Apple’s demand for flash memory is proving insatiable in the run-up to new iPods, according to one report.

Mixed messages from Toshiba may be a clue to a major order of NAND flash memory from Apple, if claimed sources at circuit makers are accurate.

The apparent insiders for DigiTimes (a leading tech blog) say Toshiba is boosting its production to a high 90 percent of its capacity next month but, strangely, is telling customers in the spot market — companies that buy on short notice — that it won’t have much supply for their orders. The combination is usually a sign that a long-term client is swallowing up most of the components and leaving little else for the smaller companies that can’t always make these deals.

It’s speculated that the mystery drain on flash memory is none other than Apple, which has a history of creating shortages in the flash memory market whenever it’s gearing up for the release of a new iPhone or iPod. The American firm also recently confirmed a $500 million contract with Toshiba that will guarantee a healthy supply of NAND flash for an unspecified amount of time, making it the most probable source of the problem.

Like most home electronics companies, Apple normally queues up production weeks or months ahead of when it actually intends to ship its products and is more than likely bracing itself for holiday sales of new mobile devices that could include iPods with cameras.