Apple has officially announce the discontinuation of the last iPod Touch model, effectively ending its iconic iPod product line, which began with the launch of the original iPod in October 2001.
Apple did not create the market for portable music players, it capture the imagination of the world at the time, with its unique scroll wheel and convenient shape and size.
In addition to various iterations of the original iPod, Apple also sold the extremely popular iPod mini, iPod nano, iPod shuffle, and iPod Touch series over the past many years.
Apple eventually reduce the portfolio, discontinuing the iPod (later rename as iPod Classic), iPod nano, and iPod shuffle over the past many years.
This series had not update since the launch of the 7th Gen iPod Touch in mid-2019, which came four years after the previous refresh and was the sole remaining model on sale.
Even its presence on Apple’s official website had diminish, as other products, most notably the iPhone, replace it.
Apple’s iPod became a popular with many iconic advertisements highlighting the white earphones that were with it.
Buyers excitement ran high each time a new model was expected to be launched.
The original iPod, with its 5GB capacity and FireWire connection, was exclusively compatible with Macs, but Apple in 2003 capitalise on the line’s popularity and announced a Windows version of the iTunes app require to manage music on iPods at the time.
That move would be credit with helping Apple establish its brand identity in the Steve Jobs era.
In 20 years Apple introduce new features such as the click wheel with a touch surface and integrate buttons and flash memory beginning with the iPod nano line.
The iTunes Music Store allow users to purchase and sync music, before streaming became dominant and Apple replace it with Apple Music.
When the iPhone was first unveile in 2007, it was bill as an iPod with touch controls as well as an Internet-connect device and a mobile phone.
With the growing popularity of the iPhone as well as streaming services, Apple cut down its focus on the iPod line, and the lack of updates beyond the 7th Gen iPod Touch has indicate the eventual discontinuation of the line for years now.
While the iPod Touch was at times highlight as a gaming device, or a more affordable Internet-connect device for children, it is less relevant now in the age of streaming content.
Apple now says this model will remain available while stocks last, but suggests its various other products including iPhones, the Apple Watch, and HomePod mini as ways to listen to music on the go and at home.
