iPod touch iPod touch 2016 Refresh

[Yebubbleman]

The sixth generation iPod touch launched in July of last year (2015).

The 16GB colored 5th Generation iPod touch that had both a front and rear facing camera came out the year before (2014) around the same time to replace the 16GB rear-facing-camera-less Black and Silver 5th Generation model.

The year before that (2013) the 16GB rear-facing-camera-less Black and Silver version of the 5th generation iPod touch replaced the 16GB and 32GB versions of the fourth Generation iPod touch that were still being sold alongside the fifth generation.

The year before that (2012), we had the fifth generation iPod touch being launched for the first time.

The year before that (2011), we had the introduction of the white variant of fourth generation iPod touch.

The year before that (2010), we had the introduction of the fourth generation iPod touch. And each year preceding, at the same time, we had, respectively, the third generation, second generation, and first generation models respectively.

It is now 2016 and September (iPhone [formerly iPod] month) is upon us. The iPod touch isn't in as dire of straits as it was (tech specs wise) in 2014 or in 2015 before the sixth generation launched, but given that Apple doesn't even have an "iPod" section at the top of their website's navigation bar (you actually have to know where to go in order to find their page on iPods), and given that all of their iPods (even the touch, to a degree) sort of conflict with their Apple Music strategy, it is hard to see a long and lasting future for that product line. Yet, one might argue that if they were going to kill them off, they would've had ample reason to do so by now.

Each year, though some definitely more substantial and impacting than others, Apple has at least changed the lineup a bit. So, I ask you all: what will Apple do with the iPod touch this year?
[doublepost=1472772956][/doublepost]For the record, I have no clue what they'll do and, so, I haven't cast my vote here.

I have always had a fondness for the iPod touch, and barring the weird battery/power glitches I'm experiencing with mine, I love my 128GB 6th Gen and hope Apple never stops making them, but I'd be lying if I said my iPhone 6s Plus wasn't starting to cannibalize it for its uses.

 

[44267547]

I have always appreciated the iPod Touch, but it's days are numbered with how the iPhone has consumed it's similarities and now the iPhone SE is cheap enough where it cost $100.00 more. I don't see Apple doing much with the iPod Touch, at least for now.

 

[djeeyore25]

I'm waiting to see if they update the iPod Touch next week, though I'm not expecting anything major. I need to replace my Nano and have been shopping around. It's getting harder to justify buying a Touch when the iPhone is just a few extra bucks. Unlocked Android phones are cheaper as well, even if you just want to use them as a media player. I'd like to see them drop the price of the Touch at least. There's still a market for iPods, especially in the exercise community.

 

[bella2v]

The iPodTouch gives me all the capabilities of the iPhone without a monthly plan fee, except of course it is not a phone, although by downloading Line2 it turns into a phone whenever there is wifi available, which in my world is almost always. If they are smart they will upgrade the processor and leave the rest of it alone. I use it for travel, downloading boarding passes, checking into hotels, getting email, checking accounts and yes, for making calls through Line2, especially from overseas back to the USA. Works better than any phone system I have ever used.

 

[1611215]

I hope Apple will update the iPod lineup especially the touch because I feel the iPod while cannibalised by the iPhone, is a important part of Apple (maybe you all think different but that is my opinion btw I would love to hear your opinions) but since Tim took the reigns of Apple he does not care about the iPod while Steve saw it's potential. While it has lost it's popularity, the iPod can be a good market for several markets e.g. Fitness, Children and Android/Windows mobile users. And I feel Apple could reinvent the line-up especially since Apple Music, fitness boom and if they remove the 3.5 mm headphone jack. I hope they add Apple Music support for nano and shuffle and at least SE internals in a new touch and of course 4.7 and 5.5 inch models and maybe a design refresh (been hoping for this since 2014) but I'm not holding my breath since it seems that they are killing the line off because discontinuing the Classic and getting rid of the icon on the Apple website. But hey, of what I've heard about no stock in America (British btw) there might be hope!

 

[Reno Raines]

I would like to see a refresh. Just make it the size of the iPhone 6 and it would be perfect for me.

 

[Fthree]

my daughter is anxiously awaiting an announcement for a iPod touch refresh! hope that happens!

 

[TheBigDog]

iPod Touch is a kids toy.

WOOF

 

[Reno Raines]

iPod Touch is a kids toy.

