Mysterious 4GB iPod Nano 4G spotted!

During the September 9 Apple announcement, Steve Jobs unveiled the refreshed versions of the 4G iPod Nano with 8GB and 16GB versions. So, it’s a bit of a mystery why 4GB versions of the iPod Nano 4G are now selling in local stores here in Manila.

Dozens and dozens of 4GB iPod Nanos were spotted at ElectroWorld this afternoon, each one selling for Php7,490USD 128INR 10,820EUR 122CNY 930, and they come in all colors.

There was the 8GB model which sells for Php8,990USD 153INR 12,987EUR 146CNY 1,116. Conspicuously missing was the 16GB model. This now brings us to the pricing issue — which model really costs what?

The cashier at the store even had a hard time entering the 4GB model into their system because the SKU cannot be identified (the unit numbers are not in the inventory) and the bar code reader could not figure out the item from their database. They had to put the sale under the label “Miscellaneous Item”.

This was first reported by Engadget a couple weeks back and the official story is that Apple did release a limited number of 4GB Nano for the global market. But why?

Others speculate that Apple did not intend to release any 16GB iPod Nano. However, a week before the announcement, Microsoft already made public an 8GB and 16GB Zune. This struck panic inside Apple and Steve and the gand had to announce that they’re also offering 8GB and 16GB models. The already-manufactured 4GB iPod Nano 4G had to be disposed of so they ended up somewhere outside of the US so very few could notice.