Apple may kill iPod shuffle, iPod classic

By Andrew Couts September 28, 2011

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

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Features Editor for Digital Trends, Andrew Couts covers a wide swath of consumer technology topics, with particular focus on…

Mobile

How to transfer photos from an iPhone to a computer

The Apple iPhone 15 Plus's gallery app.

As the old saying goes, the best camera is the one you always have with you. If you're like most iPhone users, that means you've likely amassed a sizeable collection of photos on your device. However, while Apple's Photos app is a great way to manage and view your photo library, it's never a good idea to keep all your eggs in one basket. After all, suffering a lost or broken iPhone is painful enough without also losing all your precious digital memories in the process.

Even if you're backing up your iPhone to iCloud or your computer, it's a good idea to keep your photos backed up separately. After all, opening a folder or a photo management app is a much easier way to get at your photos than trying to extract them from an iCloud or iTunes/Finder backup, which requires either restoring them to another iPhone or relying on special software tools.

Computing

Best Apple deals: Save on AirPods, Apple Watch, iPad, MacBook

Apple MacBook Air M1 open, on a table.

Apple has been a big player in the tech space for a long time, and it has pioneered some of the technology we use today, such as best wireless earbuds and the best smartwatches. If that wasn't enough, it even makes some of the best best laptops and best tablets on the market, so pretty much whatever tech you're looking for, Apple has an excellent version of it. Not only that, but Apple's ecosystem is also easily one of the best available, with only Samsung really competing in that space, and if you're already in the Apple ecosystem, then it makes sense to continue buying stuff from Apple.

Of course, Apple tech can be quite pricey, which is why we've gone out and searched through various big retailers to find you some of the best deals we can find. That includes everything from the MacBook to the AirTag, so hopefully, you can find the perfect deal that fits your needs and budget.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) -- $80, was $99

Mobile

How to schedule a text message on your iPhone

Close-up photo of the Messages app on an iPhone.

Do you often send text messages to a friend or family member across the pond? Or do you want to message someone when you know they’re off work and are able to get to you in a reasonable manner? Maybe you want to send a message every day at the same time, to let your significant other know you’re on the way home and to ask if they need you to pick up anything.

If you said yes to any of these scenarios (or other ones you have in your head), you may be looking for a way to schedule text messages on your iPhone. After all, this is a feature that Android users have, and it can often prove incredibly convenient.