Apple launched the new iPod Touch Wednesday after three years of no updates, and it comes just in time for customers to experience Apple Music.
The sixth generation iPod Touch has more color options, including blue, pink, and red, the latest A8 chip, and the identical processors as those found in the
iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, Forbes reported. It has an eight-megapixel rear camera and improved front-facing camera for Face Time. Prices start at $199.
There has been some speculation that the new iPod has been released with the purpose of obtaining monthly subscription fees from users for the company’s new streaming service Apple Music. The Touch automatically comes with iOS 8.4, the operating system necessitated to use Apple Music.
It does not appear the iPod Touch will experience revolutionary change for the Apple Pay system. It does not have a TouchID home button, which uses a fingerprint to unlock devices, and there’s no indication of NFC technology needed for contactless payment in the hardware, according to Forbes.
The Touch also does not connect with the
Apple Watch, Apple Insider reported.
The Verge noted the 2015 iPod Touch also lacks the nub and “loop” previously included in the 2012 iPod, replaced by flat aluminum corners. The loop had been included for use as a wristband.
The release does not come as much of a surprise, for as The Verge said of the accessory for the 2012 music listening device, “I promptly forgot it existed.”
New versions of the iPod Nano and iPod Shuffle also debuted in new colors and memory configurations. Forbes predicts, however, that these devices will eventually be retired.
Twitter users shared their thoughts on the unveiling:
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