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

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.

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.