The iPod has disappeared from Apple’s homepage, sparking speculation the pocketable music player is about to be killed off.
Having helped revived the company’s fortunes when first launched 13 years ago, the iPod has been a mainstay of the Cupertino-based firms product line-up ever since.
That has now changed, however, with the iPod no longer included in Apple’s homepage product list, instead being hidden in the company’s online store.
Having once sat proudly alongside Mac, iPhone and iPad tabs, the iPod – which has suffered declining sales for a number of years – has now been pushed out by a new ‘Music’ tab (via: Independent).
Although scrolling way, way down the Music page will eventually offer up a paltry image of the iPod family, the base of the page focuses on the company’s new music streaming service, Apple Music.
Letting subscribers stream all of the tunes from the iTunes library for $9.99 per month, it appears that Apple Music could be the final nail in the iPod’s coffin.
Apple has yet to comment on the future of the MP3 player, but we would be surprised to see the music player disappear anytime soon.
Related: Apple Music vs Spotify
This is far from the first hint that the iPod line could be laid to rest. Last year Apple killed off the much-loved iPod Classic, citing troubles sourcing components as the reason for its demise.
What’s more, it has been a number of years since the touch, nano or shuffle received a facelift, highlighting the low consumer interest in the range.
Is it time for the iPod to go? Share your thoughts below.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
