The Friday Apple rumor round-up

Advertisement (Why?)

Today has been a pretty intense read in terms of Apple rumors, so we here at Neowin decided to pack them together into one nice, informative article, as opposed to spreading them out over the main page. We've got a bunch of things lined up for you, from background applications on iPhone 3.0 to a camera-wielding iPod nano. Let's get started.

iPhone OS 3.0 may allow limited third-party applications to run in the background:

This one comes from Silicon Alley Insider, who state that Apple may allow iPhone/iPod touch users to select a couple third-party applications to run in the background, providing they have been pre-approved. Silicon Alley Insider say that they have a couple sources who have informed them of this, and one source believes that there is evidence of background applications being present in the current iPhone SDK 3.0 beta. As for being pre-approved, applications would have to go through a screening process, and would be allowed based on the resources they require and how they affect overall stability of the operating system.

Apple has previously said that background applications would be a no-go, as it reduced battery life greatly, but this system makes sense. By only allowing a couple applications to run, the battery hit would be limited and customers would still (somewhat) get what they desired. iPhone competitors, from the likes of Palm, Google and RIM, already have this feature so it's only really a matter of time before Apple gives in. We'll have to wait until WWDC at the earliest to see how this unfolds, if at all.

Future iPod touch and iPod nano iterations to get built-in camera:

We're a bit skeptical on this one, but we'll throw it in here anyway. Hardmac has picked up information from a source that the next iPod touch and iPod nano will feature a camera built-in, much like the iPhone, when they are refreshed in September (supposedly). This, being a rumor, isn't confirmed and it seems a bit unbelievable, but only time will tell.

Best Buy inventory leaks show 3 potential new iPhone SKUs:

PhoneArena has been sent a tip that the Best Buy inventory data has been updated with three new items, all code-named 'Project Charlie'. All three of the new additions are being supplied by AT&T, which is leading many to believe that they're new editions of the iPhone.

That's about all for today, although there is one last thing. According again to HardMac believes that the new iPhone will have the exact same size and shape as the current iPhone 3G, despite the current rumors that are doing the rounds. Again, you'll have to wait and see on this one. Leave your thoughts below, Neowinians.

(1 reply) #1 Sikh on 16 May 2009 - 04:35

Obiviously theres going to be 3 SKUS for the iPhone. Deffently not colors. There aiming at 8gigs, 16gigs, and 32gigs.

Im pretty sure everyone knows that by now.

#1.1 roadwarrior on 16 May 2009 - 13:45

There already are 3 SKUs anyway, 8GB (black), 16GB (black), and 16GB (white). No reason for that to change unless they decide to bump 8GB to 16GB and bump 16GB to 32GB. That would be my guess anyway.

(3 replies) #2 +Techno_Funky on 16 May 2009 - 04:53

iPod touch/nano with camera woah!!

#2.1 ajua on 16 May 2009 - 06:44

I wonder whats the point in having a camera built-in with the Nano/Touch?

If you look for a Nano or Touch, chances are you already have a good camera in your cellphone.

#2.2 Meconio on 16 May 2009 - 07:15

i would rather have a gps chip on the iTouch, but i'm guessing that we will have apps that take advantage of the camera for reading code bars in books, movies of food and give you info about it like the android app.

#2.3 Digix on 16 May 2009 - 07:18

ajua said,

It's easier having a phone for its functions and getting job done and an all in one leisure device imo. It'd just be incentive for those who don't want an iphone like me but appeciate ipod touch platform but it does lack features like GPS and camera which if ipod touch had would give it a real boost. Also I have a cheap phone with a crappy vga 640x480 camera which sucks and if could get a good 3.2Mpxl on ipod touch would be awesome

#3 Digix on 16 May 2009 - 06:25

Future iPod touch and iPod nano iterations to get built-in camera

This is gonna make it a good toss up between ZuneHD and Ipod Touch. If only Ipod Touch got GPS+camera which was atleast 2-3.2+Mpxl I'd upgrade from 1G to it. Guess I will be waiting till both are available so can weigh them out best cause somehow with tegra, windows platform and maybe camera + zune software would be great option aside from ipod and itunes however if ipod touch get solid good quality upgrades it'll still be a strong contender. Hard choices

(2 replies) #4 +Chicane-UK on 16 May 2009 - 07:52

"Project Charlie" could give it away in so much as the next iPhone to come from Apple will be the third iteration of the iPhone.. Alpha(1), Beta(2), Charlie(3)....

#4.1 SirEvan on 17 May 2009 - 02:56

Chicane-UK said,

Think you meant Bravo, instead of Beta.....Phonetic Alphabet is Alpha Bravo Charlie....

#4.2 +Chicane-UK on 18 May 2009 - 15:23

That's what I meant, yes... thanks for picking up on it

(1 reply) #5 thenextos on 16 May 2009 - 09:48

Being a ipod fan & a loyal ipodnano customer.... the rumor... really brings some innovative thought to be brought into action..... if this happnes i really thk that ipod & ipod touch would get complete multimedia player tag....... getting a camera in this device, would boost the sale at a much higher level.... as most of us just need a device that carries music, video and a camera with a single click.

#5.1 +Smigit on 16 May 2009 - 12:35

I doubt a camera would do wonders for the sales to be honest since I imagine most people have one in their phone already. Sure it may be an incentive for a user to go an iPod over a similar device, but given how prolific phones already are is it likely going to be a feature that would convince someone previously not interested in an iPod to get one? I doubt it to be honest.

(5 replies) #6 Jugalator on 16 May 2009 - 14:02

lol, what's with all the Apple rumors lately

If it's not about Apple purchasing huge companies, it's about secret tech specs.

#6.1 +Chicane-UK on 16 May 2009 - 15:54

I guess people have a lot of expectations from Apple. They've been quiet for a while and pushed out generally underwhelming updates over the last 6 months or so. I guess the expectation is that they'll be announcing some fantastic new stuff over the coming months to coincide with Snow Leopard, and to make up for the very 'safe' updates!

#6.2 Faisal Islam on 16 May 2009 - 17:47

u r MAC FAN BOY...no doubt..lolz

#6.3 Electric Bolt on 16 May 2009 - 18:51

Thank God, I think they listened to my annoying comment and got something out of it and made a round-up of Apple rumors instead of the supposed to be 4 rumors which one doesn't really have a title and is at the bottom of the article, all are "iPhone OS 3.0 may allow limited third-party applications to run in the background", "Future iPod touch and iPod nano iterations to get built-in camera", "Best Buy inventory leaks show 3 potential new iPhone SKUs", and the one that is untitled, "According again to HardMac believes that the new iPhone will have the exact same size and shape as the current iPhone 3G". That's a lot of articles for Apple, good thing they made just one.

#6.4 Sam Symons on 16 May 2009 - 20:24

Electric Bolt said,

Nah, I just thought it made sense, as opposed to spamming up the front page since there was still a lot of fresh stuff on there

#6.5 GreyWolfSC on 17 May 2009 - 14:43

Apple doesn't release its own news so there's not much to go from.

Commenting has either been disabled on this article or you are not logged in. Click here to login or register, its free!

Note: Anonymous commenting is disabled in order to keep the quality of responses to a high standard.

Neowin.net