Apple's iPod Touch Getting 2-Megapixel Camera???

Another day, another leaked Apple prototype? The latest comes from Vietnamese site Tinhte, which is showing off what it claims may be a new version of Apple's iPod Touch. The 64GB device features a 2-megapixel camera, and, based on its markings, appears to be a test unit. Even if we can assume this device is real, it's still anybody's guess as to whether this supposed iPod Touch will ever reach store shelves. An iPod Touch with camera was rumored to be released last fall, but the device was reportedly scrapped at the last minute due to production problems.

This is the second Apple-related news item to come from Tinhte. Recently the site posted details about a forthcoming entry-level MacBook just days before Apple released the new laptop.

iPod Touch Photos

Based on photos from Tinhte, the purported iPod Touch appears to be made by Foxconn--Apple's manufacturer in China--and has the marking DVT-1 on the back where Apple typically places the iPod's storage capacity. DVT-1 stands for Design Verification Test, as Daring Fireball reported during the Gizmodo iPhone saga. So, if it's authentic, this iPod Touch would likely be a pre-production prototype. The iPod Touch appears to have a 64GB capacity using 32GB NAND flash memory from Samsung and is running test software instead of the iPhone OS. This iPod Touch has its camera placed dead center on the back of the device, and Tinhte says it is a 2MP model.

iPod Touch with Camera Nothing New

While it's tempting to believe that a new iPod Touch is forthcoming, it should be pointed out this is not the first time images of an iPod Touch with a camera have leaked online. In late April, two iPod Touch units with cameras popped up on eBay marked as DVT-2, and a similar device made the rounds on gadget blogs in August 2009.

Tinhte's purported iPod Touch also appears to have the model number A1318, which is the same number found on the current generation iPod Touch. This suggests Tinhte's device may be an old prototype unit discarded before the latest version of the iPod Touch went into production.

So while this iPod Touch could be the real deal, it's hard to know for sure whether it is an old prototype or something Apple is currently working on. Regardless, don't expect any announcements about a new iPod Touch coming from Apple during its annual Worldwide Developers Conference next month. Cupertino typically announces new iPods in September.