The iPod world has ended not with a bang, but with a whimper, as apple.com/ipod now redirects to apple.com/ipod-touch. Both of the smaller music players were there just a few days ago.
Apple hasn’t published a press release on its website, but issued a statement to the press:
Today, we are simplifying our iPod lineup with two models of iPod touch now with double the capacity starting at just $199 and we are discontinuing the iPod shuffle and iPod nano.
This, of course, should not be a surprise to anyone. The iPod nano was last updated in September 2012, when it gained a weird iOS 6-like interface without actually running iOS 6.
The story of the Shuffle is even sadder. The tiny music player was last revised in September 2010. Out of the two, however, I figured the Nano would go first. The Shuffle — with its built-in clip and easy-to-use controls — is great for running and biking.
However, time marches on. The iPod was simply absorbed by the iPhone, and to a lesser degree, the Apple Watch, not to mention Spotify and Apple Music.
Most people probably didn’t even know they were still for sale.
The iPod touch remains. With its 10th anniversary just a few months away, I wonder how long it has left. In July 2015, Apple gave it the A8 processor from the iPhone 6, along with better cameras and increased storage capacity. The Touch’s pricing and capacities were adjusted today, but the product saw no other changes.
With the iPad mini fading into the background, will the 4-inch iPod touch enjoy a renaissance? History says no, and the footer on Apple’s website isn’t too encouraging, either.
The iPod nano and iPod shuffle saw many changes over the years, and were well-loved, but their time has come to an end.
Farewell, friends.