Rumors of 7-inch iPad, updated iPods


You can probably bet the farm that we'll be seeing an updated line if iPods in the next month or two. But a new iPad? How about a new iPhone early next year? iLounge dishes some dirt.

Every year for the past few years Apple has released new iPods and related announcements in September. iLounge is reporting this year they expect to see a new iPod Touch, an iPod Nano, and a third unknown iPod. They speculate the third device may have a small 1.7-inch display and replace the iPod Shuffle at the low-end. Likely, we'll see a number of iPhone 4 features added to the iPod Touch. Three features that would seem obvious is a front-facing and likely rear camera, FaceTime support, and a gyroscope. Certainly more could be on the way, but those items seem central to Apple's iOS strategy.

Interestingly iLounge seems certainly we'll see a new iPad later this year or early 2011. The iPad reportedly will be smaller at 7-inches. This makes some sense as a way to offer a lower-cost entry between the iPod Touch and the current iPad. Also, there have been many reports of supply issues with the iPad display. A smaller display may help Apple better meet demand and diversify the product mix as countless copy-cats start to hit the streets.

Another rumor is we may see a new iPhone earlier than next summer. iLounge speculates it may be due to the antenna issue, but calls it a far fetched. Who knows, although with heavy competition from Android, it may start to make sense for Apple to introduce a mid-year update (iPhone 4.5) with a fresh coat of paint to keep things fresh.

Lastly, they mention Apple may start offering a new silicone bumper case, perhaps to offer as a cheaper free case going forward.

Check out the report for more.

Leaked Details On 2010-2011 iPods, iPhone 5, Bumper 2 + iPad mini