A recently published U.S. patent application shows Apple may be working on a new handheld touch sensitive input device. The touch-sensitive interface described in the patent application looks appropriate for a new iPod model that would do away with the Click Wheel in favor of an on-screen interface, an Apple phone with a secondary display on the backside, or even a tablet-style Mac.
Apple's Patent App Possible Sign of iPods to Come
Apple's Patent App Possible Sign of iPods to Come