Apple rumored to unveil 3G-capable iPod touch this month
Apple as soon as this month could introduce a new iPod touch model with an integrated 3G radio for connectivity on the go, according to a new rumor.
Citing an anonymous source, AppleNApps reported on Wednesday that Apple's new iPod touch will be like a "mini-iPad" carrying the same integrated access to high-speed 3G data networks as Apple's touchscreen tablet. The report said that Apple and its carrier partners have allegedly worked out non-contract plans similar to ones available for the iPad.
A reason for this alleged push is iCloud, Apple's seamless syncing and sharing service set to arrive this fall. By adding a 3G radio to the iPod touch, users could stay connected on the go, just like those with an iPhone or 3G iPad.
The new iPod touch will reportedly look "very similar" to the current fourth-generation model, released last September. The device will not feature voice capabilities, remaining data-only, the report said.
The source reportedly cautioned that there is "no guarantee" that Apple's new iPod touch will have 3G connectivity built in, but said that the changes "should make it."
Rumors of a 3G-capable iPod touch are not new, but so far Apple has only included Wi-Fi connectivity, along with Bluetooth, in its iOS-powered device. iPad models with a 3G radio carry a $130 premium over their Wi-Fi-only counterparts in the U.S.
There was evidence earlier this year that Apple could add integrated 3G to its MacBook Air lineup. In addition, a pre-production prototype of a 2007 MacBook Pro with a 3G radio surfaced last month, revealing Apple's internal work on bringing 3G to devices beyond the iPhone and iPad.
Apple is expected to hold an event in the coming weeks to introduce its next-generation iPhone, along with an updated iPod touch. A handful of leaked parts have suggested that Apple plans to release a white variant of the iPod touch, much like the company did with the iPhone 4.
Citing an anonymous source, AppleNApps reported on Wednesday that Apple's new iPod touch will be like a "mini-iPad" carrying the same integrated access to high-speed 3G data networks as Apple's touchscreen tablet. The report said that Apple and its carrier partners have allegedly worked out non-contract plans similar to ones available for the iPad.
A reason for this alleged push is iCloud, Apple's seamless syncing and sharing service set to arrive this fall. By adding a 3G radio to the iPod touch, users could stay connected on the go, just like those with an iPhone or 3G iPad.
The new iPod touch will reportedly look "very similar" to the current fourth-generation model, released last September. The device will not feature voice capabilities, remaining data-only, the report said.
The source reportedly cautioned that there is "no guarantee" that Apple's new iPod touch will have 3G connectivity built in, but said that the changes "should make it."
Rumors of a 3G-capable iPod touch are not new, but so far Apple has only included Wi-Fi connectivity, along with Bluetooth, in its iOS-powered device. iPad models with a 3G radio carry a $130 premium over their Wi-Fi-only counterparts in the U.S.
There was evidence earlier this year that Apple could add integrated 3G to its MacBook Air lineup. In addition, a pre-production prototype of a 2007 MacBook Pro with a 3G radio surfaced last month, revealing Apple's internal work on bringing 3G to devices beyond the iPhone and iPad.
Apple is expected to hold an event in the coming weeks to introduce its next-generation iPhone, along with an updated iPod touch. A handful of leaked parts have suggested that Apple plans to release a white variant of the iPod touch, much like the company did with the iPhone 4.
Comments
As for people who said iPods don't have mute switch that's true, but why wouldn't Apple add it in the 5th gen iPod ? iPad has a mute/rotation switch.
This would make the best Skype phone ever!
Just a thought.
I believe that Apple would like to ultimately undermine the phone industry. This would be the device to drive the wedge to do so.
No, it's the EXACT OPPOSITE of undermining the telecoms to include telephony hardware in your product?
If Apple wanted to "undermine" them, they'd back a nationwide 802.22 network and rely on VoIP instead of adding a 3G chip to a product that doesn't need it.
Will this add a gps function too?
This would make the best Skype phone ever!
The only problem with it will be a battery life while 3g is on. No way it's going to last for more than a few hours, thus you would not be able to use it as a skype/facetime "phone" available to receive calls round-the-clock.
