iPhone nano plans leak

Posted by T3 Online on Thu 10 May 2007

Apple's got plans for a tiny touch-phone, but its design ideas might surprise you.

We know the iPhone's going to be the first in a range of mobiles from Apple, but we've just caught sight of the company's plans for the next-gen model.

The documents, forming part of a patent application, show a nano-sized device with a non-touch screen on the front and traditional scroll wheel round the back. The idea is that as you touch the scroll wheel, the display shows semi-transparent controls on the front.

Apple's new clickwheel is also force sensitive, meaning a light touch will make the iPod's menu selection hover, while a firmer prod makes a selection.

Check out the early designs here , and keep your fingers crossed for a mini iPhone in the very near future.