Apple has announced it is discontinuing its music player, the iPod Touch, bringing to an end a device widely praised for revolutionising how people listen to music.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs introducing a new version of the iPod Nano in 2007. Photo: AFP
When the first iPod was launched in 2001, it could store 1000 tracks. Today there are more than 90 million songs on Apple's streaming service.
The iPod Touch was designed by Tony Fadell, who later invented the iPhone, which quickly overshadowed the iPod.
Apple last updated the iPod in 2019.
There have been various iPod models over the years - including the nano and shuffle - but the iPod Touch, which was released in 2007, paved the way for the iPhone, and is the last model to be discontinued.
Apple says it will remain available to buy "while stocks last".
The gadget had "redefined how music is discovered, listened to, and shared", Greg Joswiak, the senior vice-president of worldwide marketing at Apple said.
iPod fans have taken to social media to share their thoughts on the news and their memories connected with the music devices.
To me, the IPOD is the most innovative product of our lifetimes. It led to the changes in the way we communicate, function, and collaborate. It was not 1st in class but it was the most efficient.
— Bhrett McCabe, PhD (@DrBhrettMcCabe) May 10, 2022
Heck of a run IPOD! @Apple
Farewell, #iPod. This was my first Apple device. So many good memories connected with it. Bought it while I was in the UK for the first time in my life as a kid. Had some pocket money saved and on the first city trip got it from the first shop I saw. pic.twitter.com/wvm0x22B1D
— Dmytro Kryvenko (he/him) (@kryvenko) May 10, 2022
The first model of the iPod was revealed by Apple boss Steve Jobs in typical Apple style in 2001 - with much fanfare, anticipation and in his trademark jeans and black turtleneck.
There had been rumours the company was going to announce a new music player after the invitation for the launch event read: "Hint: It's not a Mac."
"Music's a part of everyone's life. Music's been around forever. It will always be around," Jobs said during his hour-long presentation.
The big headline for the night was simple: "1000 songs in your pocket."
Over the years, many celebrities have thrown their star power behind the iPod, including John Mayer, U2 and Oprah Winfrey.
BMW introduced the first car entertainment system with a built-in iPod system, and within a few years, most car manufacturers had followed suit.
But tech analysts say it was inevitable the iPhone would one day replace the iPod.
"When Apple created the iPhone it knew that it would ultimately mean the beginning of the end of the iPod," Ben Wood, chief analyst at technology advisory firm CCS Insight, told the BBC.
Carolina Milanesi from Creative Strategies said the decline of iPod sales was connected to the rise of iPhone sales - like the move from digital downloads to streaming.
"The demise of the iPod is probably the best example of Apple not being concerned about cannibalising its own products," she said.
- BBC
