[Goddard11]

I would wager that the next generation iPod design will resemble the iPhone, in terms of the backside being a matte aluminum texture, rather than reflective aluminum like the current iPods. (with any normal use the reflective backside of the iPods become ugly and scratched). Maybe they will adopt the full screen feature as well, but I doubt it. It will more likely be a screen that is bigger, and they'll keep the click wheel but push it down farther.

Any other thoughts?

[Visnaut]

I would be surprised if they didn't give it all of the features of the iPod application in the iPhone.

Reason being: whenever they talk about the iPhone's media capabilities, they refer to it as being "the best iPod [they've] ever made".

For them to refresh the iPod line and not update them with at least as good of a touch interface, then the market might react unfavorably.

Then again, I can see the possibility that Apple will maintain the iPod line generally the same for at least one revision though, for two reasons:

• To prop up the iPhone for a bit longer
• Maintain high margins on the iPod line

Other than that though, a full-screen touch iPod is inevitable, in order to stay ahead of the competition.