A Case, or Two, for an Apple iPhone Nano

Apple (AAPL) could exit the annual MacWorld Expo with a bang in the form of a new iPhone nano, according to apparent leaks by two device case manufacturers.

Vaja and XSKN, two prominent iPhone and iPod case manufacturers, have recently posted listings for iPhone nano cases on their Web sites, sparking rumors that Apple could unveil a new, slimmed-down version of the iPhone 3G during its last appearance at the MacWorld Expo in January. Earlier this month, Apple said it will withdraw from the trade show as part of an ongoing effort to reduce its participation in these showcase events.

On Tuesday, the Gizmodo Web site posted rumors that Jobs' health is "rapidly declining" and that "Apple misrepresented the reasons behind MacWorld and Jobs' keynote cancellation." Apple did not return requests for comment.

Apple typically takes the stage at MacWorld to roll out its newest products for the year. In 2007, Apple CEO Steve Jobs first unveiled the original iPhone and offered more details of the Apple TV. Last year, Jobs introduced the MacBook Air and the Time Capsule device. In addition to the rumored iPhone nano, there have been hints that Apple is prepping a low-cost netbook.

Not every analyst is convinced that Apple has something up its sleeve for its final MacWorld Expo appearance. Shaw Wu, analyst with Kaufman Bros., expects no big surprises this year, citing Apple's decision to have Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing, deliver the Jan. 6 keynote speech instead of Jobs.