iPod touch iPod touch with Cellular

[nutmac]

I guess we should be ecstatic that iPod touch received a hardware update at all, but I can't help but feel disappointed that Apple is still denying iPod touch with Wi-Fi + Cellular option.

I think such configuration would be hugely popular among kids and even some adults, a segment that rarely (if any) makes phone calls.

 

[sracer]

I guess we should be ecstatic that iPod touch received a hardware update at all, but I can't help but feel disappointed that Apple is still denying iPod touch with Wi-Fi + Cellular option.

I think such configuration would be hugely popular among kids and even some adults, a segment that rarely (if any) makes phone calls.

What you and others who want this is simply wanting a cheaper iPhone. Nothing wrong with wanting that, but that's not going to happen... and it is unrealistic to even hope for. Of course it would be popular. It would also significantly shift sales FROM the iPhone and TO the iPod Touch.

When one examines the differences between an iPhone and iPod Touch w/cellular option it ultimately comes down to the different in price between the two devices.

 

[0000757]

I guess we should be ecstatic that iPod touch received a hardware update at all, but I can't help but feel disappointed that Apple is still denying iPod touch with Wi-Fi + Cellular option.

I think such configuration would be hugely popular among kids and even some adults, a segment that rarely (if any) makes phone calls.

They do. It's called an iPhone. All the features of the iPod touch but with the ability to use cellular! There's also a few added benefits too, like GPS, a vibrator, and a built in call placer.

 

[nutmac]

What you and others who want this is simply wanting a cheaper iPhone. Nothing wrong with wanting that, but that's not going to happen... and it is unrealistic to even hope for. Of course it would be popular. It would also significantly shift sales FROM the iPhone and TO the iPod Touch.

When one examines the differences between an iPhone and iPod Touch w/cellular option it ultimately comes down to the different in price between the two devices.

Apple can limit the option to higher-end iPod touch configurations, 64GB ($299 + $129 = $428) and 128GB ($399 + $129 = $528). Apple charges $450 for 8GB iPhone 5c, so at this price, margin probably wouldn't be compromised significantly.

It has more to do with folks avoid paying exorbitant charges to phone carriers.

 

[sracer]

Apple can limit the option to higher-end iPod touch configurations, 64GB ($299 + $129 = $428) and 128GB ($399 + $129 = $528). Apple charges $450 for 8GB iPhone 5c, so at this price, margin probably wouldn't be compromised significantly.

It has more to do with folks avoid paying exorbitant charges to phone carriers.

exorbitant? $25/mo. for 300 minutes/unlimited text/unlimited data? $45/mo. unlimited everything.

 

[im_to_hyper]

A few things:

1) Carriers wouldn't like this. They want the revenue from the monthly service fees of an actual phone. iPod touch + cellular + iMessage + FaceTime + Google Voice = cell phone for just the cost of the data package.

2) Its messages like this that clearly say to Apple "Make a 4" iPhone 6S" or: "Sell the 6C with better internals"

 

[dinepada]

What you and others who want this is simply wanting a cheaper iPhone. Nothing wrong with wanting that, but that's not going to happen... and it is unrealistic to even hope for. Of course it would be popular. It would also significantly shift sales FROM the iPhone and TO the iPod Touch.

When one examines the differences between an iPhone and iPod Touch w/cellular option it ultimately comes down to the different in price between the two devices.

specially in Latin America where an iPhone costs arround 1200$ (16 gb)

 

[bniu]

In fact, I think the should go the other direction with cellular iPads and add full phone calling feature through the LTE radio on the iPad. No, it would not be intended as an everyday phone, but it would surely be convenient to use every now and then when you're already engaging with your iPad and need to make a quick phone call.

 

[Lancetx]

In fact, I think the should go the other direction with cellular iPads and add full phone calling feature through the LTE radio on the iPad. No, it would not be intended as an everyday phone, but it would surely be convenient to use every now and then when you're already engaging with your iPad and need to make a quick phone call.

You can already do that via Continuity with an iPad or iPod touch if you have an iPhone as well, but I know what you mean since that obviously requires having both devices.

 

[WLS]

The ipod touch is just too thin to add that. If you need cellular then Apple wants you to get an iPad. I'm getting the new iPad mini in the fall with cellular. T-Mobile offers a free package for just email (200MB)

 

[RMo]

In fact, I think the should go the other direction with cellular iPads and add full phone calling feature through the LTE radio on the iPad. No, it would not be intended as an everyday phone, but it would surely be convenient to use every now and then when you're already engaging with your iPad and need to make a quick phone call.

You can already do this if you have an iPhone on the same WiFi network (and same iCloud account), and even if you don't, iMessage and FaceTime will get you pretty close.

 

[MacDarcy]

Well, if Apple had offered a 4.7" and/or 5.5" iPod touch and rebranded it as an iPad nano, that was my hope that it would have gotten cellular. But it didn't. Perhaps in the future.

