Originally published at: https://tidbits.com/2019/05/28/new-ipod-touch-gains-a10-chip-and-256-gb-configuration/
Continuing to clear the decks before next week’s Worldwide Developer Conference, Apple has updated the iPod touch with a faster CPU and the option for a larger storage configuration. Everything else remains the same.
I used an iPod touch (alongside a separate ‘dumb’phone) for many years. While I eventually moved to an iPhone, I’m so glad the iPod touch continues to be supported and updated. It’s a great device for a whole class of people and use cases. And I still miss the design and how thin it was.
Did your dumb phone have cellular Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities? That would seem to be the Holy Grail combination.
No, it didn’t, I just used public WiFi whenever I could. It worked pretty well, though I have probably now got so used to mobile data on my phone that going back would be jarring. I can see why you’d want a mobile data option for the iPod touch (like with the iPad), but I’m not sure that would be possible while still keeping it as thin as it is. There’s a great simplicity to the iPod touch – very thin, and no extra plans/monthly charges to worry about.
- What if Apple added the necessary chips and antennas to turn the existing iPod touch into an iPhone? It would undoubtedly add some to the weight and possible thickness, and increase the price by maybe $150, but a less expensive iPhone in the iPod touch form factor would be compelling to a lot of people turned off by the size and cost of today’s iPhones.
Umm, no. That was the iPhone SE which Apple just threw out. Because apparently nobody wants that…
In all fairness, that wouldn’t really be that exciting either. Essentially it would just be a cheap iPhone. For one, that already exists in the form of older iPhones discounted by either carriers or through Apple refurb. In terms of new cheap devices, when was the last time a) Apple wanted to do something really inexpensive? and b) buyers ended up really liking it? Perhaps the iPod shuffle? But of course that was ~15 years ago and well before current Apple leadership had much say.
What would be more exciting is to cater to that form factor without requiring it to be super cheap. That would allow for some innovation: create something svelte but with modern day internals & performance, decent camera, and most importantly an edge to edge display (no home button, no bezels). That way we’d get an iPhone the size of an iPod touch, but with the screen the size of an iPhone 8. That would cater to everybody who’s willing to spend actual money on an iPhone, but refuses to carry around a device the size and heft of a cutting board. Now maybe nobody wants that either. Fine. Just FTR, I’m nobody. ;)
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Yeah, I’m note sure how much thickness would be added by the necessary chips and antennas.
Yeah, I’ve made that argument too. In an ideal iPhone world (for users), Apple would have an inexpensive iPhone and a small iPhone, and they wouldn’t have to be the same device. You know, like in the iPad world, where there’s a cheap iPad, a small iPad mini, and a big/powerful iPad Pro.
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The fact that the iPod touch’s new A10 processor is the same as the iPhone 7 bodes well for how long that model will support major iOS updates. It was already looking good on that front after Apple released the 6th Gen 9.7" iPad with it last year.
It’s too bad they didn’t add Touch ID, it remains the only shipping iOS device without it or Face ID.
Yep, all I want is a modern SE. Faster processor, better cameras. This is the first sign of hope since the remaindering of the existing model.
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I hope this isn’t too stupid a question, but would WiFi calling work on the new iPod touch?
No. That requires a cellular connection. VoIP like Skype and FaceTime are fine, but wifi calling requires a cellular carrier’s network and support. Essentially, if there’s no phone no. associated with the device, you won’t be doing wifi calling.
Well, if you had an iPhone as well, Wi-Fi calling would work on the iPod touch, just as it does now on Macs and other non-cellular iOS devices. But it’s kind of not the point, since if you had an iPhone you wouldn’t need the iPod touch.
It looks like the Touch is about the same size as the SE?
Diane
Indeed.
iPhone SE: 123.8 mm H, 58.6 mm W, 7.6 mm D, 113 g
iPod touch (7th gen): 123.4 mm H, 58.6 mm W, 6.1 mm D, 88 g
It’s the depth that is noticeably (and pleasingly) slimmer than the SE. The dimensions @Simon quoted don’t quite do justice to how it feels – significantly thinner, and the rounded edges are more comfortable to hold (for me).
Wouldn’t an updated Touch really be an SE? Which is sorta why I finally abandoned the Touch and switched over to the iPhone 5 when it came out. (I forget how many years ago was that???)
