Rumour roulette?
Apple is tipped to be preparing for a busy 2011, as rumours of a new 7 inch iPad and iPhone refresh abound.
According to an anonymous source, unofficial Apple blog ipodnn reported the company is putting the finishing touches to a smaller iPad with a 7 inch screen instead of the current model's 9.7 inch LCD screen. Apple has been rumoured to be developing the product since 2007 but is now believed to be planning on releasing it late this year or in early 2011.
In a controversial move, Apple also reportedly plans to refresh its iPhone in January to deal with ‘antennagate' issues, although it is not expected to make any major changes. However, in the past the firm has saved upgrades for the months of June and July.
The blog also said Apple is working on rolling out cheaper iPhone 4 bumper cases from September, to remedy the current model's reception issues.
The new version is reportedly made completely of silicon instead of using a mix of silicon and pricier hard plastic. It is believed the company had contemplated giving away free bumper cases at launch, before deciding to risk selling the iPhone 4 with its metal antenna exposed.
However, Apple is tipped to premiere a new clutch of iPods before any other launch. The new models are rumoured to be ready by the close of August and are traditionally launched in September. Apple will reportedly unveil a new Nano and Touch as well as a mystery third iPod, which could be a Shuffle with a tiny touchscreen.
Whether there is any truth in the rumours remains to be seen.