The iPod Touch is Going Away Soon – Is it Still Worth Getting?
There was a time when Apple’s iPod devices were at the top of its hardware hierarchy, and over the years, the product line has evolved to incorporate touch screens, Wi-Fi connectivity, and even the latest iOS software updates. However, the rise of the iPhone and its undeniable popularity – as well as its ability to pretty much play all forms of modern media – meant that the iPod was no longer the star of Apple’s portable device line-up.
Today, you can get the 7th generation Apple iPod Touch for around £199, although it might be going away for good, after Apple’s recent announcement that it will discontinue the device soon. This is probably one of the cheapest iOS devices you can get if you know where to look, but in a world filled with more powerful iPhones and iPads, is the iPod still worth considering? Let’s take a look.
Humble Hardware
The design on the iPod touch is one of the more “classic” hardware looks from the company. The iPod Touch is pretty much the same size as the iPhone 5, 5S, and the first-generation iPhone SE. It’s a slimmer device though due to the lack of hardware which would otherwise make this a fully-fledged compact phone.
The main interface of the device is found on the four-inch IPS display, and on the top you’ll find a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera, and an Apple home button (sans Touch ID) situated on the bottom. The back meanwhile features an 8-megapixel camera and the Apple logo, and a plastic strip for wireless signals. Of course, you do get a reliable 3.5mm headphone jack, which should be a nice hardware addition for audiophiles.
On the inside, the device comes with Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, which is the same one used on the iPhone 7 some years back. There’s also options for 32, 128, and 256GB storage options.
While it’s nothing fancy compared to a lot of modern smartphones, it’s nevertheless a functional design, especially considering that this is first and foremost a media consumption device, albeit designed to be a lot more compact.
Easy Access to iOS Services
With that said, the inclusion of a touchscreen and compatibility with iOS means that most modern iOS apps will be able to run on the iPod as they would on an iPhone, albeit on a smaller display and strictly on Wi-Fi. It’s an easy way to access Apple services like iMessage, FaceTime, iCloud and more, which is great if you’re just after these “bare necessities” without wanting to spend too much on an iPhone.
Of course, the iPod lacks the performance, processing power, and camera quality compared to most smartphones today. If you want to play games, stream media, or take photos on the iPod, then of course there’s nothing stopping you, but you’ll have to compromise on certain aspects when it comes to usage.
On the other hand though, this device isn’t all about the specs – personally, I’d like to think that the focus here is on keeping interested users and potential buyers an easy access point to iOS.
Should You Buy it Then?
So, given the limitations in specs, is the iPod still worth buying at all? Perhaps if hardware dominance is less a priority to you, and you’re only after an affordable Apple device with access to essential iOS staples, or perhaps you’re after the novelty of owning what is the last iPod product ever, then it’s still available, while supplies last.
However, if specs matter a lot to you, then you’re probably better off buying an older iPhone or iPad, which will no doubt come with better performance.
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