Rumor: iPod Touch goes on diet, ditches rounded backside for flatter figure

There’s just a few more days to go before Apple’s media event, when the company is expected to unveil the new iPod Touch. So there’s still time to squeeze in another rumor, right?

This one comes from an unidentified iLounge source who claims the new “iTouch” will be sporting a revamped shape with a flatter form factor. If you’re thinking, “Wow, that kind of sounds like the iPhone 4,” think again. It won’t be entirely flat, and a glass fabrication isn’t in the cards. But a more apt comparison would be to the top of Cupertino’s other mobile product line, the MacBook Pro — especially if Apple sticks with its predilection for metal, like stainless steel or aluminum.

Like the MBP, the shape of the device may retain some rounded edges, but the apex of the curve (in the center) will be more like a leveled-out surface.

The top of my MacBook Pro

Sadly, no images of this rumored new form factor are available, but it will supposedly hark back to the first-gen iPod Touch somewhat, except the exterior accommodates a rear camera along with a curious item next to it. There’s some argument about whether that feature will be an LED camera flash or a microphone (like the one on the Nano, for vid recording). iLounge is betting it’s a microphone, but either way, it’s still an upgrade. As for the headphone jack — it seems like it might be staying put on the bottom, beside the dock connector.

Speaking of the Nano, remember that little sub-2″ touchscreen component, a leaked pic of which hit the gossip mill last month (below)? iLounge thinks it’s destined for a future Nano product.

What are you hoping to see Apple announce this Wednesday? Do you want an iPod Touch redesign, or are you attached to the old form factor? Let us know in the comments.

Via: BGR, iLounge