I believe that Apple would like to ultimately undermine the phone industry. This would be the device to drive the wedge to do so. Besides, there must be some greater plan for the new Clouds they are building, beyond sync data, sell apps and run the voice command functions. These functions seem to overlap the very function of a phone company. Steve works slowly, but insidiously, in his plans. The only thing missing is the cell towers. And that might be only a matter of money.
Actually, there are lots of cell towers. The biggest problem is that they are mostly in Southeast Asia and Western Europe.
Apple isn't paying for cell towers. Apple considers mobile operators to be dumb pipes, a utility like the garbage company.
So instead of 3 model (16, 32, 64 GB.) we will have 12 (black one, white one, 3G black, 3G white)? Insane.
Offering cellular tech might be away to hide the fact that you can't feasibly double the NAND capacity again this year.
No, it's the EXACT OPPOSITE of undermining the telecoms to include telephony hardware in your product?
If Apple wanted to "undermine" them, they'd back a nationwide 802.22 network and rely on VoIP instead of adding a 3G chip to a product that doesn't need it.
I think he has a point. The cellular companies want more than to simply sell you data, they want to force on you voice and SMS plans. At least in the US, I don't think there is a phone plan that will give you data without forcing you to take talk time. I know AT&T makes me take 450 minutes per month, of which I'm lucky to use 50 for peak times.
With a data-only device and they foray into messaging with iMessages all they can sell the customer is data packages. Unfortunately for us they are likely to charge what they charge a USB '3G' card for data so the rates per GB will likely be higher than what comes with a smartphone. Hopefully we'll see some competition on that front to bring down the costs, but I doubt it.
iPod touch, starting at $149.
iPod touch XL, starting at $299
iPad, starting at $499
iPhone 4s, free with contract, $299 unlocked.
iPhone 5, $199 with contract, $599 unlocked
Game over.
Will this add a gps function too?
This would make the best Skype phone ever!
Why does a Skype phone need GPS? Or are you making separate points?
iPod touch XL, starting at $299
You know, 5.5" iPT5 3G with better camera at that price would destroy Amazon tablet right then and there.
would be cool if true......
Will this add a gps function too?
This would make the best Skype phone ever!
The current 16 and 32 GB iPod touches cost $299 and $399. The 16 and 32 GB iPhone 4s cost $649 and $749.
So, how much would a 3G iPod touch cost? The same $129 premium as on the the iPad? That would leave a $320 premium for the slightly better display (wider viewing angle), camera, metal chassis, microphone and actual GSM/3G voice capability of the iPhone 4.
Something has to give here unless actual non-VoIP phone capacity can really command such a huge premium. What likely will happen is that Apple will slightly up the 3G premium (maybe to $150), will slightly reduce the iPhone 4 price, maybe to $600.
But the fact will be that most people will hate to carry an extra device for GSM-coverage voice (you cannot do Skype over pure GSM or even pure GRSP, though Edge will do if the signal is strong enough). Of course, in the US where most carriers refuse to sell data-only or data+low minute plans for smartphones, a 3G iPod touch might get an additional boost.
With a data-only device and they foray into messaging with iMessages all they can sell the customer is data packages. Unfortunately for us they are likely to charge what they charge a USB '3G' card for data so the rates per GB will likely be higher than what comes with a smartphone. Hopefully we'll see some competition on that front to bring down the costs, but I doubt it.
That is the issue. Will you be able to get data plans like the $15 a month AT&T iPad but on multiple carriers and international SIMS as well when traveling?
I think this makes mucho sense on many levels and would even consider this option over an iPhone if it had the same quality display as the iPhone.
Thats why i think it wont happen. Why would att sell data only for the device if thessy can sell voice and text for like 30 bucks extra ( if we assume ipad's 250 meg plan). I dunno with imessage this move could make the iphone absolete and overpriced (in an unlocked state). It took apple four generations to add a mic to the touch.
The only way this would be feasable is if the touch gets rediculousely low data plan, like 100 meg tops. We'll have to see but i am betting one dollar against 3g touch.
Why does a Skype phone need GPS? Or are you making separate points?
Related points, being limited to WiFi means GPS is of much more limited use (since you likely are in place you know well when using WiFi: your home, your office, your hotel, an Airport), you cannot walk around in a city (or outside a city) and use GPS if you are Wifi only, GPS without the additional data is much less fun. Thus coupling 3G with GPS, as it is done on the iPad, makes a lot of sense.