Just hours after we reported that Apple appeared to have begun shipping out current-generation iPod nanos as replacements for recalled first-generation units, users are beginning to report in that they are indeed receiving the current models.

Just received our replacement today - Fedex truck pulled up late in the evening. Inside was our replacement for our 1st gen ipod nano that was sent into Apple 1 month ago.

It's a 6th generation ipod nano, serial number shows that warranty has expired. Not sure if that means that it's a refurbished model or if it's a brand new model and they've deactivated the warranty. It's silver.

Apple had initially been issuing refurbished first-generation models to replace the recalled first-generation units at risk of overheating. But it appears that the company has run out of spare first-generation units and is now supplying users with current-generation units as replacements.

Apple initially launched the iPod nano in 2 GB and 4 GB capacities priced at $199/$249 back in September 2005, adding a $149 1 GB model a few months later. The device utilized a click wheel for navigation and contained a 1.5-inch screen for displaying the standard iPod software interface. Battery life was advertised at 14 hours of music playback and four hours of photo slideshows with music.

The current iPod nano is less than half the size of the original iPod nano and utilizes a 1.5-inch touch screen with software skinned to look like iOS. It is available in 8 GB ($129) and 16 GB ($149) capacities and offers up to 24 hours of music playback.

Last month, Apple announced a worldwide replacement program for the first-generation iPod nano due to continuing issues with overheating related to defective batteries from one of Apple's suppliers.

While some users began receiving their replacement units, which apparently came through as like-new refurbished first-generation units, almost immediately, many other users have been complaining of slow turnaround time for either receiving shipping boxes for returning their defective iPods or receiving the replacement units from Apple. According to reports from users who have corresponded with Apple support staff about the delays, the company has been experiencing shortages of boxes and other items necessary to complete the replacement process.


It now appears, however, that Apple may have run out of refurbished first-generation iPod nano units and may now be shipping out current-generation units as replacements. Several users have reported over the past few days that they have received emails acknowledging shipment of their replacement device's and checking the serial numbers of the replacement devices on Apple's support site has shown them to be sixth-generation models. The sixth-generation iPod nano was originally released in September 2010, and while the line received a price drop and software update a few months ago, Apple still considers the current iPod nano to be a sixth-generation model.

We have not yet received word from any users who have received the sixth-generation iPod nano units as replacements, and thus it remains possible that the serial numbers are simply registering incorrectly in Apple's support database. While we are waiting for confirmation on the possible upgrade, several users have indicated that their shipments are due to be delivered this Wednesday.

Late late week, Apple announced a worldwide replacement program for owners of the first-generation iPod nano. The program was instituted due to battery issues that could cause the devices to overheat and in extreme cases catch fire.


While Apple officially notes that it may take up to six weeks for customers to receive their replacement devices, some users are reporting that their replacements have already arrived. And while some had hoped that Apple might offer newer-generation iPod nano models given a potential shortage of units that officially went out of production nearly five years ago, the replacement units are indeed still first-generation iPod nanos.


According to one customer who received a replacement, the new unit is an exact duplicate of his original iPod nano in terms of color and capacity, although it feels brand-new without the wear and tear of five or six years' worth of use. Apple is almost certainly utilizing refurbished units for the replacements, but Apple's standard refurbishment program includes the use of brand-new batteries and outer shells to make the devices appear and function as new.

I wanted to pass along some info about the iPod Nano exchange program Apple started over the weekend. I just received the replacement and it is an exact replacement. No upgrade. Same capacity and everything. The only upside is that it is "new" (probably refurbished), so it's clean in comparison to my old one.

The replacement iPod nano units come with a 90-day warranty, offering users a chance to make sure that they are operating properly upon receipt. As evidenced by the units coming through already, they should be essentially identical to customers' original devices, although Apple notes that any personalization on the original devices will not be included on the replacements.

Apple today began notifying users of the company's first-generation iPod nano that it is now offering a replacement program intended to address concerns over overheating batteries.

Dear iPod nano owner,

Apple has determined that, in very rare cases, the battery in the iPod nano (1st generation) may overheat and pose a safety risk. Affected iPod nanos were sold between September 2005 and December 2006.

This issue has been traced to a single battery supplier that produced batteries with a manufacturing defect. While the possibility of an incident is rare, the likelihood increases as the battery ages.

Apple recommends that you stop using your iPod nano (1st gen) and follow the process noted below to order a replacement unit, free of charge.

Under pressure from regulators, Apple agreed to provide replacements for affected units in South Korea in 2009 and in Japan in 2010. With today's announcement, it appears that the replacement program is now in effect on a worldwide basis.

Customers with affected devices can fill out a claim form to confirm eligibility for replacement. Defective devices will be replaced within six weeks and will carry 90-day warranties. Customers who have personalized iPod nano devices will not be able to receive personalization on their replacement devices.

Apple has just released iOS 5.0.1 to the public, bringing fixes for battery life issues introduced with iOS 5. The release also brings several other enhancements including multitasking gestures for the original iPad.

