The iPod Line: 2013+

[cambookpro]

So I remember posting a thread on what the 2012 iPod line would be. Basically, we all pretty much got it wrong (here)

So what is to become of the iPod line in the future? Will they be kept on without updates, phased out entirely or continually updated?

Personally, I can see how the iPod touch can evolve, but the shuffle/nano less so. The shuffle is about as small as it can go, plus what else can you add to it?

I know the nano has historically been Apple's design 'playground', so I wouldn't bet against another complete redesign this/next year.

Thoughts?

[rbrian]

The shuffle gets even smaller - so small it's just an earbud. Not like a bluetooth earpiece, but virtually invisible like in spy films.

The touch gets 3G; the networks disallow VOIP.

The nano? I haven't a clue. I wouldn't have predicted any of the previous changes.

[el-John-o]

I don't think we'll see a touch with 3G. It'll add thickness, cost, and reduce battery life. The iPad is easy to maintain a 3G model without it being drastically different than the Wi-Fi model thanks to it's 7"-10" screen giving it much more 'room' to add a 3G radio.

I dunno, these threads always end up with tons of wild off-the-wall major overhauls. I just see another incremental upgrade. The touch will coincide with the 5S, I don't see much changing with the nano. Maybe Apple will surprise us and update the Classic to include the latest 250GB 1.8" drives. Maybe it'll even have a lightning connector! However, if there is ever a time to really doom and gloom the classic, it's the fact that it still contains a discontinued interface (30 pin), so if it doesn't change this year, (if it survives this year) I'm predicting this year to be the end of it.

Maybe a 128GB iPod touch? That right there could really put a nail in the iPod Classics coffin. Cost would be high, but the way Apple has been thinking as of late, they may equate a 128GB iPod touch as a worthy replacement for a 160GB Classic, despite the classic being much cheaper.