Apple to Update iPod Touch with 4-Inch Display, A5 Chip, Buffed Aluminum Rear Shell? - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple to Update iPod Touch with 4-Inch Display, A5 Chip, Buffed Aluminum Rear Shell?

In line with a fresh report from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claiming that Apple will be updating the iPod touch later this year with an "all-new" design using the same in-cell touch display technology rumored to be used in the next iPhone, Japanese blog Mac Otakara reports that Apple will also be moving the iPod touch to a 4-inch display from the current 3.5-inch display. Apple is otherwise said to be basing the iPod touch's internals on the iPhone 4S, although the case will include a "buffed aluminum" rear shell rather than the glass back of the iPhone 4S or the mirrored stainless steel of the current iPod touch.

According to asian source, new iPod touch (5th generation) will have 4 inch LCD which is the same size with coming iPhone 5.

CPU or other spec is considered to be same with iPhone 4S, and has different back-case design, which will be not mirror polished but buffed alminum one. And it seems to be prepared black and white color model.

macotakara ipod touch 2012 mockup
Rough mockup of fifth-generation iPod touch with buffed aluminum rear shell and larger display

The report's source also indicates that there is an additional hole in the lower portion of the rear shell, separate from the camera found on the current model. It is, however, currently unknown what the function of the hole will be.

Related Forum: iPod touch and iPod

Popular Stories

iphone 17 pro dark blue 1

Apple Preparing 'Most Significant Overhaul in the iPhone's History'

Sunday March 29, 2026 8:18 am PDT by
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has high expectations for Apple's first foldable iPhone. In his Power On newsletter today, he said the foldable iPhone will be "the most significant overhaul in the iPhone's history." "iPhone 4, iPhone 6 and iPhone X were clearly a big deal, but this is a whole new design," he said. Like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7, the foldable iPhone will reportedly open up like ...
Apple Event Logo

Apple to Launch These 15+ New Products Later This Year

Friday March 27, 2026 2:03 pm PDT by
March has been an incredibly busy month for Apple, with the company unveiling more than 10 new products and accessories. We said hello to the MacBook Neo at the start of the month, and we bid farewell to the Mac Pro at the end of it. Nevertheless, there is still a lot more to come this year. Beyond the usual annual updates to iPhones and Apple Watches, Apple's all-new smart home hub is...
Apple Apps Grid

Apple Releasing Two New iPhone Apps This Year

Saturday March 28, 2026 8:00 am PDT by
Apple is expected to release two new iPhone apps this year, including an Apple Business app and a Siri app with chatbot-like functionality. With the Apple Business app, employees at businesses using the new Apple Business platform will be able to install apps for work, view contact information for colleagues, and request support. Apple Business is launching on April 14, and it replaces Apple ...

Top Rated Comments

179 months ago
mmm.. that's the best mockup I've seen in years ;) :sarcasm:
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AppleGuesser Avatar
179 months ago
Meh, I feel like the 4 inch iPhone/iPod and the 7.85 inch iPad Mini rumors is all we talk about. How about OS X Mountain Lion? I'm ready for that :D
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
179 months ago
I'd hit that.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
RobertMartens Avatar
179 months ago
Good news for the iPod touch community! They need an update/refresh indeed.

The iPod touch community is kids whose parents won't spring for an iPhone yet. It's like an iPhone with training wheels. They don't need an update because soon they are older and get their own damn phone. Come on Mom, I'm going to college, how am I gonna call you and ask for money.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
wordoflife Avatar
179 months ago
"buffed aluminum shell"

FINALLY.

iPods look terrible after a while because of the back.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
179 months ago
Good news for the iPod touch community! They need an update/refresh indeed.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)