iPod Shuffle Shipping Times Improve to 5-7 Days in Europe Following Reports of Supplier Change

[MacRumors]

Earlier this month, the iPod shuffle's shipping estimates slipped to 7-10 days in the United States, Europe and other regions, leading to speculation as to whether the portable media player would soon be discontinued or was going through reported supplier changes. Today, we are beginning to see a clearer picture.

For now, it appears that the iPod shuffle will continue to live on. iGen.fr was first to notice today that shipping times for the iPod shuffle have improved to 5-7 days on the Apple Online Store in the United Kingdom, France, Germany and some other European countries. The improved shipping times are not reflected in the United States or Canada storefronts yet, which still display shipping estimates of 7-10 days.

While demand for the iPod shuffle has been overshadowed by devices such as the iPhone and iPod touch, the portable media player remains a convenient and affordable option for incorporating into a daily workout routine or similar. The current fourth-generation iPod shuffle with front-facing media controls was introduced in 2010 and has not been updated since outside of a few color changes.

Article Link: iPod Shuffle Shipping Times Improve to 5-7 Days in Europe Following Reports of Supplier Change

 

[artuuur]

- Hi, I'd like to return these 50 unopened iPod Shuffle that I've been stockpiling to resell because I thought Apple was going to kill it.

This is happening right now, somewhere in the world.

 

[Keane16]

The comments on the original story are fun. The conspiracy theorists thinking Apple were pulling the Shuffle so people would buy the Apple Watch instead. Can't help but laugh.

sshambles
3 weeks ago
Shuffles are great for running, especially given the latest iPhones are too big to run with.

We all know what's happening next here though - extinction.
Rating: 45 Votes

thekeyring
3 weeks ago
Noticed a few comments saying 'it was best for running' or 'best for working out'.

I think we all might know why it might be discontinued then.
Rating: 11 Votes

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

Typical MacRumors user:

'such innovation'

 

[Bryan Bowler]

Thank goodness its not being discontinued. I use my Shuffle at least 10-12 hours a week while running and would hate to see it go away.

Bryan

 

[Kobayagi]

This thing still has just two GB?

 

[2457282]

The comments on the original story are fun. The conspiracy theorists thinking Apple were pulling the Shuffle so people would buy the Apple Watch instead. Can't help but laugh.

Well my original theory was that Apple would just sell the shuffle online instead of in-store. I think long-term, maintaining a stock of shuffles in-store doesn't make sense since they are selling less and less of them. But I see vendors giving these away as prizes and there are other bulk purchases that are better served on-line.

In any case, nice to see stock returning.

 

[iDac]

Delivered in 2 days last month in Europe.

 

[Keane16]

In any case, nice to see stock returning.

Definitely, fills a few use cases really well.

 

[Mike MA]

Thank goodness its not being discontinued. I use my Shuffle at least 10-12 hours a week while running and would hate to see it go away.

Bryan

Then get yourself a replacement now because it will be soon

 

[jameskachan]

I wish Apple would update it's iPod line.

I have an iPhone, iPad, and will likely have a watch too at some point, but for the gym, for parties, I'd really like to just have a dedicated music player that is small and can hold a lot of music.

Apple should change the line to:

iPod Go (better name) formally Shuffle
Clip design, sapphire screen (probably borrowed from the watch) at least 32GB with a screen (force touch + side physical button) same size as current Shuffle, waterproof, with bluetooth for wireless headphones.

iPod (better name - formally nano)
128GB - movies - with video out / AirPlay for presentations/external screen play, work as a thumb drive and a music player with HD music playback. - No camera, radio — give or take.

iPod Touch
Same as theyre currently doing more or less.

Even if these improvements caused a bit of a price jump, I think they would be hugely popular.