iPod touch camera prototype gets pulled

A briefly available eBay auction (since pulled) has shown confirmed instances of the third-generation iPod touch with a camera. The devices have the same DVT (Design Verification Test) label as the fourth-generation iPhone and have a label marking them as belonging to the "Apple Development Team." They also appear to be running a testbed firmware known as SwitchBoard with apps designed to check the functionality of hardware features, including the camera itself.

Leaks of such models aren't new but have never included definitive evidence outside of the hardware itself. These have existed for over a year and are believed to be proof that Apple was very close to releasing iPods with cameras but backed off at the last minute due to cost or some other unknown concern.

One ongoing rumor has asserted that an iPod touch with a camera could still ship this spring, although no follow-up evidence has surfaced that this would remain the case. Apple usually reserves iPod upgrades for a once-a-year refresh sometime in September. [via 9to5Mac]

by MacNN Staff