Hardware-based bootrom exploits like limera1n and checkm8 can't be patched by Apple via software updates and are infrequent occurrences that we’d consider ourselves lucky to witness once every several years. With that in mind, a newly announced bootrom exploit for the iPod Nano 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation dubbed wInd3x may pique some interest.
CT scans of three different iPod models reveal some of Apple's design considerations, like the click wheel bearings for smooth rotation.
Apple has officially discontinued its family of standalone iPod music players, with the iPod touch remaining in the lineup while supplies last.
There isn't an "iPhone nano" in today's lineup of smartphones from Apple. But apparently there might be an alternative timeline where there is. Because in this one, it turns out Apple was at one point considering making one of these phones, but it wasn't meant to be for us.
You may have noticed it already, but if not here it goes: Apple no longer offers its personalized laser engraving feature for replacement iPod devices.
The much-improved Files app on iOS 13 gained support for external drives. iDownloadBlog reader Niles Mitchell previously connected all sorts of legacy devices with his iPhone running the iOS 13 software so it came natural to him to try doing the same with his good ol' iPod.
As first noted by MacRumors, Apple has removed both product descriptions and store listings for its iconic iPod nano and iPod shuffle portable music players from its website around the world, suggesting they've been discontinued or are on their way out.
The first-generation iPod nano replacement program, which launched five years ago due to a potential fire risk from overheating, is no longer found on Apple's Exchange and Repair Extension Programs webpage. Although the company appears to have now formally ended the program, it's still honoring replacement requests as first discovered by MacRumors.
As first noted by 9to5Mac, Apple’s seventh-generation iPod nano has just received a software update to version 1.0.4.
The free-of-charge software update can be applied by connecting your iPod nano with a Lightning cable to a Mac or Windows PC and firing up iTunes.
There will be no transferring your offline Apple Music collections onto the new iPod nano or iPod shuffle because Apple is overly concerned about piracy, as it should be, and so the company's decided to play it safe instead.
As 9to5Mac discovered Friday, attempting to transfer Apple Music songs marked for offline playback onto your nano or shuffle via iTunes produces a “some of the items in the iTunes library were not copied to the iPod because Apple Music songs cannot be copied to an iPod” message.
Of course, you can still sync your own songs that you imported into iTunes and music purchased on the iTunes Store, just like before, but Apple Music including songs marked for offline playback is off limits to the nano and shuffle.
Following a recent discovery of hidden graphics assets inside iTunes 12.2 which have hinted at an imminent iPod refresh, Apple on Wednesday quietly refreshed its dedicated music player family with a press release and a website update.
The headline new model is a much improved sixth-generation iPod touch, “the best iPod touch yet.”
It now features the Apple-designed 64-bit A8 processor, essentially the same chip that powers the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, and runs Apple's M8 motion coprocessor. Apple really went all out with the iPod touch: there's three times faster Wi-Fi 802.11ac and also an improved FaceTime HD camera with an updated sensor and burst mode for even better selfies.
But the good news doesn't stop here: the back-facing iSight camera has received a substantial upgrade, going from five to eight megapixels with slo-mo and burst mode, 1080p video capture at 30FPS, cinematic video stabilization and more.
The screen size has remained the same, measuring four inches diagonally, and there's no Touch ID. The device runs iOS 8.4 with the all-new Music app and Apple Music integration. As for the iPod nano and iPod shuffle, they have received a minor refresh with new color options available.
It's no secret that iPod sales continue to decline year after year. Many of the people who were once targets for the iPod now opt for iPhones or iPads.
This isn't exactly a terrible problem for Apple to have. The company has never had qualms about cannibalizing its own products for the sake of the greater good.
But with Apple's historic, and now renewed, love of music, it just wouldn't seem right to let the iPod—at least its conceptual existence, and not so much the name—fade out into the sunset.
For that reason, I think that Apple should go back to the drawing board. Even if this year's rumored across-the-board iPod update is nothing more than just a meager spec bump and minor changes—I think that ultimately, the line is due for a complete overhaul.
How could Apple reinvigorate its flagship music player? By doing the following five things...