Why Apple’s iPod Touch still needs a refresh
The last time Apple announced a new iPod touch, the iPhone 3GS was still on sale (the 3GS was still on sale when the iPod Touch 5G was announced, but was discontinued following the release of the iPhone 5). The 5th generation iPod Touch features a chipset that turns 4 early next year. This is ancient in the electronics world.
Perhaps, the reason why Apple hasn’t sold many iPods recently is because it hasn’t been making new iPods. I personally use Android and while I can get a solid and affordable Android device to experience it for less than $200, I can’t quite say the same about iOS. Sure, the 5th gen iTouch (which is what I’ll call it from now on) starts $200 and can run iOS 8, but it’s not going to run the latest software much longer. There’s an entire ecosystem of apps that Android simply can’t run and the only way to really experience it to its fullest is the $349 iPad Mini 2, which features a 64-bit A7 chip and Retina display.
Thankfully, word is on the street that Apple’s next-gen iPod is due for release in March next year, though you should take it with a grain of salt — Apple hasn’t released a new device during the Spring since the first iPad Retina launched in March 2012, but it doesn’t seem too unlikely either.
Anyway, here’s what I (realistically) want in a new iPod Touch:
- 4" 1136 x 640 Retina display (the iP6's display seems to be too expensive to put in an iPod)
- A7 chipset
- iOS 8 (duh)
- 8MP camera (the one in the iPhone 5 will be good enough)
- Price: $249 (16GB)
It doesn’t seem to be too hard to make, the most expensive component will likely be that A7 chip, so $199 seems to be asking for too much, which is why $249 seems like a more likely price. Apple, the clock is ticking, I have an 4th gen iPod Touch that needs a replacement. You get it or you lose me.
