Rumor: Apple developing seventh-generation iPod touch, mulling USB-C for next iPhone
Industry scuttlebutt from CES 2019 suggests Apple is looking to market a next-generation iPod touch device to stimulate services revenue from Apple Music and the App Store. Separately, sources claim the company is working to integrate USB-C into a 2019 iPhone model.
Citing "several" Apple supply chain sources, Japanese blog Mac Otakara on Tuesday reports the tech giant is developing a new iPod touch model that will act as a gateway to services like Apple Music.
As noted by the publication, Apple's sixth-generation iPod touch launched in July 2015 and at $199 for a 32GB version represents the most affordable mobile access point to a host of digital services.
Running iOS, the current device is capable of streaming Apple Music over a Wi-Fi connection, while users can purchase and download apps via the iOS App Store. Hardware features are lacking in comparison to iPhone, with a more than four-year-old A8 processor, 8MP camera and 4-inch display, but the parts selection is for some worth Apple's asking price.
Further details were not provided and it is not clear if the supposed iPod model will be a complete revamp or a simple specification update.
Sources also claim Apple is mulling a transition from Lightning to USB-C connectivity for its next-generation iPhone. Those involved say the project has not yet yielded a reference design, a critical step on the way to mass production, though the company is apparently working toward that goal.
Today's iPhone rumor lines up with previous reports suggesting Apple would make the switch to the faster, more robust protocol in 2019. Apple's first USB-C enabled portable debuted in the 2018 iPad Pro line late last year.
Citing "several" Apple supply chain sources, Japanese blog Mac Otakara on Tuesday reports the tech giant is developing a new iPod touch model that will act as a gateway to services like Apple Music.
As noted by the publication, Apple's sixth-generation iPod touch launched in July 2015 and at $199 for a 32GB version represents the most affordable mobile access point to a host of digital services.
Running iOS, the current device is capable of streaming Apple Music over a Wi-Fi connection, while users can purchase and download apps via the iOS App Store. Hardware features are lacking in comparison to iPhone, with a more than four-year-old A8 processor, 8MP camera and 4-inch display, but the parts selection is for some worth Apple's asking price.
Further details were not provided and it is not clear if the supposed iPod model will be a complete revamp or a simple specification update.
Sources also claim Apple is mulling a transition from Lightning to USB-C connectivity for its next-generation iPhone. Those involved say the project has not yet yielded a reference design, a critical step on the way to mass production, though the company is apparently working toward that goal.
Today's iPhone rumor lines up with previous reports suggesting Apple would make the switch to the faster, more robust protocol in 2019. Apple's first USB-C enabled portable debuted in the 2018 iPad Pro line late last year.
Comments
If they build a new iPod Touch they should treat it as a non-cellual iPhone. Allow wifi calling make it a viable option for business or even school kids inside a mesh that extends from their school, for instance.
They could do two sizes then match with a low cost iPhone as well.
Though a $50 replacement battery for my X in two to three years is also cheaper 🧐
https://support.apple.com/iphone/repair/battery-power
It would be stupid to make the A8 just for this...
We can assume the A9 will have iOS support for some time.... the A8, not so much.
Edit: the iPhone 6s & SE both use the A9. The biggest difference between the 6 and 6s is 2x the ram (1GB vs. 2 GB)
I personally loved the little square nano we had for while for exercising. I wanted a screen to see what l could choose.
Give someone a hand me down iPhone and don’t enable the cell service.
In general I would welcome the switch to USB C. It would be nice to have a universal connector for all smart phones. When the lightning connector came out it was clearly superior to the mini/micro USB connector, USB C has erased most of the advantage. Apple is saying it's the future - they should put their money where their mouth is. Or at least their design. I find it more than a bit ironic that they eliminated the USB A port from their computers but stick with old connectors in their phones.
The main concerns I have with USB C are durability and the presence of a center tongue. The USB C ports in my MacBook Pro don't seem nearly as robust and solid as the lightning connector. Also, I periodically need to clean pocket lint out of the lightning port. I imagine the USB C port would suffer the same issue, but the presence of the tongue in the center would make cleaning it much more difficult.
Can we really trust industry scuttlebutts?
I'm not sure how big it is, respectively (to other devices), but there certainly is one. For example, tons of kids play games on iPads, iPhones, etc. but a lot of parents aren't going to get their kids iPhones before a certain age. Or, for music and apps when you don't want/need a phone.
I don't think the cell companies would be too happy with that. Of course there is Skype and such, but I don't think the cell companies would want Apple to make it too easy or feature such a thing.
Until Tim revises it for 2019 to include all the 'value' they put in there... and it starts at $599.
As someone else already noted, the A8 is in the current iPod touch.
But, just wanted to add that the main problem with the A8 is that it is only has 1 GB of RAM. That's pretty much a no-go.
Don't you have to have a SIM to get it going, at least?
Also, then you likely run into the above problem of the hardware being too limited or outdated rather quickly.
Phil had enough courage to make a fool of himself in front of millions about the whole legacy jack thing... but I'm not sure he has enough courage to make that jump. They only use the future thing to help sell a controversial design change.
(side note: when someone depends on, 'hey, it's 2019' or 'you don't want be on the wrong side of history, do ya?' or 'it's the future' or such things, it usually means their argument is too weak to stand up... if they even have one in the first place.)
I guess they are both better than the 30-pin, but the cleaning aspect is worth being considered. The good thing is that as long as I have a 3.5mm jack, I don't have to worry about physical durability when the cable is plugged in (and it's in my pocket). It doesn't have to be terribly durable when it's just charging on my night-stand or transferring data to my Mac. The 3.5mm jack is a beast. Lightning/USB-C, not so much.