AppleInsider Staff
After a surprise launch of a new entry-level iPod touch, Apple's latest 16-gigabyte model is now out in the wild, and was captured on video by one of the first buyers.
Ben Pasternak of Sydney, Australia, got his hands on the new 16-gigabyte fifth-generation iPod touch, and captured the above footage showing off the new model. The back of the media player lacks the iSight camera and the wrist strap loop.
Apple surprised on Thursday when it unveiled the new basic iPod touch model for $229 in its online store. Pasternak's hands-on indicates that inventory of the updated media player is also beginning to appear in the company's retail locations.
While the new model lacks a rear-facing camera and wrist loop, it does add a 4-inch Retina display, dual-core A5 chip, and includes Apple EarPods. Those additions put it on par with Apple's higher end 32- and 64-gigabyte offerings.
The entry-level iPod touch does lack the color options of its more expensive siblings, however. The only option available is a black-on-silver design.
The new 16-gigabyte iPod touch also retains the forward facing FaceTime camera, and has the same connectivity options, including Apple's new, smaller Lightning connector. The lack of the camera and wrist strap holding button has also reduced the device's weight to 3.04 ounces.
Previously, the fifth-generation iPod touch debuted in September of 2012 without a 16-gigabyte option. Instead, Apple offered the fourth-generation iPod touch, with a slower processor and smaller screen, for $199.
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34 Comments
Is this the same approach the 'budget iPhone' will take? Dumbed down?
Is this the same approach the 'budget iPhone' will take? Dumbed down?
Yup, that would make sense. Reduce features rather than build quality to reduce cost. If you want cheap/entry level, then you get what you pay for.
Is this the same approach the 'budget iPhone' will take? Dumbed down?
Yup, that would make sense. Reduce features rather than build quality to reduce cost. If you want cheap/entry level, then you get what you pay for.
If you guys believe that Apple would go and not use a camera on a new iPhone line... Oh boy.
Maybe this will put to rest the idea that a cheap iPhone has to be plastic. But losing the camera was a bad idea I think. Wonder what the reasoning was behind that?
Perhaps the reason for no camera is this iPod could be used as a remote for the new Apple TV or perhaps for iPhone users who don't need a second camera or for teenage gamers who can't afford more. Still plays all the apps, right?