iPod touch shipping estimates slip to 1-2 weeks in the United States, hinting at possible March refresh
Shipping estimates for some iPod touch models in the United States have slipped from “In Stock” to 1 to 2 weeks, refuelling earlier rumors that suggested Apple is planning to debut an updated iPod model during the first half of 2019.
As first spotted by The Apple Post, the Space Gray 128GB iPod touch and Gold 32GB and 128GB models are now showing shipping estimates of between 1 to 2 weeks on Apple.com in the U.S., whilst other models remain available for immediate shipping.
Apple’s current generation iPod touch was first introduced in July 2015, last updated in mid-2017 when the company reduced the price of the device to $199 for the 32GB model alongside quietly discontinuing both the iPod Nano and iPod Shuffle.
Rumors of Apple planning a refresh to the ageing iPod touch line have been circulating for a while, with code from iOS 12.2 beta 1 uncovering an iPod with the model identifier, iPod9,1, and reports from leading industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claiming Apple will release a new iPod touch during some point in the year with an improved processor.
Apple’s next-generation iPod touch is expected to launch with the sole intention of being a low-cost entry level iOS device to Apple’s range of subscription services such as Apple News and iCloud, not to mention the new Netflix-like streaming service and paid Apple News subscription content expected to be announced as soon as later this month at a services-focused media event at Apple Park.
The stock shortages for the Space Gray and Gold iPod touch in the United States could simply be down to a shortage in components or a delay in shipping on Apple’s side, but given the talk of the launch of AirPower, two new iPad models and AirPods 2 this month, the revised shipping estimates could be a hint a refresh is on the way.