3G Connectivity May Be Coming to 5th Generation iPod Touch

[Michael Essany]

Talk about a sweet iPod touch refresh. If sources contributing to the popular Dutch AppleSpot.nl blog are correct, this fall Apple may roll out a fifth-generation iPod touch that delivers 3G data connectivity. That is, the next-gen iPod touch (or at least one model of the refreshed device) may serve up the iPad's Wi-Fi or 3G options.

Now, there's an old saying in journalism which contends that a rumor can make it all the way around the world before the truth can even put its pants on. For now, this is clearly a rumor from a far-removed news source, yet one that is getting attention from almost every corner of the tech blogosphere.

Still, rumor aside, the concept presented in the blog is worth noting. Even if today's report is a full-fledged rumor, the underlying suggestion - that the next iPod touch may sport 3G connectivity - could very well still manifest in a refreshed product this fall, especially since the upgrade seems logical enough. In fact, it's unlikely anyone would be totally shocked by that very development, as many believe it is long overdue.

Of course, what remains to be seen is if the revamp will revitalize iPod touch sales. If not consumers, the addition of 3G connectivity will certainly please Apple's carrier partners, as the iPod touch on 3G could conceivably help generate substantial new revenue streams via an established, popular product in the Apple family.

Source: AppleSpot.nl

[Aenima133]

Wouldn't it just be a phone after that? Get Text Know, and pay $15/mth for 500 minutes and unlimited texting. When i had that before my phone, i was always trying to devise a plan to have 3G on my ipod so i could turn it into a phone.

[J Sweeney]

That would be awesome. Definite buy for me.

Hope this is true

[x12_Carnage]

If this is true then I want a fifth Generation iPod touch !

[J Sweeney]

But it would probably have to be unlimited.

for me to buy.

[jrrtps]

for what????

jrr

[Conquest3.0]

Could be Apple's way of putting an iDevice on Sprint and T-Mobile sooner than later

[Dometic]

Wouldn't it just be a phone after that? Get Text Know, and pay $15/mth for 500 minutes and unlimited texting. When i had that before my phone, i was always trying to devise a plan to have 3G on my ipod so i could turn it into a phone.

Pretty much I tried to figure a way to make my iPod touch 2g into a phone. There was an app that you could make calls and text but needed a mic and a wifi connection. Have had my iPhone since Verizon had it and no regrets yet.

[fbiryujin]

I've had this on my iPod Touch for years. Oh wait! That's my iPhone LOL If this is true, then Apple is simply rebranding iPhone hardware as 3G iPod Touches. Rather stupid, and unlikely if you ask me, but then again I live in my own little world where logic, reason, and fairness still exist.

[zinjen]

This is not news - think of it has a mini iPad 3G... can you use the Phone? No, but you can use in areas where WiFi is not available.

I see the benefits, but jesus you might as well get the Phone now. Especially with all the carriers coming immediately available.

For me, everything consolidated makes life easy: Phone, iPod, Email, Internet, House Appliance Lighting Integration (Yes I can turn all my lights on in my house with the touch of a button, as well as control my Apple TV, receiver, etc)... all from my iPhone!

[DoYouLikeLuxury?]

can you use the Phone? No

Whatever, with a constant connection plus Talkatone, iCall, or any other VOIP apps and Google Voice for text you got yourself voice and text for free. And a thinner, lighter device than the iPhone with probably more GB space all for payment of just data every month.

[raduga]

I'd rather have a slightly less horrible camera,
and/or a RAM bump. And/or CPU bump.

if they stick in a 3G module, shrink the battery (so it doesn't add weight or bulk. They can make up the difference in software, right????), nudge up a few hundred MHz, iOS5 - and leave it at that, I'd consider the new one a downgrade from ipt v4.

[mmaboi21]

I dont even know how i feel about this...

[RICO_]

I don't see the point in this. I really don't. Its an iPhone without the phone part......and since most people will want or need a cell phone anyway.....why buy a separate device that does the exact same thing the iPhone will?

I can understand the iPad....but a 3G Touch is unnecessary.

[nerddownthestreet]

OK this is pretty sweet, but I'm going to say this one time and one time only: STOP POSTING RUMORS! When there's solid evidence, present it. Not before. One of the main reasons I left this community

[RICO_]

but I'm going to say this one time and one time only: STOP POSTING RUMORS!

Oh yes. I'm sure the rumors will stop because YOU told them to stop. Deal with it...they're never going to stop.

[whereswaldo]

Didn't we hear this last year? And the year before? It's not happening, and it shouldn't

[nerddownthestreet]

Oh yes. I'm sure the rumors will stop because YOU told them to stop. Deal with it...they're never going to stop.

*Sigh* I can't believe I even visited this place again. The community is in such sad shape now I know they're not going to stop, I just voiced my opinion.

[mmaboi21]

*Sigh* I can't believe I even visited this place again. The community is in such sad shape now I know they're not going to stop, I just voiced my opinion.

Why are you soo offended by his remark?? We deal with stuff all day even off the Internet. Don't let comments dictate anything in your life whether it be via the Internet, verbally, or through outer space. Be optimistic

[GenesisDH]

I really don't see this happening.

"Why would I want to pay $200, plus a two year contract & required 3G plan, for a new iPhone... when I can buy a 3G-capable Touch w/out contract for the same price and have an optional 3G plan?"

Doesn't make much sense for the carriers and Apple to allow. Maybe if it was sold for more than the iPhone (which I don't see happening given past pricing). Either that or force VoIP from being used on 3G (which people would complain about, again).

Also, it would probably be about the size of an iPhone, since space for the additional cellular chipsets and antennas and a larger battery would be needed.