iPhone 5 Release News: Apple to Discontinue iPod Shuffle and iPod Classic
New rumors about Apple and its future plans point to them discontinuing the iPod Shuffle and Classic Models later this year.
The Unofficial Apple Weblog, through a source that is close to the company, reported that Apple will announce the official end of its line of iPod Shuffle's and Classic's at their Oct. 4 event.
Their report also stated that the company is looking to retire the platter-based hard drive used in the iPod classic and will kill off the iPod Shuffle due to its lack of screen. Apple is said to now be focusing more on touch-screen enabled devices from this point going forward.
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TUAW also noted that should the two models be discontinued, the resulting iPod line would all feature touchscreens.
Wedge Partners analyst Brian Blair recently predicted that Apple would discontinue the iPod classic. He also expects the iPod Touch to receive some moderate upgrades as well. This new and improved iPod Touch may include an improved camera and 3G data capability, while also sporting a new white casing.
AppleInsider was the first media outlet to report this summer that Apple would release this updated iPod Touch.
Various reports from AppleInsider are warning customers that they should seek out and purchase an iPod Shuffle or Classic "sooner rather than later." At the moment, customers can find an iPod Shuffle model for $49 and a 160GB iPod Classic model for $249.
iPod sales have been on a steady decline for Apple ever since its iPhone and iPad sales have led to the company's increased revenue. Apple's most recent June quarter resulted in iPad's outselling the iPod line by almost 2 million units. The company had already prepared to scale back on its iPod units in the September quarter, which finished up last weekend.
No news has been heard about the iPod Nano being discontinued.
The iPod's share of Apple's total revenue has dropped off as of late, from 55.55 percent in the first fiscal quarter of 2006 to around 8 percent in recent quarters.
All eyes will be on the upcoming Oct. 4 press event for Apple, as rumors still surround the much anticipated debut of the iPhone 5 and brand new iPad.
