The iPod is still in Apple’s product lineup, but which models are obsolete?

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  • April 20, 2022
Technology

With the ubiquity of the iPhone, you might be wondering why the iPod isn’t obsolete.

Why would you want a device that plays music when you could have a device that plays music and is also, you know, a phone? Even though iPhone technology has far surpassed the iPod (which was revolutionary for its time), Apple still has the iPod touch in its product lineup.

For keeping kids occupied or for people who cannot afford a mobile plan and use Wi-Fi only, the iPod has its advantages. Starting at $199, it is significantly less expensive than the cheapest iPhone ($429), has FaceTime and iMessage, can hold 256GB of storage, and has the Apple App Store and Apple Arcade. Plus, some people like it because it isn’t a phone, which makes for distraction-free listening. Based on these features, there’s definitely a cult following of iPod users for its continued existence.

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When will your iPhone become obsolete?

That said, the version that Apple currently sells is the seventh generation of the iPod touch, which according to 9to5Mac, has languished on the market for three years, so it hasn’t exactly been a priority.

What is an obsolete Apple Product?

According to Apple, “products are considered obsolete when Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than seven years ago.” In practical terms, this means that Apple no longer offers any service or repairs for these products. While most fall into the obsolete category, iPod models that haven’t been sold for five years, but less than seven years are considered “vintage.” You might be able to get service or parts for vintage models, but it depends on service and available inventory of parts.

Whether or not Apple releases a next generation of the iPod touch, relegating the current model into retirement, or discontinues production of the iPod touch altogether remains to be seen. But either way, the iPod touch Gen 7 will be one step closer to obsolescence.

Image of multiple iPod touches next to each other in a line
Apple currently only sells the iPod touch 7.
Credit: Apple

If you’re still an iPod user, take good care of it, because it won’t be easy to fix. Here’s the current list of iPod models that are vintage and obsolete.

iPod “vintage” models

  • iPod nano (7th generation, Late 2012)

  • iPod shuffle (4th generation, Late 2012)

  • iPod touch (4th generation)

  • iPod touch (5th generation)

iPod obsolete models

  • iPod (5th generation)

  • iPod (5th generation, Late 2006)

  • iPod (Click Wheel)

  • iPod (Dock Connector)

  • iPod (Scroll Wheel)

  • iPod (Touch Wheel)

  • iPod classic (80GB and 160GB, 2007)

  • iPod classic (120GB)

  • iPod classic (160GB)

  • iPod Hi-Fi

  • iPod with color display

  • iPod mini

  • iPod nano (2nd generation)

  • iPod nano (3rd generation)

  • iPod nano (4th generation)

  • iPod nano (6th generation)

  • iPod touch (4th generation)

  • iPod touch (5th generation, 16GB, Mid 2013)

  • iPod nano (5th generation) 8GB, 16GB

  • iPod photo

  • iPod photo (Early 2005)

  • iPod shuffle

  • iPod shuffle (2nd generation)

  • iPod shuffle (2nd generation, Late 2007)

  • iPod shuffle (2nd generation, Late 2008)

  • iPod shuffle (3rd generation)

  • iPod shuffle (4th generation)

  • iPod Special Edition U2

  • iPod touch

  • iPod touch (2nd generation, 2008)

  • iPod touch (2nd generation, 2009)

  • iPod touch (2nd generation) 8GB

  • iPod touch (3rd generation) 32GB, 64GB

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The iPod is still in Apple’s product lineup, but which models are obsolete?

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