WOOF

Not for all. It is great for me as an adult as I use it for everything but phone calls. Has all the offline music and what not.

 

[sorcery]

iPod Touch is a kids toy.

WOOF

I think of it as an iPad nano

 

[Yebubbleman]

If they were to drop the price of the iPhone SE that much more and, perhaps, introduce a 128GB model that was, at most, $100 more (out of contract), then that'd be enough to kill it. As a huge fanboy of the iPod touch, I hate to say it, but in that scenario, it makes complete sense to kill it off. This scenario isn't too far-fetched.

 

[PhilHeron]

I see the price of the iPod Touch has been refreshed - here in the UK anyway. I was interested in a 64GB version. Yesterday it was £249, today it is £279. I think my interest is fading.

 

[Paddle1]

I see the price of the iPod Touch has been refreshed - here in the UK anyway. I was interested in a 64GB version. Yesterday it was £249, today it is £279. I think my interest is fading.

Brexit exchange rate I think. The price is unchanged in the US and Canada (where it's actually a bit underpriced).

 

[Walrus Man]

I see the price of the iPod Touch has been refreshed - here in the UK anyway. I was interested in a 64GB version. Yesterday it was £249, today it is £279. I think my interest is fading.

Dead now. In the UK at least. The entry level price for the 16Gb was a very nice £159, and widely available at £139 at many retailers. Price at Apple store now £179 for 16Gb.

 

[ipedro]

I'm surprised every year that goes by that they don't kill the entire iPod line.

Far better alternative for kids: iPad Mini

Better alternative for runners: Apple Watch

Even if they want to keep the Nano and Shuffle around for their low price point, they don't work with Apple Music. Once iTunes is dead, I don't see those two surviving.

The iPod Touch 32GB is just $20 less than the same size iPad Mini 2. For games and apps, the much larger screen on the iPad is a better entry level for an iOS device.

With AirPods now in the lineup, it seems that they can eventually take the iPod's spot if given storage — maybe fitting into the iPod Nano's role given the price point.

 

[ambientdaw]

So this is my question: is there any benefit to having an iPod Touch as a future-proof dedicated media player vs. an iPhone? I see the world of music-listening and collecting being turned upside-down by Apple (thanks!) and mostly not for the better. I have my OWN collection of music I want preserved, that would last 20 years. The iPhone has a lot more going on, probably doesn't have as good battery life as an iPod. So would the iPod be longer-lasting or more stable in the event of an armeggedon scenario where I really just need a music player? Weird question I know. Wish they still had the Classic. Wish they update the Touch to 256gb.

 

[nerven]

So, when is the next Apple event for the new iPod touch? I want the W1 Wireless Earbud technology but I all ready have a cell phone that I am happy with...

 

[joeblow7777]

I'm surprised every year that goes by that they don't kill the entire iPod line.

Far better alternative for kids: iPad Mini
.

Many teens (and some adults) use an iPod Touch just like a smartphone, minus the phone. That means it needs to be pocketable. An iPad mini won't fit in most people's pants pocket.

 

[pika2000]

The iPod Touch starting price is $199. I don't think Apple would want to just cut the margin for the A9 that soon, considering the A9 still beats Snapdragon 821, the highest end SoC used by current Android flagships.
For the purpose the iPod Touch is now being used for, the A8 is more than plenty.

 

[sracer]

If they were to drop the price of the iPhone SE that much more and, perhaps, introduce a 128GB model that was, at most, $100 more (out of contract), then that'd be enough to kill it. As a huge fanboy of the iPod touch, I hate to say it, but in that scenario, it makes complete sense to kill it off. This scenario isn't too far-fetched.

a 64GB iPhone SE can already be purchased for $399 no-contract. (soon to be less now that Apple dropped the MSRP by $50) Although it is locked in to a carrier, you don't need to have service activated.

The announcement of the headphone jack-less iPhone 7 is the greatest indicator that the iPod Touch will soon be discontinued.

Apple will not continue to produce handheld iOS devices that contain a headphone jack. What is out there... iPhone SE and iPod Touch, will hang around but when it is time to upgrade or discontinue, the iPod Touch will be discontinued.

Why discontinue the iPod Touch? Because it will not make marketing sense to produce (relatively speaking) low cost iOS devices that requires high cost wireless earpods, or an adapter to support legacy headphones... for the iPod Touch target market.

