The future of the iPod

But have you noticed that we hardly ever talk about iPods anymore? When they first came out we marvelled at the enormous 5GB storage space, which could take “thousands of songs” and how clever the click-wheel was for controlling the device. Over the years we’ve been treated to more space for more music, photos and movies, a non-moving click-wheel, touch screens, and most recently, apps.

It may seem like Apple has given up on the line of media players that has been so successful for them. No doubt, in recent years the iPhone and iPad have received more attention from the company. Even the very successful iPod touch has been at best a second cousin to the headline-grabbing iPhone. But if we’re realistic it must be impossible, even for a company of Apple’s size, to keep their focus on all products at the same time.

Keep in mind that summer is here and Apple often updates their iPod line in the back to school period in early fall. My guess is that in September we’ll see Apple call for a special event where they will focus on music, media and iPods. Perhaps we’ll even see the rumoured new Apple TV then.

I think it’s safe to say that we’ll see a new iPod touch with iOS 4 and some of the features from iPhone 4, like a similar physical design, same display and processor and more. Apple will continue to offer what’s basically an iPhone without the phone because it makes perfect business sense. Just this week I received an inquiry from a company in Dubai asking about the possible new iPod touch model. They wanted to buy “a lot” of iPod touch devices for their company. I have no idea what they intend to use them for but they’re far from an isolated case.

The rest of the iPods are on shaky ground, I suspect. Actually, the only one I see as being safe is the iPod nano. Flash-based with up to 16GB of space as well as video recording capability makes it a great alternative for someone who just wants a portable media player without a large touch screen and the possibility to run apps.

The iPod classic I see as extinct, if not now it’ll happen soon. As flash storage capacity in Apple’s players is now up to 64GB, there’s little reason to offer a classic with 120GB hard drive. Finally, the iPod shuffle I also see as on the way out unless it gets drastically refreshed. I have every model of iPod shuffle that Apple has made and I’ve never really used any of them much. They’d be great when exercising, for example, because they’re small and light, but a nano could fill the same role.

Let’s all have a great summer and Apple will surprise once we’re all back in Dubai after the holidays. What Steve Jobs will do to the iPod family probably only he knows but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the family of media players shrinks a bit.