iPod Touch Officially Discontinued, Ending 20-Year iPod Line

Apple has officially announced the end of the final iPod Touch model, ultimately concluding the famous iPod product series that started in October 2001 with the release of the first iPod.

While Apple did not invent the portable music player industry, its unusual scroll wheel and usable form and size attracted the world’s attention.

Apple has released the trendy iPod mini, iPod nano, iPod shuffle, and iPod Touch series in addition to many variations of the original iPod over the last few years.

Over the years, the business has limited its product selection, retiring the iPod (later renamed iPod Classic), iPod nano, and iPod shuffle. The series had not been updated since the release of the 7th Generation iPod Touch in mid-2019, which was the last surviving model on the market four years after the previous refresh. Its visibility on Apple’s official website has dwindled as other devices, most notably the iPhone, took its place.

With multiple memorable advertisements spotlighting the white headphones that came with it, Apple’s iPod became a pop-cultural phenomenon. When a new model was due to be released, there was a lot of anticipation.

With its 5GB storage and FireWire connection, the original iPod was only compatible with Macs. Still, Apple capitalized on the line’s success in 2003 by releasing a Windows version of the iTunes client, which was necessary to manage music on iPods. This move is credited with establishing Apple’s brand identity during the Steve Jobs era.

Beginning with the iPod nano range, Apple added additional features such as the click wheel with a touch surface and integrated buttons, and flash memory.

Before streaming became popular, Apple replaced the iTunes Music Store with Apple Music, enabling customers to buy and sync music.

The iPhone was introduced in 2007 as an iPod with touch controls, an Internet-connected device, and a cellphone.

Apple reduced its attention to the iPod line as the iPhone and streaming services grew popular. The absence of upgrades beyond the 7th Generation iPod Touch has signaled the brand’s imminent retirement for years.

While the iPod Touch was formerly marketed as a gaming device or a less expensive Internet-connected gadget for kids, it is no longer relevant in the era of streaming entertainment.

Apple now claims that this model will be available while supplies last but those other Apple products such as iPhones, the Apple Watch, and the HomePod mini are better options for listening to music on the road and at home.