I'm a fan of the iPod Touch as well and still use mine daily (in spite of having a 64GB iPhone SE and a few other iOS devices). It has been a terrific travel companion to supplement the time that I had an Android smartphone. But sadly, Apple doesn't seem to want to advance it further.

 

[vlad_djkax]

So this is my question: is there any benefit to having an iPod Touch as a future-proof dedicated media player vs. an iPhone?

My personal experience: I bought an iPod Touch 5th Gen 64 GB (iOS 9.3.5) for music listening (offline or via Spotify) without the annoyance of being interrupted by notifications or incoming calls. Even with the latest iOS, for that purpose, it works fine. Once in while, I use it to stream some video content. For example, if I'm at a friend's home and he / she has no PPV event option, like UFC or Soccer, iPod Touch to the rescue. Obvioulsy, for those situations, I bring with me the Lightining to HDMI Adapter. Again, no interruptions.

YMMV, but as you can see, for what I need and want, it's worth it.

Changing the subject to prices, it's a true miracle that Apple reduced (a bit) the prices here in Brazil, including the iPod line. Everything is still awfully pricier then the rest of the world, but it's something we don't usually get, so, it's still good news.

 

[Paddle1]

Why discontinue the iPod Touch? Because it will not make marketing sense to produce (relatively speaking) low cost iOS devices that requires high cost wireless earpods, or an adapter to support legacy headphones... for the iPod Touch target market.

I don't see the issue? The iPod touch could easily be upgraded to include to Lightning to 3.5mm adapter in an update just like the iPhone. It's only $10 on the Apple Store. There is no difference from iPhone that I can see.

 

[Yebubbleman]

a 64GB iPhone SE can already be purchased for $399 no-contract. (soon to be less now that Apple dropped the MSRP by $50) Although it is locked in to a carrier, you don't need to have service activated.

The announcement of the headphone jack-less iPhone 7 is the greatest indicator that the iPod Touch will soon be discontinued.

Apple will not continue to produce handheld iOS devices that contain a headphone jack. What is out there... iPhone SE and iPod Touch, will hang around but when it is time to upgrade or discontinue, the iPod Touch will be discontinued.

Why discontinue the iPod Touch? Because it will not make marketing sense to produce (relatively speaking) low cost iOS devices that requires high cost wireless earpods, or an adapter to support legacy headphones... for the iPod Touch target market.

I'm a fan of the iPod Touch as well and still use mine daily (in spite of having a 64GB iPhone SE and a few other iOS devices). It has been a terrific travel companion to supplement the time that I had an Android smartphone. But sadly, Apple doesn't seem to want to advance it further.

I'm with you on that...mostly. I think that Apple would be smart to keep the SE with the body style that it has for as long of a time as they can. Given that it isn't getting any thinner, they can probably afford to integrate 3D-touch. Water-proofing and solid-state home-buttoning doesn't seem as immediately necessary to it, but I'd imagine retaining the thickness of that body style would probably allow for them to implement at least the latter if they really wanted.

Either way, the iPhone SE is in a unique position to be positioned as the successor product to the iPods given the cellular connectivity options and being the same size as the 6th generation iPod touch.

If they're to keep it around as an alternate iPhone and on an alternate release schedule, a 128GB iPhone SE model that replaces the iPod touch at the same price point might come next March, in which case, it makes sense that there was no change (or discontinuation) to the iPod touch this year at all.

 

[sracer]

I don't see the issue? The iPod touch could easily be upgraded to include to Lightning to 3.5mm adapter in an update just like the iPhone. It's only $10 on the Apple Store. There is no difference from iPhone that I can see.

The difference is that the iPhone 7 is not targeted to teens and pre-teens. Note: I'm not saying that those are the only people who buy them, but the iPod Touch has become the gameboy for many youth. THAT demographic uses headphones/earbuds frequently and will not look kindly to having an adapter to buy and/or lose.

 

[Yebubbleman]

The difference is that the iPhone 7 is not targeted to teens and pre-teens. Note: I'm not saying that those are the only people who buy them, but the iPod Touch has become the gameboy for many youth. THAT demographic uses headphones/earbuds frequently and will not look kindly to having an adapter to buy and/or lose.

Most kids those age just have cheaper iPhones instead of iPod touches. Again, this is where the iPhone SE comes in. And if they keep the body style the same, then the headphone jack will remain and there will be no need for that adapter. But even so, they solve the needing an adapter problem by providing the Lightning EarPods with the phone.