Last iPod standing: Apple kills off Nano and Shuffle

Dubai - However, iPods that are still available now have double the capacity

Apple has discontinued its iPod Nano and Shuffle models, leaving the Touch as the only remaining model in the iconic music device's line-up.
Multiple outlets have reported this, quoting a statement from the tech giant.
"Today, we are simplifying our iPod line-up with two models of iPod Touch now with double the capacity starting at just $199 and we are discontinuing the iPod Shuffle and iPod Nano," it said.
The first iPod to bid goodbye was the Classic, which was ditched in 2014.
A visit to Apple's UAE website indeed shows the iPod Touch as the only model on sale. The two remaining options, 32GB and 128GB, are priced at Dh799 and Dh1,189, respectively.
It is unclear if the Nano and Shuffle are still available at Apple Stores and other retail outlets as at posting time.
Upgrades for the music device also came few and far in between; the Nano was last updated in October 2012, while the Shuffle in September 2010. The Touch, meanwhile, was last boosted in July 2015 when it was blessed with an A8 chip and an 8MP camera.
Apple move could be interpreted as streamlining its products. With the iPhone's music capabilities, they may have decided that the iPod range could be a redundancy of its offerings; practically all features of the iPod are on the iPhone, and the latter is the complete device for any task.
Apple has yet to give an official statement to Khaleej Times as at posting time.
- alvin@khaleejtimes.com