Apple is reportedly working on next-gen iPod Touch: Details here
In the hardware department, Apple had a near-perfect 2018. The company unveiled powerful iPhones, iPads (though some were bent), and even revived MacBook Air with enhanced capabilities and new colors. And now, a report has suggested that it plans on taking things further with another long-overdue update, one for the famous iPod Touch. Here are the details.
Suppliers hint development of new iPod Touch
According to supply chain blog Macotakara, several Apple suppliers have indicated that the Cupertino giant 'might' be developing a new 7th gen iPod Touch to replace the current models. However, the report neither reveals anything about these 'suppliers' nor offers any insight into what the company might add on the new portable MP3 player, if it is indeed in the works.
Stating the obvious: iPod Touch long overdue for an update
Though Macotakara has a decent track record, the information should be taken with a grain of salt as there are no real leaks related to the device. However, despite that, one thing is pretty much clear: iPod Touch is long overdue for an update. Apple currently sells the 6th generation of the device, which was launched all the way back in 2015.
All other iPod versions have been discontinued
Apart from the said iPod Touch model (retailing at $199), all avatars of the MP3 player have been axed. The iPod Classic was shelved in 2015, while Nano and Shuffle were discontinued in 2017. We know smartphones eliminated the need of music players, but Apple could keep the device alive as an entry-level solution for increasing the uptake of its paid services.
Also, next-gen iPhones could have USB-C
The same Macotakara report notes that Apple's next iPhones 'might' do away with the 'lightening port' and switch to USB-C, like the 2018 iPad Pros. While the remark falls in line with many other reports related to USB-C transition on the iPhones, the change is not confirmed. In fact, Macotakara itself says that the engineers working on USB-C haven't even reached reference design stage.
