Apple surprisingly confirmed today that it has sold over a hundred million iPod touch units since the device’s inception in 2007. The media player colloquially known as iTouch was released on September 14, 2007, following the launch of the first-generation iPhone. Five years later, a fifth-generation model launched with a four-inch Retina display, thin 6.1mm enclosure, Lightning I/O and the A5 chip.
In an interesting move yesterday, Apple has removed the less-pricey fourth-generation iPod touch model from its online store. At the same time, the company has quietly introduced a new fifth-generation SKU that includes sixteen gigabytes of storage, but lacks the iSight camera and the lanyard hook.
The entry-level device retails for $229. The streamlining means that Apple now offers only the latest fifth-generation iPod touch in 16/32/64GB flavors, priced at $229/$299/$399…
Apple confirmed the milestone to The Loop:
In addition to launching a new model of its iPod touch on Thursday, Apple told me this morning that it has sold more than 100 million units of the iPod touch since its introduction.
Apple previously said the iPod touch accounts for more than half of all iPod sales.
By cleverly positioning the device as a portable gaming console, the iPod touch quickly became popular with the younger generation and people who want an iOS app machine that can’t make phone calls.
Today’s new iPod touch is a step into unifying screen-sizes for all iPhone-iOS-based devices. Wouldn’t doubt that iPhone 4/4S are out soon.
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) May 30, 2013
The gizmo is especially popular with parents who are reluctant to buy their kids an iPhone on a long-term contract.
As watchers note, now offering only the latest four-inch iPod touches indicates Apple could soon drop the 3.5-inch iPhone 4/4S. Indeed, we’re expect the phasing out of the iPhone 4/4S once the iPhone 5S gets released later this year.
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