Katie Marsal
In addition, the 16GB iPod touch dropped from $299 to $249 and the 8GB model fell from $229 to $189. On the iPod nano side, the 16GB capacity decreased to $149 (from $189), and the 8GB offering slid to $129 (from $149). Finally, the iPod classic had its price cut to $229 (from $249).
Unsurprisingly, the Apple Store was taken down around 10 a.m. Wednesday, in preparation for the announcement of new products.
That means that before Apple even announces any products today, as it is planned to do, the iPod maker has already undercut the price of Microsoft's upcoming Zune HD, set to launch Sept. 15 with a 32GB model for $290. Prior to Wednesday's price cuts, the comparable iPod touch model was more than $100 more expensive than the forthcoming Microsoft product — now, Apple has bested its rival to the north by $10.
However, when pitting the 16GB models against each other, Microsoft still comes out ahead by $30.
Apple today is widely expected to unveil a new iPod touch with a camera. Speculation suggests that one model will offer 64GB, and the morning price cuts have likely set the stage for that spot in the lineup.
While Apple normally takes down its store to implement changes and build hype, it did not before the iPod price drops. Instead, the hardware maker waited until later, just before its scheduled keynote, set for 10 a.m. Pacific Time (1 p.m. Eastern).
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67 Comments
Apple lowered the prices of many of its iPod offerings overnight, prior to today's event, with the 32GB iPod touch seeing the largest price drop, from $399 to $279.
In addition, the 16GB iPod touch dropped from $299 to $249 and the 8GB model fell from $229 to $189. On the iPod nano side, the 16GB capacity decreased to $149 (from $189), and the 8GB offering slid to $129 (from $149). Finally, the iPod classic had its price cut to $229 (from $249).
That means that before Apple even announces any products today, as it is planned to do, the iPod maker has already undercut the price of Microsoft's upcoming Zune HD, set to launch Sept. 15 with a 32GB model for $290. Prior to Wednesday's price cuts, the comparable iPod touch model was more than $100 more expensive than the forthcoming Microsoft product -- now, Apple has bested its rival to the north by $10.
However, when pitting the 16GB models against each other, Microsoft still comes out ahead by $30.
Apple today is widely expected to unveil a new iPod touch with a camera. Speculation suggests that one model will offer 64GB, and the morning price cuts have likely set the stage for that spot in the lineup.
While Apple normally takes down its store to implement changes and build hype, this time it did not.
Hell yeah, if the Classic stays it will be mine.. i have a Touch but I've 60gb of music on iTunes and that 8GB on my Touch and 32GB on my 3GS is not enough!
It does have the slightly crappy side effect that the ipod touch 32gb now costs more £s than it does $s despite a 1.6 exchange rate.
Hopefully they'll fix that very quickly, or at least pass on the £10 cut on the classic, which is what I actually want. (although a £199 32gb touch starts to make me waver)
Looks like a gap for a 64GB iPod Touch for $399 to me and perhaps even a 32GB iPod Nano!
Sucks if you bought one recently, especially the 32GB.
This lends credence to the rumour that the new iPods will be slightly delayed. These prices allow Apple to compete against the ZuneHD without a problem for the next couple of weeks or so until the new product is available.
Either that, or Apple want a firesale of existing iPods to clear the way for the new iPods.
Or Apple is going to keep on offering the current iPods alongside the newer "iPod Touch S" that also includes GPS.
Sucks if you bought one recently, especially the 32GB.
This lends credence to the rumour that the new iPods will be slightly delayed. These prices allow Apple to compete against the ZuneHD without a problem for the next couple of weeks or so until the new product is available.
Either that, or Apple want a firesale of existing iPods to clear the way for the new iPods.
Or Apple is going to keep on offering the current iPods alongside the newer "iPod Touch S" that also includes GPS.
Or they have a lot of inventory to shift. Who knows? The price drops are remarkable, though.