Following a redesign of the Voice Memos icon for the sixth-generation iPod nano, Apple has unexpectedly changed the Voice Memos icon for iOS 4.2 devices including the iPhone and iPod touch. The new icon discards the previous photo-realistic style microphone for a simpler symbol-on-gradient treatment that more closely matches the Phone, Messages, and iPod applications, an unusual step backward in icon design given that other applications received more detailed icons when Apple introduced the iPad, as well as Retina Display-bearing iPhone and iPod touch devices. Apple is expected to release iOS 4.2 for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch in November.