What is the deal with the iPhone nano?

Adding to a small stack of rumors about a supposed iPhone nano, case-maker Vaja today quietly added the category to its website (pictured after the break). Frankly, we're not sure what to think. There are a number of ways in which Apple could produce a cheaper phone or alter its subsidy deals, so the idea of an iPhone that's simply smaller makes very little sense. Yet, here we are showing off the site of a reputable accessory manufacturer with a brand new phone listed -- ostensibly just a teensy version of the iPhone 3G. Of course, this is probably just rumor, speculation, lies, corruption, signs of an unquenchable thirst for power, and a glimpse at the machinations behind one of the greatest conspiracies mankind has ever known. So, we're posing the question to the biggest brains of all: the Engadget reader. Is Apple working on an iPhone nano?

Is Apple working on an iPhone nano?

Yes! This will go great with my new clutch!Probably -- how else can they compete with the Centro?Unlikely. Apple is busy working on its netbook.No -- that would be stupid and annoying. And stupid.Have you ever read 'Behold a Pale Horse' my friend?Vote

[Uncontrol @ Dec 29th 2008 8:09PM]

when i look at the iphone i think "this would be much better if there was less room for my fingers"

[Simon @ Dec 29th 2008 8:15PM]

Well played

[000000 @ Dec 29th 2008 8:30PM]

So now when I play games my thumbs can cover nearly 80% of the entire screen...

[dandaman @ Dec 29th 2008 8:31PM]

I didn't think "I wish there was less room for my fingers" but "I wish it fit in pocket better"
I could see an iPhone nano that has a 4X4 icon home screen, but the big attractant would be the thinness; that seems to be the direction Apple's been going with things.

[Uncontrol @ Dec 29th 2008 8:42PM]

get a bag

seriously i know a bunch of you see carrying a bag as "gay" or whatever but it will make your life a million times easier

[Aguiluz @ Dec 29th 2008 8:49PM]

@Uncontrol

Agreed. I have a Samsonite shoulder bag with all my stuff in it. No need to fill up pockets. Sure I attract negative attention (Only girls bring a purse? Bulls***.) but the conveniences are awesome.

[deyanimay @ Dec 29th 2008 9:08PM]

Just get a small laptop bag with a shoulder strap. You dont always have to have the laptop in it but you can have your other gadgets.

[Matthew C @ Dec 29th 2008 9:09PM]

Small backpack works too - easier on the back coz its balanced.

but anyway... i think this iphone will be 1 skinny, 16:9, 3" display with no bezel. coz Jobs likes it skinny,ya know (look at the mackbook air). Nano will refer to the weight and thinkness. This isnt surprising, consider that the new nanaos are actually slightly larger in size.

[Darren @ Dec 29th 2008 9:16PM]

There are also people who say the iPhone is a lot more expensive than those $50 junk-phones.

That's why Apple is releasing a cheaper iPhone, and that's why the full-sized iPhone is more expensive.

[Californian @ Dec 29th 2008 10:02PM]

Yeah I hope they come out with this and lose a lot of money on it. Idiots.

[Knee to the Groin @ Dec 29th 2008 10:40PM]

Clearly the iPod "Nano" is not going to happen, what with $99 refurbs and all...

Apple will no doubt go with a device that will be "free with 2yr"

Gentlemen, I present to you the iPhone Shuffle!

Bluetooth headset required, and simply calls randomly from your contacts!

(Bluetooth headset required as there's no screen or speaker)

[mik @ Dec 29th 2008 10:43PM]

@ uncontrol
Get looser fitting pants, I have no problem carrying my iPhone with my keys cigarettes lighter wallet and change in my pockets, or you could wear a shirt with a front pocket, a nice polo perhaps...

[Gad Get @ Dec 29th 2008 10:53PM]

@ Matthew C

"coz Jobs likes it skinny,ya know (look at the mackbook air)."

I thought you were gonna say, "coz Jobs likes it skinny, ya know (look at him)."

[iGO @ Dec 29th 2008 11:32PM]

EVERYONE continues to assume that a Smaller iPhone would be sold for less money, when in Fact, smaller technology is typically demanding higher sale price.

