goodies that the 4th gen offers.

For $199 today you get 8GB storage, slower CPU, no multitasking, and 128MB RAM. For $199 in Sept, going with a 3rd gen model, Apple would offer 16GB storage, faster CPU, multitasking and 256MB RAM. I think Apple would argue that's a good enough upgrade for the low end model.

 

[Peterson8765]

When you think.

your going on what has happened once before, with a prototype model.

Just because something about another product was leaked at the same time last year, doesn't mean that it'll leak at the same time this year

leaks aren't done on a timescale.

(apple)"hmm, we haven't had a leak on our new iPod yet, think we should contact Gizmodo and give them one?"

Seems a little unlikely- not having a go, just pointing out that there is no proof.

Just saying, from years past, about 2007, some type of leak or more rumors go out about Mid-Late August. And I am 90% sure that Apple will have their event on September 8th. We have already had a little leak revealing a digitizer/LCD display of an alleged future touch, and a member of the macrumors forums recalled he zoomed in on to the picture, and it said copyright Apple 2010, I'm pretty sure thats what the front of the touch is going to be like.

 

[wywern209]

i keep on saying this. the only reason why apple got away w/ the lower end model being previous gen last year was due to the same exterior. people didn't ask because they looked the same. however, if apple does a redesign of it, people will wonder why the low end looks so different from the higher end ones. I can guarantee that all the ipods this year will look the same but the lower-end model might be semi-crippled w/ the features due to its price. THERE IS NOT GOING TO BEA LOW END 3RD GEN THIS YEAR. ALL 4TH GEN ACROSS THE BOARD. they did that for the 2nd gen and the first gen. why not now. it is certainly possible.

 

[gdkid2010]

Just saying, from years past, about 2007, some type of leak or more rumors go out about Mid-Late August. And I am 90% sure that Apple will have their event on September 8th. We have already had a little leak revealing a digitizer/LCD display of an alleged future touch, and a member of the macrumors forums recalled he zoomed in on to the picture, and it said copyright Apple 2010, I'm pretty sure thats what the front of the touch is going to be like.

I kinda remembering seeing that. Will you post it please?

Edit: NVM I think I found it. Is this what you are talking about? https://www.macrumors.com/2010/07/0...ch-parts-reveal-hole-for-front-facing-camera/