Throughout the more than 20 years since Apple first released the iPod in October 2001, the creator of Mac has become synonymous with the world of technology. The initial massive success of the iPod as one of the most popular portable music players following its launch and later the advent of the iPhone acting as one of the first smartphones has seen the already massive tech company turn into a global icon. Now, a recent announcement from Apple has revealed that one of the company's most revolutionary products will soon be on the way out.
Apple's iPod and iPhone have become iconic products within the tech industry and the company stands as one of the biggest producers of smartphones in the world, with Apple branding out into tablets, accessories, and even rumored to be developing a game console. While the iPhone has captured the attention of fans worldwide, the iPod Touch served as the companion to the popular smartphone, sharing many of the same features. However, Apple officially confirmed today that, following the current generation of devices, the tech giant would officially be discontinuing the iPod Touch.
The announcement came early Tuesday through Apple's official Newsroom blog stating that iPod Touch devices would only be available "while supplies last," confirming the sunset of the now nearly fifteen-year-old peripheral. The post takes time to reflect on the history of the iPod brand and how the portable platform "redefined how music is listened to" with the iPod's initial function now available across many of Apple's devices, both portable and home-based. iPod Touch products will continue to be available both through Apple retailers and the company's official website until all remaining products are sold.
The discontinuation of the iPod Touch will bring an end to the product's nearly fifteen-year run, with first-generation devices releasing on September 5, 2007. The post also contains a short slideshow featuring many of the iPod's iterations over the twenty-plus years of its life while marketing many of Apple's current products as replacements for the iPod Touch. The latest revision of the iPod Touch came in 2019 with the seventh generation of devices now marking the final version of the iconic portable device.
The sunsetting of the iPod Touch comes as Apple is looking to the future with many new products and services planned for the coming years. 2022 has already seen the release of new models of both of the developer's flagship devices, the iPhone and iPad, and recent rumors have suggested the company may be looking into an Apple hardware subscription service allowing customers to switch devices with pricing set based on the device. While many longtime fans of Apple will be sad to see the iPod Touch go, the portable device will leave a long-lasting legacy on the world of technology as a whole.
Source: Apple