Apple unveils first new iPod model in four years

Apple has launched its first new iPod model in four years, highlighting music and games as it continued to make a priority of serving up digital content.

The new-generation iPod touch, basically an iPhone without the phone calls, was available in more than twenty-four countries at Apple's online shop starting at US$199 (S$270).

Apple's vice-president of product marketing Greg Joswiak was quoted saying:

"We're making the most affordable iOS device even better with performance that is twice as fast as before, Group FaceTime and augmented reality," 

"The ultra-thin and lightweight design of iPod touch has always made it ideal for enjoying games, music and so much more wherever you go." 

The iPod touch developed from Apple's first iPod digital music player in 2001. The iPod touch became popular with people who wanted mobile devices for online access free of the costs of telecom services, particularly the parents of internet-coveting children.

With Wi-Fi hotspots, iPod devices can connect to the Internet. 

As part of an endeavor for Apple to move its focus towards Digital Content and Services, Apple unveiled streaming video plans along with news and game subscription offers.


Apple TV+ service will launch in 100 countries this year, the company said, as part of an on-demand, ad-free subscription service.

Apple News+ was started in English and French in the United States and Canada and will be available in Britain and Australia later this year, said the company. Similarly, Apple Arcade, with at least 100 titles on the market, was the launch of a new game subscription service.

In a press release, Apple said:

"iOS is the world's largest gaming platform, and with three times faster graphics, games on the new iPod touch run even smoother and look even more beautiful,"

The first new iPod since 2015 is that Apple is shifting to highlight digital content and other services in order to offset a pulldown in the once-size-faced smartphone market.