New Video iPod on Apple's 30th Anniversary (April 1)?

MacObserver points to a PortalPlayer analyst report issued by Craig Berger and James Schneider of Wedbush Morgan.

The report predicts a decline in shipments in the 2nd Quarter for PortalPlayer -- producer of key components in the Apple iPod. However, looking forward, the analysts describe a sharp ramp up in demand based on "independent confirmation from a reliable industry source" that Apple is likely to launch the rumored Video iPod "as early as its 30th anniversary on April 1".

The upcoming device is described as sporting a larger size LCD, bigger battery, higher storage and a $400-$500 price point. The new iPod would represent a higher end video targeted unit, while Apple is expected to retain the current 5G iPod for customers interested primarily in music playback.

Rumors of a "true" video iPod have been circulating for months. Previous analysts expected an "actual" video iPod in the first half of 2006 alongside major content deals. These rumors were further corroborated in February with word that a new iPod with a touch-screen instead of the current click wheel. The most recent rumors describe a 4 inch screen touchscreen iPod to be launched alongside an iTunes Movie service.

Rumors of a touchscreen iPod has spawned many mockups and images claiming to be the rumored Video iPod. None of the images are believed to be real at this time.

Of note, April 1, 2006 falls on a Saturday -- which would be an unusual day for Apple to release a product.

Related Forums: iPod touch and iPod, Mac Apps

Popular Stories

iPhone Top Left Hole Punch Face ID Feature Purple

iPhone 18 Pro Launching Later This Year With These 12 New Features

Thursday January 15, 2026 10:56 am PST by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not expected to launch for another eight months, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we have recapped 12 features rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro models, as of January 2026: The same overall design is expected, with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes, and a "plateau" housing three rear cameras Under-screen Face ID...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

These 5 Apple Products Will Reportedly Be Upgraded With OLED Displays

Friday January 16, 2026 7:07 pm PST by
Apple plans to upgrade the iPad mini, MacBook Pro, iPad Air, iMac, and MacBook Air with OLED displays between 2026 and 2028, according to DigiTimes. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously reported that the iPad mini and MacBook Pro will receive an OLED display as early as this year, but he does not expect the MacBook Air to adopt the technology until 2028 at the earliest. A new iPad Air is...
iOS 27 Mock Quick

iOS 27 Will Add These 8 New Features to Your iPhone

Sunday January 18, 2026 3:51 pm PST by
iOS 27 is still many months away, but there are already plenty of rumors about new features that will be included in the software update. The first beta of iOS 27 will be released during WWDC 2026 in June, and the update should be released to all users with a compatible iPhone in September. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that iOS 27 will be similar to Mac OS X Snow Leopard, in the sense...
Apple Wallet ID Illinois

Apple Plans to Expand iPhone Driver's Licenses to These 7 U.S. States

Friday January 16, 2026 12:12 pm PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the...
14 inch MacBook Pro Keyboard

MacBook Pro Buyers Now Facing Up to a Two-Month Wait Ahead of New Models

Sunday January 18, 2026 6:50 pm PST by
MacBook Pro availability is tightening on Apple's online store, with select configurations facing up to a two-month delivery timeframe in the United States. A few 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro configurations with an M4 Pro chip are not facing any shipping delay, but estimated delivery dates for many configurations with an M4 Max chip range from February 6 to February 24 or even later. At...