This update contains improvements and other bug fixes including:

- Fixes bugs affecting battery life
- Adds Multitasking Gestures for original iPad
- Resolves bugs with Documents in the Cloud
- Improves voice recognition for Australian users using dictation

The build number on the public release is 9A405, an increment of one build over the beta 2 build seeded to developers last Friday.

iOS 5.0.1 is available for iPhone (4S, 4, and 3GS), iPod touch (third- and fourth-generation), and all iPad models. The update is available for download via iTunes, but is not yet showing up as an over-the-air update for direct download to iOS devices.

Update: Several European users are now reporting that iOS 5.0.1 is available as a 44.6 MB over-the-air update on their devices, but it still does not appear to be showing up on devices in the United States.


Screenshot of over-the-air update

Update 2: Direct links for downloads:

- iPhone: 4S, 4 GSM, 4 CDMA, 3GS
- iPad: 2 Wi-Fi, 2 GSM, 2 CDMA, Original
- iPod touch: 4th Generation, 3rd Generation

Update 3: The over-the-air update of iOS 5.0.1 now appears to be making its way to the United States, but it may still take some time to roll out to all users. Users are reporting over-the-air download sizes of 40-55 MB depending on device.

Update 4: CNET notes that iOS 5.0.1 addresses the security vulnerability disclosed by prominent security researcher Charlie Miller earlier this week. Miller demonstrated the vulnerability by slipping an app into Apple's App Store, a move which resulted in Apple banning him from the iOS developer program.

Patently Apple reports on a newly-published patent application from Apple describing the integration of a speaker into the clip of the iPod nano or shuffle. Apple's proposed design includes a recessed portion within the device's clip that would house a piezoelectric speaker.


Exploded view of iPod nano or shuffle case with speaker integrated into clip
As part of the invention's description, Apple outlines how a small domed or dimpled cover over the speaker could be designed to produce specific acoustic effects, allowing for sufficient movement of air to create the required sound quality for the device.

In some embodiments, the cavity size may be shaped to create a particular frequency response or to otherwise influence the sound produced by the acoustical element. In some embodiments, the interior surface of the cavity may be modified to increase the size of the cavity, to control the frequency response of the cavity, modify the amount of air displaceable by movement of the diaphragm of the acoustical element, and/or to direct sound waves within the cavity and/or out of the cavity. The shape of the surface may be configured to resonate at a certain desired frequency or frequency range that is desired based on its shape. For example, one or more indentations in the surface may be provided to increase the size of the cavity and/or control the frequency response of the cavity. Generally, the larger the size of the cavity, the lower the frequency that may be resonant within the cavity. In some embodiments, holes may be provided in the surface to adjust the frequency response.

Adding a speaker to the iPod's clip would of course mean that it would need to be electrically connected to the main portion of the device, and Apple also describes how thin, flexible wires or microstrips could be routed alongside or through the hinge block that serves as the mounting point for the clip.

Apple does not propose any specific uses for the external audio features enabled by the addition of a speaker clip, and the extremely thin nature of the speaker housing would limit the sound quality achievable through the system. At a minimum, the speaker could provide clicks and beeps as feedback for user input on the device, although more complex audio could also be generated.

Curiously, the exploded view diagram included in the patent application also shows a fairly large hole in the iPod clip, as seen at the bottom left of the diagram. While Apple does not specify the intended function of that hole, it does line up nicely with previously-leaked front and back photos potentially showing a rear-facing camera hole for the iPod nano's main body. That design has, however, yet to see a public debut.

The patent application, simply entitled "Speaker Clip", was filed in May of 2010 with the lead designer listed as Ben Filson, a longtime Apple design engineer who left the company last year to join Tony Fadell's Nest Labs project. The patent application also lists as inventors Eugene Whang and Matt Rohrbach, two key members of Apple's industrial design team.

Patently Apple reports on a newly-published patent application from Apple describing the integration of a speaker into the clip of the iPod nano or shuffle. Apple's proposed design includes a recessed portion within the device's clip that would house a piezoelectric speaker.


Exploded view of iPod nano or shuffle case with speaker integrated into clip
As part of the invention's description, Apple outlines how a small domed or dimpled cover over the speaker could be designed to produce specific acoustic effects, allowing for sufficient movement of air to create the required sound quality for the device.

In some embodiments, the cavity size may be shaped to create a particular frequency response or to otherwise influence the sound produced by the acoustical element. In some embodiments, the interior surface of the cavity may be modified to increase the size of the cavity, to control the frequency response of the cavity, modify the amount of air displaceable by movement of the diaphragm of the acoustical element, and/or to direct sound waves within the cavity and/or out of the cavity. The shape of the surface may be configured to resonate at a certain desired frequency or frequency range that is desired based on its shape. For example, one or more indentations in the surface may be provided to increase the size of the cavity and/or control the frequency response of the cavity. Generally, the larger the size of the cavity, the lower the frequency that may be resonant within the cavity. In some embodiments, holes may be provided in the surface to adjust the frequency response.

