I don't know, but I can't see even Apple killing off two hardware generations in one go. This is the official end of the 2nd gen just now. (Although the iOS 4.0 update made that obvious) .

Iirc, the betas supported the third gen so the only reason to kill it off is to avoid the complications of the lower specced 8gb third gen.

It installed without a problem on my 3rd generation iPod touch (64GB) and the Apple website says that it’s compatible with 3rd generation iPod touches [0]. Why are you asking? Is it not working for you?

I’m actually wondering whether 4.3 works on the 8GB “3rd generation” (by name only) iPod touches since those had identical specs to 2nd generation iPod touches. Apple’s website is quiet about that so I assume it works.

[0] Scroll all the way down: http://www.apple.com/ios/

Thanks! I asked because Ars reported that it was available for "4th-generation iPod touch". Your response was exactly what I was hoping for, as I wasn't in a position to try it myself.

The update readme that comes up in iTunes says:

    Products compatible with this software update:

    - iPhone 4 (GSM model)

    - iPhone 3GS

    - iPad

    - iPod touch (4th generation)

    - iPod touch (3rd generation)

But keep in mind, the 3rd Gen iPod touch only inludes the 16 & 32 GB models, and not the 8GB they sold along side it. The 8GB was really still a second-Gen iPod.