News
Analyst: New iPod nano due Q4 with magnesium casing
American Technology Research analyst Shaw Wu believes we won’t see the next generation iPod nano until sometime this Fall, and that the new model may sport a new magnesium-based enclosure. Wu says the new nano is facing transition issues due to a move to an SOC (system-on-a-chip) architecture. “In terms of timing, we continue to believe calendar Q4 is most likely, specifically October and at the earliest, late Q3, meaning the 2H of September,” he says. Corroborating a similar report earlier today, Wu says the new nanos may sport a new magnesium-based casing. “We believe this new casing will improve scratch-resistance, durability, and help lower Apple’s support and warranty costs,” he says.
Share This Article & Win an iTunes Gift Card. Comments
If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods or accessories, or if you sell or market iPod products or services, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators.
Recent News
- Apple launches Reserve and Pick Up retail service
- Apple patent points to simplified data sharing
- iPodweek coming shortly, still time to register
- Apple rolling out updated iTunes LP/Extras files
- Apple seeking new iPhone security manager
- Vers launches open-front Shellcases for iPod, iPhone
- iPhone developer accused of stealing phone numbers
- Quirky intros Beamer case for iPhone 3G, 3GS
- Apple’s Jobs named ‘CEO of the decade’
- Intel responds on iPhone sync issues
Recent Reviews
- Elexa Consumer Products iBlink
- Bose SoundDock 10
- Shure SE115m+ Sound Isolating Headset
- Apple Remote (2009)
- Kensington Travel Battery Pack and Charger for iPhone
- Tapulous Metallica Revenge
- Electronic Arts NBA Live by EA Sports
- Edifier iF500 Luna5 Encore
- Griffin iTrip for iPod + iPhone With iTrip Controller App
- XtremeMac Luna Voyager
Recent Articles
- iPhone Gems: Asphalt 5 and Doom Classic
- Ask iLounge 10-30-09
- Instant Expert: Secrets & Features of Apple TV 3.0
- Ask iLounge 10-23-09
- iPhone Gems: Copy Cat, Derek Jeter Baseball, I Am T-Pain, MotionX GPS Drive, Pang + Real Racing GTI
- iPhone Gems: 2XL ATV Offroad, Adrenaline Golf Online + Iron Fist Boxing 3rd Strike
- iPhone Gems: BombLink, Rock Band + Tap Tap Revenge 3
- Ask iLounge 10-16-09
- iPhone Gems: Global Eater, NPR News, Pocket Tunes Radio, scanR + vTuner Radio
- iPhone Gems: Itsy Bitsy Spider and Little Red Hen Childrens’ Books
1
That’s funny! They make them easy to scratch to sell cases to make more money and then lose by all the support and warenty costs! LOL
Posted by Jonathan Keim on July 10, 2006 at 8:13 AM (PDT)
2
I strongly doubt that Apple intentionally made the Nano easy to scratch to make money selling cases. The vast majority of that market belongs to other companies. Too bad for them if the cases become “unnecessary.” OTOH, a lot of people bought cases for their minis—it’s a fashion thing.
Posted by sallenmd on July 10, 2006 at 9:39 AM (PDT)
3
While the acrylic iPods look nice it never lasts unless you’re really really careful to the point of paranoia with them. Mag iPods will be a lot tougher, whether they will be as asthetically pleasing remains to be seen but I’m still glad to see Apple considering something a bit tougher.
Posted by phennphawcks on July 10, 2006 at 9:58 AM (PDT)
4
hmm, i wonder what’s better, aluminium
(http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/next-ipod-nano-to-sport-aluminum-enclosure/)
or magnesium?
i’m not an expert on that so could someone explain to me?
Posted by formatc1702 on July 10, 2006 at 10:47 AM (PDT)
5
sallenmd, yes the majority of cases are made by other manufacturers, but consider that on many other accessories (though not necessarily cases) companies pay apple for Made for iPod certification, so there certainly is an economic relationship between Apple and the accessory business. Personally, I think that the acrylic is a better look for the nano than magnesium (of course we will have to wait to see) and I think they should just use technology similar to the plastic on the iSkin Claro case to make it scratch-proof.
Posted by catboy17 on July 10, 2006 at 11:22 AM (PDT)
6
Talking iPod is it true or a rumor?
http://www.infosrama.com/digitalseeker/2006/07/apple-innovation-talking-ipod.html
Posted by grery on July 10, 2006 at 12:00 PM (PDT)
7
Re: grey. yes thats what need, people walkin down the street screaming at their ipods, as bluetooth headsets arent stupid enough.
Posted by slayer on July 10, 2006 at 12:35 PM (PDT)
8
Creative sold a magnesium-cased player (Nomad II MG) and it scratches just as easily as any current iPod.
Posted by Ric Romero on July 10, 2006 at 1:30 PM (PDT)
9
Apple had better be careful to get their new iPod designs out by September to avoid a repeat of the problems last Christmas. Customers lose their enthusiasm for a new iPod when they discover there are zero accessories available for it. I worked for a store that didn’t have a single case for the 5th gen iPod until mid December. None of the other shops in town including big places like Best Buy had any cases until January and it was early February before we all had a decent selection. In addition a lot of potential upgrade customers were upset to learn that their voice recorder, iTrip and other top mounted accessories were no longer compatible.
Posted by Clarus on July 10, 2006 at 3:49 PM (PDT)