Once the crown jewel in Apple’s treasure chest, the iPod continues its slow march to the end. This week, the last generation iPod nano, which debuted with new color options in 2015, officially debuted on Apple’s “vintage” list.
Apple defines vintage products are those that have not been sold for more than five, but less than seven, years. Vintage products continue to receive hardware service from Apple service providers, but this is subject to the availability of inventory. Once they reach the seven year discontinued mark, they are classified as “obsolete,” meaning that Apple will no longer service them.
The seventh generation iPod nano was sold as being Apple’s thinnest iPod ever. It boasted the ability to connect to Bluetooth headphones and speakers, featured a built-in FM radio tuner, and came with a 2.5-inch color display.
At one time, Apple had five different iPod product lines: the Classic, Nano, Shuffle, Mini, and Touch. Today, the Touch is the only iPod that can be considered active. The seventh-gen iPod Touch, which is basically an iPhone without the ability to make calls, debuted in May 2019. Will it turn out to be the last iPod Apple ever makes? That remains to be seen.
Ultimately, tech products don’t have a particularly long life. The Apple that thrived thanks to the iPod is a very different company to the Apple of today. Still, it was a great product for its time.
Do you have fond memories of the iPod nano? What was your favorite ever iPod? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