I would not put it past Apple, now that the current top-of-the-line iPhone, sells for $299.00, to come out with a slick, very powerful ARM-based Nano, pulling in $499 and $599+ prices again.

Due to it's processing power, miniaturization and overall sleekness (all the standards included, 3G, GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.), the Nano is primarily driven by voice recognition instead of touch.

Would not surprise me one bit, in Apples ever increasing desire, to set the standard.

[Flashpoint @ Dec 29th 2008 11:50PM]

Reasons I believe in the iPhone Nano....

#1 Steve Jobs said "every single year you'll need to buy a new ipod". In 2 years, he's released 2 iphones.

#2 Apple has to do something to keep people interested in their product line - not that the current iphones don't - a new product always creates buzz

Lets just pray it has A2DP and that Apple makes a brand pair of wireless headphones. I dropped my iphone today cause of the goddamned wire when I was listening to AOL radio.

I wouldn't be suprised if it came in different colors either.

[HackToTheFuture @ Dec 30th 2008 12:19AM]

A bag? You mean a PURSE? Or a European carry all?

Please....

[Uncontrol @ Dec 30th 2008 3:56AM]

why would i wear looser pants when i can just carry a bag and still be sexy

i know you guys love sexy gadgets, put that passion into your clothes

[Boards of Canada @ Dec 30th 2008 5:45AM]

heu... most guys where side bag... you know, not ugly stuff but ok looking... you know, like that kind of shape:
http://jkontherun.blogs.com/photos/uncategorized/man_bag_front.jpg
sorry could not find a better one fast enough...

[thetansman @ Dec 30th 2008 10:12AM]

the "attractant"?

[Anirudh @ Dec 30th 2008 10:26AM]

how about a gadget holder??

http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/18/e-volve-gadget-shoulder-holster-the-ultimate-man-purse/

want more, head over @ ask engadget:

http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/03/ask-engadget-forget-the-man-bag-how-about-a-gadget-purse/

[hitsthings @ Dec 30th 2008 9:02PM]

Live in the now and get a bag.

Call it whatever you need to feel OK with yourself.

Stop shoving your pockets full of shit.

[Sudo @ Dec 29th 2008 8:10PM]

Current iPhone must be a Newman version. Slimmer model codenamed: Jerry

[bdarma @ Dec 30th 2008 6:07AM]

Where's the Kramer version ?

[wait... what? @ Dec 30th 2008 9:51AM]

Kramer version was set to come out in October, but was deemed racially insensitive and will no longer be relevant.

[Magnus @ Dec 30th 2008 4:38AM]

Iphone Nano - enjoy talking to random people

[oliver @ Dec 29th 2008 8:13PM]

The iPod Nano's main difference to the Classic apart from size is the flash memory. Considering that the iPhone already uses Flash, the only differences would be size and price - not very innovative.

[Matthew C @ Dec 29th 2008 9:18PM]

Not very inovative, but by dropping the price signifigantly, say to $49.99 with contract, apple could appeal to a much greater audience with a worse phone under the apple brand. They have sucessfully introduced themselves as makers of a quality device. Now, introducing a lower end model could be quite sucessful, much more so that it would have been without the established reputation for quality and inovation (i am reffering to the origninal iphone here).

[Hike15 @ Dec 29th 2008 8:13PM]

how bout an iphone with a slideout keyboard?
txting iphone!

[SugarySnack @ Dec 30th 2008 2:37AM]

How bout an iphone with a slide out iphone? iphone iphone!

[ybd @ Dec 30th 2008 8:32AM]

How bout an iphone with a slide out iphone with a slide out ipone? iphone iphone iphone!

[Connor @ Dec 30th 2008 6:37PM]

How about a C-C-C-COMBO BREAKER?

[Giga @ Dec 29th 2008 8:15PM]

If the iPhone was any smaller, texting would be impossible.

[Homeboy @ Dec 29th 2008 8:28PM]

That's the only obstacle. A smaller iPhone would definitely require a slide-out physical keyboard to be functional from an input perspective. Other than that an iPhone Nano makes sense to serve as the real killer that would take apple's market share to new heights. We all saw the miracles worked by the iPod Mini. I can see a non-internet-browser capable iPhone Nano sold unsubsidised for €/$299.

