Industry scuttlebutt from CES 2019 suggests Apple is looking to market a next-generation iPod touch device to stimulate services revenue from Apple Music and the App Store. Separately, sources claim the company is working to integrate USB-C into a 2019 iPhone model.
Citing "several" Apple supply chain sources, Japanese blog Mac Otakara on Tuesday reports the tech giant is developing a new iPod touch model that will act as a gateway to services like Apple Music.
As noted by the publication, Apple's sixth-generation iPod touch launched in July 2015 and at $199 for a 32GB version represents the most affordable mobile access point to a host of digital services.
Running iOS, the current device is capable of streaming Apple Music over a Wi-Fi connection, while users can purchase and download apps via the iOS App Store. Hardware features are lacking in comparison to iPhone, with a more than four-year-old A8 processor, 8MP camera and 4-inch display, but the parts selection is for some worth Apple's asking price.
Further details were not provided and it is not clear if the supposed iPod model will be a complete revamp or a simple specification update.
Sources also claim Apple is mulling a transition from Lightning to USB-C connectivity for its next-generation iPhone. Those involved say the project has not yet yielded a reference design, a critical step on the way to mass production, though the company is apparently working toward that goal.
Today's iPhone rumor lines up with previous reports suggesting Apple would make the switch to the faster, more robust protocol in 2019. Apple's first USB-C enabled portable debuted in the 2018 iPad Pro line late last year.