Apple rumored to be working on new iPod touch, USB-C to come to iPhone in 2019
According to reports from supply chain sources, Apple is rumored to be working on developing a next-generation iPod touch alongside making the switch from Lightning to USB-C on iPhone, like the recent iPad Pro, later this year.
The report is quite vague, with the source – Macotakara – failing to note what changes may come to the new 7th generation iPod touch, the first update to the product since 2015. Given the current iPod touch retails for $199 with 32GB of storage, Apple will most likely want to keep any new models selling for around that price point to make the iPod a low-cost iOS device built for customers to access paid Apple subscription services, such as Apple Music, iCloud and the rumored Netflix-like streaming service expected to launch later this year.
Macotakara says Apple’s new range of 2019 iPhone models “might” make the switch to USB-C, following in the footsteps of the 2018 iPad Pro with Face ID. With the report saying Apple “might”, it doesn’t really give off the impression their supply chain sources have any firm evidence that Lightning will be retired, although we have had a range of reports over the last several years that the iPhone would eventually move to USB-C, although nothing has ever materialized.
Back in 2017 when Apple was beta testing iOS 11, code within the pre-release software hinted a new iPod with Face ID was in the works, but again nothing ever materialized. Over the past years it has been clear Apple has put the iPod category on the back burner, with the company discontinuing the iPod Nano and iPod Shuffle two years ago, leaving the current 6th generation iPod touch in 32GB and 128GB storage options as the only iPod it still sells.