iPhone refresh could be as simple as new shell

Several major product plans are underway at Apple, an anonymous source claims. Coming first are said to be three new iPods, which will allegedly be finished as soon as this month, or else sometime in September; even if they are ready by the end of August however, Apple typically announces new iPods in September. One of the new models is said to be a nano, while another is a touch. The third is so far a mystery, but could be a Shuffle based on a miniaturized touchscreen. The source also mentions the possibility of a three-inch touchscreen, though which iPod would get it is not known.

Apple is also believed to be mostly finished developing a new iPad model, one with a 7-inch screen as opposed to the 9.7-inch LCD on current tablets. The hardware could be launched later this year, or early in 2011. Apple has long been said to be prototyping a 7-inch screen, even as far back as 2007.

More controversially, the source suggests that a new iPhone could likewise be released in early 2011, possibly in January. Apple normally reserves iPhone upgrades for June or July. The refresh would be aimed at dealing with antenna problems though, and might not involve any other substantial changes.

To cope with the current iPhone 4, Apple is thought to be working on a less expensive Bumper case to continue its free case program past September. The new one is described as all silicone, doing away with hard plastic. Apple is incidentally said to have used more hard plastic in an original unreleased case, and contemplated giving away Bumpers with each iPhone 4 before deciding to risk selling the phone as-is.

[via iLounge]

by MacNN Staff