Next Generation of iPods to Have Cameras?

It’s been speculated, here and elsewhere, that Apple will eventually add video recording capabilities to the iPhone and iPod touch. We have already seen this feature on the new iPhone 3G S, and to tell you the truth, I was a little surprised not to see a new iPod touch with the same capability.

Courtesy of Apple

Well, perhaps we won’t have to wait too much longer. According to various sources, Apple has placed an order for a large number of camera modules like the one used in the iPhone 3G S. The order is said to be so large that not only will a new iPod touch have a camera, but one or more other iPod models will also get a camera.

An iPod touch with a video camera is a no-brainer. The software already has the capabilities for shooting, editing, and uploading videos. Other iPods lack this capability, though. If Apple wants to add video capture to other iPods, it will have to write new software just for the iPod.

If Apple is seriously considering adding video recording capabilities to the iPod nano and classic, would it make more sense to write a new iPod operating system that supports video, or use the existing iPhone software in new iPod products, completely redefining the iPod lineup, with the exception of the shuffle, which would remain the lowest priced iPod?

If Apple migrates the iPhone/iPod touch OS to other iPods, we could see a number of new capabilities, such as support for downloading apps from the App Store, and the ability to buy and run videos from the iTunes Store.

When would we see these theoretical new iPods? Hard to say, but historically, iPods are announced in late September, which leaves just about the right amount of time for Apple to ramp up production of a new generation of iPods.