Mystery Nanos: Apple Saves Face

That and Apple's unwillingness to cede anything music to Microsoft Zune.

In the last two days, there has been some buzz about fourth-generation 4GB iPod nanos showing up in some foreign markets. Yesterday, Engadget linked to a Dutch retailer offering 4GB, 8GB and 16GB fourth-generation nanos. Pricing is the same as Apple Store Netherlands for the 8GB and 16GB models—€139 and €189, respectively. The mysterious 4GB model sells for €109.

Apple's official comment, as reported by multiple news sites and blogs, is that 4GB models were produced for some foreign markets. Say, what? That doesn't make a whole lot of sense, since Apple didn't announce a new 4GB iPod nano last week.

What makes more sense, and here's where I agree with AppleInsider, is that there was a last-minute product change. The change would explain why 8GB nanos are shipping but 16GB models are delayed. According to Apple's online store, the 16GB models ship in two to four business days, while Amazon puts shipment at nine to 10 days.

So, why would Apple dump the 4GB nano, even after production started? Late on Sept. 8—about 18 hours before Apple's iPod announcement—Microsoft confirmed new Zune models and their pricing. Microsoft hadn't planned to announce new Zunes until Sept. 16, but some retailers advertised or sold new Zune models.

The leaks may have cost Microsoft a chance for gaining some bragging rights over Apple: Twice the capacity for the same price. Microsoft launched a 16GB Zune for $199, presumably the price for the 8GB nano before Apple's alleged last-minute change.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs "isn't one to let himself be shown up on capacity claims," writes AppleInsider. "If industry speculation is accurate, and AppleInsider believes the evidence supports the case, then Apple's rumored last-minute switch-up may have saved the company same face."

I totally agree. It's the explanation that makes the most sense of the mystery nanos.

Posted by Joe Wilcox on September 18, 2008 8:37 PM