iPod Touch Officially Discontinued, Ending iPod Line After 20 Years

Apple has officially announced the discontinuation of previous iPod Touch models, effectively ending its iconic iPod product line, which began with the launch of the original iPod in October 2001. Although Apple didn’t create the market for portable music players, it captured the imagination in the world of the time, with its unique scroll wheel and convenient size and shape. In addition to various iterations of the original iPod, Apple also sold the hugely popular iPod mini, iPod nano, iPod shuffle, and iPod Touch series over the years.

The company eventually reduced the portfolio, shutting down ipod (later renamed iPod Classic), iPod nano, and iPod Shuffle last several years, The series had not been updated since 7th generation iPod touch launched In mid-2019, that came four years after the last refresh and was the only remaining model on sale. Even its presence on Apple’s official website was reduced, as other products, notably the iPhone, replaced it.

Apple’s iPod became a pop culture sensation, with several iconic commercials highlighting the white earphones that were bundled with it. Whenever a new model was expected to be launched, every time the excitement was high. The original iPod, with its 5GB capacity and FireWire connection, was exclusively compatible with Macs, but in 2003 Apple capitalized on the line’s popularity and required a Windows version of the iTunes app at the time to manage music on iPods. declare. That move would be credited with helping Apple Establish your brand identity In the Steve Jobs era.

Over the past 20 years, Apple introduced new features such as the click wheel with the Touch Surface and integrated buttons and flash memory, starting with the iPod nano line. Before streaming took effect and before Apple did, the iTunes Music Store allowed users to buy and sync music It was replaced by Apple Music, When the iPhone was first unveiled in 2007, it was billed as an iPod with touch controls as well as an Internet-connected device and mobile phone.

With the increasing popularity of the iPhone, as well as streaming services, Apple reduced its focus to the iPod line, and the lack of updates beyond the 7th Gen iPod Touch has indicated that the line has been discontinued for years now.

While the iPod touch was sometimes highlighted as a gaming device, or a more affordable Internet-connected device for kids, it’s less relevant now in the age of streaming content. Apple now says that this model will be available until stock lasts, but recommends several of its other products, including the iPhone, Apple Watch, and HomePod Mini, as a way to listen to music at home and at home.