May 29 - 4:55pm EDT   An additional image has surfaced that allegedly shows the back case of an iPhone with a matte finish. The photo, posted on MacRumors, appears to match an earlier leak indicating a new finish for an unconfirmed revision. The form factor does not appear to be changed from the existing 3G model. It is unknown if the company has chosen a different material, possibly metal, to construct the back case. [full story]

April 28 - 2:05am EDT   Apple is reportedly in negotiations with Verizon to bring two new consumer devices to the US market. Following recent rumors of Verizon's bid to win the flagship iPhone exclusive (when Apple's contract with AT&T expires next year), the new BusinessWeek report says that Apple has been in talks for over six months to bring two "iPhone-like" devices to the market, one of which could surface as early as this summer. Simply called the "iPhone list" by one of the publication sources, the first device is a "smaller, less expensive calling device," while the other is a media pad that "would let users listen to music, view photos, and watch high-definition videos" and allow ... [full story]

April 9 - 10:55pm EDT   Nokia is expected to use VibeTonz technology from Immersion in up to three upcoming touchscreen phones, adding evidence to rumors that the devices are set for release sometime this year, according to TheStreet. People familiar with the plan claim that the thin handsets will be available as early as this fall. The lineup might include the touch-only 'Ivalo,' a successor to the N97 but without the slide-out QWERTY keyboard. [full story]

March 2 - 9:50pm EST   Leaked part numbers and several rumors suggest that Apple is ready to release new iMacs and Mac minis on Tuesday. French Mac-enthusiast site MacBidouille has posted four new iMac product model numbers, with MB417 representing the 20-inch entry-level system featuring a 2.66GHz Core 2 Duo CPU and 2GB of RAM, while MB418 and MB419 designate the mid-range 24-inch systems with options for 2.66GHz or 2.93GHz Core 2 Duo processors and 4GB of RAM, and MB420 references the high-end 24-inch model with a 3.06GHz Core 2 Duo CPU and 4GB of RAM. [full story]

February 20 - 6:25pm EST   In response to skeptics of the recent Mac mini image leak, MacRumors member 'monthy' has provided a video of the yet-unannounced device. The clip shows the same features as the image, notably a new port layout. The updated device offers a Mini DVI and Mini Displayport connection instead of the full-size DVI connector, while the FireWire 400 port has been upgraded to a FireWire 800 jack. A fifth USB port has also been added. [full story]

December 31 - 5:00pm EST   Apple will likely offer a new iPhone in the first half of 2009, with a lower price-point and new baseband processor, according to analyst Craig Berger of Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co. The forecast adds more fuel to the speculation of an iPhone "nano", to which Berger noted that "we believe this device is on its way." He expects the new phone to be preceded by a smaller version of the iPod shuffle that could be launched sometime in the first quarter of the year. [full story]

December 31 - 9:15am EST   Amid the speculation of a possible Apple netbook, rumors suggest that the company may be working on a large form-factor iPod touch that features a seven to nine inch screen, according to TechCrunch. Three separate sources have allegedly corroborated the story, including one that claims to have handled a prototype and suggested that Apple is in the process of communicating with Asian OEMs to work out details for large-scale manufacture. If true, the anticipated production time-frame could lead to a release sometime late in 2009. [full story]

December 26 - 4:15pm EST   Adding to the confusion surrounding the rumors of an iPhone "nano," images have surfaced that suggest the unconfirmed devices have already been replicated by knockoff manufacturers, according to AppleInsider. The fakes are built with a smaller form-factor than the iPhone 3G and even include Apple logos on the back panel. When the devices are turned on, the menu layout is similar to the genuine interface and several icons have been directly copied. [full story]

December 5 - 4:05pm EST   Amidst the rumors of a $99 4GB iPhone that might be sold after the holidays at Wal-Mart, analyst firm Kaufman Brothers has reported that a $99 device is inevitable. The exact timing of the discount remains unclear, although Apple could be developing a strategy to expand the range of iPhone products to include a low-end, mid-range, and high-end device. The new products are likely to offer feature differences beyond the current availability of several flash storage capacities. [full story]

September 2 - 11:05am EDT   Apple may have as many as ten different iPod nano variants ready for an update next week, says a person with access to the inventory system of French retailer Darty. The store lists 10 new entries for iPods and lists the current iPod nano as out of stock, with resupply not expected until the September 9th timeframe widely rumored as Apple's official launch date for its yearly iPod refresh. Details of the new iPods themselves are unknown, though the timing suggests the 10 listings are different color and capacity levels for a new iPod nano rather than different models altogether. [full story]

August 15 - 6:00pm EDT   Forum roundup: Rumors about upgrades to the iPod lineup are a recent topic of interest in the MacNN forums where members seem to think that we will see new models by the end of the year. Advice on how to make ringtones for use with the iPhone 3G can be found in this thread started by jorgem4. [full story]

July 18 - 3:50pm EDT   Rumors are swirling about new MacBooks and MacBook Pros, with recent reports of increased notebook circuit board orders and limited shipments to Best Buy over the next two weeks. Intel's introduction Monday of its new Centrino 2 platform has been considered the last hurdle in the race to new MacBooks, which were rumored for a possible WWDC introduction in June before Intel delayed the Centrino 2 launch. [full story]

July 9 - 5:20pm EDT   Yahoo's top executive, CEO Jerry Yang, could resign to avoid a forced departure ahead of a decisive shareholders meeting on August 1st, according to new rumors. Yang and one of Yahoo's most influential shareholders, Gordy Crawford, butted heads at a recent meeting, sources say, with the latter and his top analysts questioning Yang's arguments and demanding an update on Yahoo's near-term strategy. Crawford has expressed interest in Carl Icahn's proxy takeover for Yahoo, which would likely lead to Microsoft taking over the company. [full story]

April 30 - 7:20pm EDT   As the impending 3G iPhone release approaches, rumors of its potential design, specifications, and features are abound, but some theorize that people are confusing multiple devices which could indicate an "iPhone nano". iLounge writes that select launch partners have supposedly received design templates that point to a 3.5-inch screen on the new version, countering observations that put the screen size at 2.8-inches. [full story]

January 3 - 1:25pm EST   Rumors had circulated that rap star Jay-Z and Apple would together launch a record label, but a new report from the Boy Genius Report "just about" confirms a deal. Citing a "high-up" source attached to Jay-Z, the deal is said be a go. Jay-Z is allegedly happy with the business model and wants to go ahead with the plan. The implications of Apple forging its own music label would likely send tension thundering through the already-tenuous relationships between the Cupertino-based company and its music label partners selling tracks via the iTunes Store. [full story]