Everything dies, baby, that’s a fact.
Two decades after the first iPods hit shelves and, subsequently, the pockets of millions of music lovers around the world, Apple announced on Tuesday that the iPod touch has been discontinued. In doing so, Apple has finally pulled the plug on the iPod product line, as the touchscreen-based variant (which was basically a cheap iPhone without the phone part) was the only one still being manufactured before the announcement.
iPod touches, which start at $199, will be available “while supplies last,” per Apple.
Apple started selling iPods in 2001, and while the device may not have single-handedly killed physical CD sales, it could certainly be seen as the face of the MP3 movement. From the classic iPod with a small screen and a scroll wheel for navigating through (often horribly disorganized) music libraries to the screenless iPod shuffle, and eventually the iPod touch later on, Apple’s little machine was the most recognizable portable music player around.
Of course, the rationale behind this decision is easy to see. Standalone music players were rendered obsolete by the prevalence of smartphones years ago. Apple noted in the post that iPhones, Apple Watches, and HomePods will all still play music from your Apple Music library just as well as any iPod would.
While it’s sad to see the iPod line cross the rainbow bridge, 20 years is a hell of a run. Since the cycle of obsolescence will eventually come for your iPhone, Mac computer, and iPad too, it’s best to find a nice middle ground between appreciating these devices without getting too attached.
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