Skip to main content

Apple may kill iPod shuffle, iPod classic

New iPod Shuffle
Image used with permission by copyright holder

With the iPhone 5 on the horizon, the sun may soon set on two of Apple’s long-time staples, the iPod shuffle and iPod classic.

According to TUAW, an unnamed source claims Apple will discontinue the two iPods, with the space being filled by the iPod nano and iPod touch. As Apple watchers may have noticed, we’ve heard a lot of about the next iPhone(s), but almost nothing about updates iPod line, save some rumblings about the release of a white iPod touch.

Speculation about the death of the two iPod offerings are supported by Apple’s vague claims of a “product transition” this year, which the company mentioned during its most recent earnings call.

While relatively few customers may mourn the death of the shuffle and classic iPods, the move appears to make business sense. The iPod shuffle is really nothing more than an iPod nano, without the convenient touchscreen. And the classic, which is 10-years-old this year, does little more than play music – something the iPod touch does just as well, plus the added benefit of being able to download games and other apps.

Then there’s the rise of the iPhone, which satisfies both the need for an MP3 player and a smartphone. If Apple offers a less-expensive iPhone this year, either in the form of a new iPhone 4S or a price-reduced iPhone 4, then its likely even more customers will be swayed in that direction, away from a low-end iPod option.

Of course, the primary downside to the elimination of the shuffle and classic is that the least expensive new iPod would jump from $49 (shuffle) to $149 (nano). Unless, of course, Apple drops the price on the nano, but nobody’s saying that, at least not in the tech press, so we can’t even guess that that’s a possibility.

What do you think, should Apple continue to produce the iPod shuffle and classic, or has their time past?

Editors' Recommendations

Andrew Couts
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Features Editor for Digital Trends, Andrew Couts covers a wide swath of consumer technology topics, with particular focus on…
The best iPhone keyboard apps in 2024: our 12 favorites
Typing on the iPhone 14 Plus.

The iPhone's default keyboard may not meet everyone's needs. Its limited features may leave some users wanting more variety and flexibility, especially on larger devices like the iPhone 15 Pro Max or smaller models like the iPhone SE (2022).

We have conducted research and compiled a comprehensive list of the best third-party keyboards for iPhone, that can significantly enhance your texting experience. These keyboards offer a wide range of features and customization options, such as adjustable key size, swipe typing, themes, and easier access to emojis. Most of these keyboards are available for free, while some offer premium subscription options. Either way, you'll easily be able to find a keyboard that suits your needs and preferences.

Read more
I found 16 new widgets for iOS 17 that you have to try
A selection of widgets on an iPhone home screen.

Widgets have long been a popular feature on iPhones. Since the release of iOS 17, they have become more interactive, providing a more engaging experience. Interactive widgets allow you to perform important actions from your iPhone's home screen. For example, you can complete your to-do lists, play and pause media and podcasts, control your smart home devices, and much more — all without opening any apps.

Interactive widgets are not limited to Apple's built-in apps on iOS 17. Third-party developers are also adopting this new feature. Although not all apps offer interactive widgets, there are plenty that do. Here are a few interactive widgets that are worth exploring.
Calculator 17

Read more
Does the iPhone 15 have an overheating problem? Here’s what we know
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max's camera module.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Last fall, Apple unveiled the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro series, which generated a lot of excitement among consumers. However, some users who got their hands on the devices early on expressed dissatisfaction by taking to social media to complain about overheating issues.

Read more