Analyst: ‘True’ video iPod, iPhone likely this year

Following a meeting with Apple executives, Bear Stearns analyst Andy Neff said he believes that a “true” video iPod and possibly other new Apple products will be launched in the second half of 2006. After talking with Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer and Apple VP of Product Marketing Greg Joswiak, Neff told clients: “While Apple did not comment on potential new products, in addressing the issue of emerging competition and potential commoditization of iPod, it appeared to us that Apple is likely to refresh the iPod product line ahead the holiday season (as it has done every year since the introduction of iPod). However, ‘true’ video iPod (if launched) is likely to be offered as a complimentary product to iPods. Also, iPod phone appears to be in the works, although timing remains uncertain.”