Cult of Mac gathers an extensive gallery of cases from Chinese manufacturers claimed to be for the next-generation iPod touch and iPod nano. Cases for both devices feature holes in their backs that appear to provide openings for built-in cameras in the forthcoming models. The collection of cases follows discovery earlier this month of the first of these cases appearing on the market.
Third-party cases have been mixed indicators of future Apple product revisions in the past, with iPhone 3G cases accurately reflecting the design that was ultimately released, while cases for a rumored "iPhone nano" have obviously not yet been met with a corresponding product release from Apple.
Hardmac suggested in mid-May that both the iPod touch and iPod nano would see cameras added in their next revision in September of this year, and the iPod nano cases appearing in recent weeks are consistent with an artist's rendition developed by iLounge in late May based on their sources regarding the next-generation device. Wired also claimed in recent days that the next-generation iPod touch will have a video camera and microphone.
While case manufacturers have in the past reportedly received detailed specs of forthcoming devices from Apple's manufacturing partners in Asia, MacRumors has also been told previously that case manufacturers do occasionally develop case designs based on prevailing rumors and "best guesses" in hopes of being correct and therefore being able to offer cases for Apple's next-generation devices immediately upon their launch.
With Apple refusing to offer these manufacturers advance notice of its upcoming designs and the uncertain nature of other possible leaks, case manufacturers are sometimes left to choose between taking a calculated risk on investing in cases designed merely on rumored specs and the alternative of waiting until the products officially launch, at which point case design and production would likely lead to considerable lost time in the market. Consequently, whether the numerous consistent case designs available now are based on actual leaked specs or are simply the result of the many manufacturers all focusing in on an early "best guess" design remains unknown.