 

[MacDarcy]

In fact, I think the should go the other direction with cellular iPads and add full phone calling feature through the LTE radio on the iPad. No, it would not be intended as an everyday phone, but it would surely be convenient to use every now and then when you're already engaging with your iPad and need to make a quick phone call.

I already make & receive calls on my iPad mini. I am grandfathered in on the unlimited att data plan from the first ipad. Heck, I even make calls from my iPod touch with wifi. With a Google number and all the VOIP apps out there, it's really easy.

 

[Trickhot3102]

I guess we should be ecstatic that iPod touch received a hardware update at all, but I can't help but feel disappointed that Apple is still denying iPod touch with Wi-Fi + Cellular option.

I think such configuration would be hugely popular among kids and even some adults, a segment that rarely (if any) makes phone calls.

The reason they don't give it cellular + wifi is because that's an iPhone.

 

[Serelus]

Quite honestly, i'd sell my iPhone and buy an iPod touch. With everyone on whatsapp in my country, I could just call over my data plan. No longer need a phone. I don't think carriers or apple would like that.

 

[Weiser878]

exorbitant? $25/mo. for 300 minutes/unlimited text/unlimited data? $45/mo. unlimited everything.

If only there were such a plan. Anything advertising that throttles data speed after a ridiculously low amount, like 3-5GB. Plus its on an MVNO which gets pretty unreliable coverage around here when there's a big event at the university like graduation or a ball game

 

[zone23]

In fact, I think the should go the other direction with cellular iPads and add full phone calling feature through the LTE radio on the iPad. No, it would not be intended as an everyday phone, but it would surely be convenient to use every now and then when you're already engaging with your iPad and need to make a quick phone call.

My iPad can already make and receive phone calls.

 

[zone23]

I guess we should be ecstatic that iPod touch received a hardware update at all, but I can't help but feel disappointed that Apple is still denying iPod touch with Wi-Fi + Cellular option.

I think such configuration would be hugely popular among kids and even some adults, a segment that rarely (if any) makes phone calls.

So what would be the difference between a iPhone and an iPod then?

 

[617aircav]

Apple can limit the option to higher-end iPod touch configurations, 64GB ($299 + $129 = $428) and 128GB ($399 + $129 = $528). Apple charges $450 for 8GB iPhone 5c, so at this price, margin probably wouldn't be compromised significantly.

It has more to do with folks avoid paying exorbitant charges to phone carriers.

Of it had cellular how would they avoid those fees?

 

[nutmac]

So what would be the difference between a iPhone and an iPod then?

By far the #1 is benefit is cost. iPod touch with cellular will cost at least $100 less than comparable iPhone or offer a lot more storage for the same cost (e.g., $428 for 64GB + cellular iPod touch vs. $450 for iPhone 5c with 8GB).

Of it had cellular how would they avoid those fees?

Data plans for tablets typically cost a lot less than phones, especially if it's added to existing family plan. T-Mobile may even offer free 200MB/month as they do with tablets.

 

[Ferc Kast]

Well, if Apple had offered a 4.7" and/or 5.5" iPod touch and rebranded it as an iPad nano, that was my hope that it would have gotten cellular. But it didn't. Perhaps in the future.

It still wouldn't be an iPad nano at 4.7" or 5.5" since the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus only run iPhone apps, not the iPad-optimized apps.

 

[TacticalDesire]

It has more to do with folks avoid paying exorbitant charges to phone carriers.

You can get plans for $35/m that include Unlimited Talk, Text, 2.5gb of LTE and unlimited at reduced speeds after that and have a real phone. Even cheaper if you want less data and minutes. There's no reason for apple to introduce such a product.

 

[617aircav]

If you add cellular to the iPod touch it will not be priced the same. The price will go up at least $100.

 

[lip008]

For the older iPod touches third party companies sold a case with an extended battery and 3g connection. Freedom Pop currently has one for the 1st to 3rd gen iPod Touches. With the advancement of LTE across the country since a 3,000 mAh battery/case combo with a SIM slot would be great. You can get the free/cheap version hotspot from them as is to supplement data to the Touch when not around wifi, but carrying the device separately would be a pain. It's only a matter of time before a company makes the same thing for this current Touch. Heck, one may already exist and as the dimensions I don't think have changed much from the 5th generation....

 

[WLS]

saw the Apple media presentation and had some thoughts. For those who want a better Touch with touch ID a bigger screen better camera and GPS with cellular data Apple now is selling their Iphone 6 directly with a $100 discount so no contract! You can get an unlocked iphone 6 and just pick a data only contract or not but the point is you don't have to lock into an expensive cellular contract. You can get a 6 with 64Gb for $649. A 64GB Touch is $299 so yea its more money to get a 6 but you get more features which you have to expect to pay for. Apple makes it easy with the payment plan so you can afford it.