Neil Hughes
The new evidence, from the blog of The Covino & Rich Show, surfaced this week. While the initial low-quality pictures were met with skepticism, much of that appears to have died after numerous updates with better resolution photos and even a video of the purported device.
The report states that the person who sent the pictures claims to work for Apple, and the device was used for a "durability test," which is why it shows signs of damage. The device has a 2009 date on it, and the pictures include side-by-side comparisons with the 2008 model.
The submitter claims that the phone came from someone who deals phone and iPod parts. He said he believes Apple threw away the device and the dealer somehow obtained it and sold it for parts.
The pictures seem to support the design widely reported to be the new iPod touch, well before the latest pictures surfaced. Numerous third-party case photos have shown that the new update to the device will have a camera centered on its back, unlike the iPhone.
Further supporting the legitimacy of the new photos, some shots include a teardown of the device, showing its inner workings.
"For any blogs asking... this is not a stunt, at least not on our end," the site states. "As far as we know, these photos are 100 percent legit."
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Christine McKee
Malcolm Owen
William Gallagher
Andrew Orr
45 Comments
Apple threw it away? Who knew corporate espionage was so easy!
I will never understand, in a million years, why this is a big deal. lol, seriously! It's the same form factor, for the same device! Everyone already knew about the camera, so who cares?!
"Oh my god, it's a photo of the new iPod Touch, and it look like, well, it looks like.... the old iPod Touch! With a camera! OOOoooOOOoOOoh!"
Seriously, leak me some photos of the tablet, then we'll talk. Geez.
Apple threw it away? Who knew corporate espionage was so easy!
Yea, I doubt it's real. Apple most likely destroys any prototype device themselves.
It looks like a PSP altered to be whatever they claim it is.
Not to hard to drill a hole in the back of a used case and stick a camera in there.
Silverback? That's so out of style now. Looks like it's been tumbled in a clothes dryer.
meh...
So from now on Apple will not simply throw something away. They will have it shredded, mashed, crushed, destroyed and recycled. All because Steve Jobs could not possibly allow these kind of photos.
Yea, I doubt it's real. Apple most likely destroys any prototype device themselves.
Not even "most likely." More like "absolutely." Either destroys or securely guards until release.
Apple is completely totalitarian in protecting their prototypes. Employees get both fired and sued for the slightest leak of an unannounced product.
It would be downright astounding if Apple simply tossed aside a major prototype like a next-gen Touch.