Apple Launches New 16 GB iPod Touch With No Rear Camera for $229

Apple today made a quiet update to its iPod touch lineup, launching a new 16 GB fifth-generation model without a rear camera for $229. The new iPod touch, which is only available with a black front and silver back, replaces the fourth-generation iPod touch that Apple had continued to offer since the introduction of new models late last year. The new model is available now in Apple's online store and should be available in the company's retail stores starting tomorrow.

ipod_touch_5_16gb
Apple introduced the redesigned fifth-generation iPod touch last September with the same 4-inch display seen on the iPhone 5 and a number of other enhancements. But with the new hardware pushing the entry-level price to $299 for a 32 GB model, Apple decided to continue offering the fourth-generation models at cheaper $199 (16 GB) and $249 (32 GB) price points.

Now, with production on the fifth-generation models having been underway for roughly eight months, Apple has found a way to shave costs through both natural component cost declines and the removal of several features to be able to offer a stripped-down fifth-generation model at pricing close to that previously offered for the fourth-generation models. Beyond the loss of a rear camera, the new entry-level iPod touch also omits Apple's "Loop" wrist strap introduced on the fifth-generation models last year.

Earlier this year, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had predicted that Apple would discontinue the fourth-generation iPod touch in favor of a stripped-down fifth-generation model without a rear camera. Kuo had believed that Apple would introduce an 8 GB version of that device for $199, but Apple apparently decided that 16 GB of storage should be the minimum for the iPod touch lineup.

Related Forum: iPod touch and iPod

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Top Rated Comments

samac92 Avatar
158 months ago
Quietest apple launch ever!

Like what the heck - really doesn't make any sense. WWDC is in 2 weeks!

Why would they waste time at WWDC talking about a cheaper iPod?
Score: 45 Votes (Like | Disagree)
siurpeeman Avatar
158 months ago
would love an iphone with a black front and silver back.
Score: 38 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Chundles Avatar
158 months ago
This can be taken to places now where no cameras are allowed, such as court rooms, government facilities, etc.

It still has a camera.
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Haribokart Avatar
158 months ago
would love an iphone with a black front and silver back.
You've just described the original iPhone.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Andy-V Avatar
158 months ago
Why would they waste time at WWDC talking about a cheaper iPod?

Yeah that would be a bit underwhelming. "Here's our latest product, we've removed the camera and halved the storage capacity. Moving on..."
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
quietstormSD Avatar
158 months ago
Well it looks like that's the round up of product updates for Apple in 2013. :p
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)