Adding a speaker to the iPod's clip would of course mean that it would need to be electrically connected to the main portion of the device, and Apple also describes how thin, flexible wires or microstrips could be routed alongside or through the hinge block that serves as the mounting point for the clip.

Apple does not propose any specific uses for the external audio features enabled by the addition of a speaker clip, and the extremely thin nature of the speaker housing would limit the sound quality achievable through the system. At a minimum, the speaker could provide clicks and beeps as feedback for user input on the device, although more complex audio could also be generated.

Curiously, the exploded view diagram included in the patent application also shows a fairly large hole in the iPod clip, as seen at the bottom left of the diagram. While Apple does not specify the intended function of that hole, it does line up nicely with previously-leaked front and back photos potentially showing a rear-facing camera hole for the iPod nano's main body. That design has, however, yet to see a public debut.

The patent application, simply entitled "Speaker Clip", was filed in May of 2010 with the lead designer listed as Ben Filson, a longtime Apple design engineer who left the company last year to join Tony Fadell's Nest Labs project. The patent application also lists as inventors Eugene Whang and Matt Rohrbach, two key members of Apple's industrial design team.

With the addition of white models and a new entry-level price point earlier this month, Apple considered the iPod touch line to have been updated despite the lack of any substantial hardware improvements. The company continues to refer the device as the fourth-generation line, first introduced in 2010, but the teardown experts at iFixit decided to crack one open anyway to see if anything had quietly been changed.

So what does this year’s Touch have in store?

After close examination, we confirmed that the front panel is, in fact, white. +1 for us. So far so good.

And… that’s about it. To our dismay there is not much else different between the iPod Touch released last year and the one released last week.

In a close examination of the logic board in the new white iPod touch, iFixit could really only distinguish new markings on the A4 chip, as well as possible upgrades to the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and gyroscope components. But it is unclear from the new chip numbers exactly what has been changed, meaning that they may simply be minor revisions offering the same functionality as earlier versions.

In line with the announced October 12th launch date for iOS 5, Apple has also transitioned its iPod touch line to begin shipping with the operating system pre-installed. The most visible change to the iPod touch lineup, however, is the addition of white models, and iLounge reports that the white iPod touch is now on display and available for sale in Apple's retail stores.


Apple's online store is also listing all six models of the iPod touch as "In Stock", indicating that they will be available to ship within 24 hours of ordering.

With the release of updated iPod nano models today bearing new features such as large icons, enhanced fitness features, and sixteen new clock faces.


From Apple's press release announcing the new iPod nano:

iPod nano now features larger icons for even easier navigation of its intuitive Multi-Touch user interface, and you can choose from 16 new digital clock faces, ranging from classic analog looks to your favorite Disney characters including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. iPod nano now tracks your runs and walks right out of the box with no accessory required, making it even easier to get your fitness program up and running. iPod nano can track the time, pace and distance of your run, the calories you burn, and the number of steps you walk. iPod nano encourages you with motivational real-time voice feedback during your run, available in seven languages, while listening to your favorite music or FM radio station. You can also easily upload workouts to the Nike+ website to set goals, track your progress and challenge friends.

In addition to the new iPod nano models introduced today, Apple has made the software update available to the previous-generation models released in September 2010. Those iPod nanos carry the same form factor as the current models, and will be essentially identical to the current iPod nanos once the software update has been applied.

Apple today announced modest changes to its iPod touch lineup, dropping the price of the 8GB model from $229 to $199, breaking the important $200 price barrier.

iPod has revolutionized the way we listen to music and with over 320 million sold is the world’s most popular music player,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “iPod touch, now available in both black and white, is the best selling iPod ever, and with iOS 5 and iCloud it is better than ever.

Beyond the availability of a white version of the popular media player, no other changes to device's hardware or specifications were announced.

The updated iPod touch is compatible with iOS 5 and is scheduled for release alongside the latest version of iOS on October 12. It will also work with iCloud, Apple's revamped cloud service formerly dubbed MobileMe.

Apple announced updates to the iPad nano today with user interface changes to improve navigation and 16 clock faces to facilitate its use as a watch. Its fitness features have also improved with Nike+ compatibility out of the box with no requirement for additional accessories to track walks and runs.

The nano's interface now sports larger icons for easier navigation. The new clock faces include a range of designs, including one mimicking an analog Mickey Mouse watch to classic digital and Roman numeral designs.

Nike+ compatibility for tracking walks and runs no longer requires a dongle that was part of an accessory kit sold separately. The updated nano is now capable of tracking distance traveled, pace, time and more out of the box.

The updated nano will cost $129 for the 8GB model and $149 for the 16GB model, down from $149 and $179, respectively. Both are available starting today. The available colors for both capacities are silver, graphite, blue, green, orange, pink, and red.