[tylerstempinski @ Dec 29th 2008 8:44PM]

Or, They Will Add The Option Of A Horizontal Keyboard For SMS.
Or Maybe For MMS.
Along With The Ability To Copy And Paste.

[coffee @ Dec 29th 2008 9:24PM]

There's no reason to make a smaller version of the iPhone itself.

That means it's not just a smaller version - it's a different form factor, to take over the market that's still left: flip phones.

We like flip phones cause we don't need protective cases, they're easy to text on, and a decent sized screen is possible, even a touch screen.

so I'm going to guess: Flip phone, touch screen inside with some type of display on the exterior, plus a full blackberry-style keyboard on the inside. Great for texters, great for "just want a phone" people, sells for $149, 4gb storage.

And Col. Mustard, with the candlestick, in the Library.

[chefgon_ign @ Dec 30th 2008 7:27AM]

QWERTY texting would be pretty impossible, but if it's a low-end model they could just go with a QVGA screen and a T9 virtual keyboard.

[Crono (NDF - Knight of the Old School) @ Dec 30th 2008 9:52AM]

Sorry Coffee, It was professor Plum.

[Sean @ Dec 30th 2008 11:52AM]

http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/17/apple-patent-application-hints-at-iphone-flip-phone/

[Mogs @ Dec 31st 2008 11:23AM]

Considering how Google voice search works on the iPhone, I guess Apple could be working on improving voice recognition so that you can speak your SMS messages? It could also be used to input contacts, numbers, URLs in Safari etc.

[treats! @ Dec 29th 2008 8:16PM]

I wouldn't want my iPhone smaller, one of the things I really like about it is the actual size of it. Using functions like the browser and email are actually usable. I always lol when someone shows off their small little phone doing email and browsing the web. I will say though, if Apple does release a nano version it will probably be pretty sweet for the people who do like small phones. Apple even though they are not my favorite company, will do a good job on the new phone or they won't release it.

[fred @ Dec 29th 2008 8:16PM]

There is no point to this other than a recession cash infusion into Apple's bank account from gullible fans who just want to have the latest logo stamped gear.

I mean, the iPhone is $199.00, and you really need a smaller one?

[Jason S. @ Dec 29th 2008 8:20PM]

Only the first one's $199. With contract. No insurance. You lose it or get it stolen and the $199 version is $499. Certainly turned me off Apple and AT&T.

[ipodrulz @ Dec 29th 2008 8:39PM]

@Jason

Don't lose it.

[Eric @ Dec 29th 2008 9:10PM]

To be fair to Apple and AT&T, look at every other phone offered in the United States, on any network.

I hate to use this example, but it's the closest...

BlackBerry Storm, on Verizon, costs $199 with a two-year contract.

Without a contract (which is what a replacement phone is) the Storm is $499.

Both networks have 450 minutes and unlimited data for $79.99 per month.

[KarlW @ Dec 29th 2008 9:11PM]

Apple's account is already $25Bn in credit.

Maybe they'll get a bank, with a car manufacturer for if they get hungry later.

[Jon Nelson @ Dec 29th 2008 10:18PM]

@ Arkenklo

"I'm not really capable of judgud wether or not all this really is relevant"

It's not.

And that's a check in the minus column from me.

[nikster @ Dec 29th 2008 10:31PM]

$499 is a pretty good price for a phone like that. Comparing subsidized prices is a bit like comparing down payments for cars - it doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

[Abuzar Baloach @ Dec 29th 2008 10:33PM]

Inbred because of the phones we use? Get the fuck off this site with your hate. Most Americans are very nice people, I don't understand the hate towards the people themselves.

[Mitch @ Dec 29th 2008 10:34PM]

... Then I'm giving the Swede a check in the plus column.

American (and Canadian) mobile phone industry = absolutely rediculous.

44% of Americans talk less than 200 minutes on their cell phones, yet most of them are paying for twice as many minutes. When carrier subsidizes only knock about 150-200 dollars from their phones, how the hell does that make sense?

[Arkenklo @ Dec 29th 2008 10:54PM]

@Jon Nelson:

It's maybe not relevant to this specific post, but still, you low ranked me just because I called you inbred. Shure, not inbred, that's a little harsh, rather really, really easy to trick.

I trust to Mitch to carry my point further into the discussion. Goodnight.