According to a recent report, Apple is readying some in-store changes that will see the iPod go from tabletop to buried somewhere on a shelf.
From 9to5Mac:
Typically reserved for accessories like Apple Watch bands, headphones, and iPhone cases, Apple Store accessory walls will now be home to the recently-updated iPod line. Apple products, ranging from iPods to iPads to Macs, have typically been stored in the back of Apple Stores and brought to a customer upon the point of sale. Now, when a customer wants to buy an iPod, she or he can simply pull it off a shelf without needing to wait for the product to be brought from the back room.
Such a move only highlights what we’ve known for some time: the iPod is no longer critical to Apple’s narrative. Everything an iPod is good for day-to-day can be accomplished on an iPhone or iPad.
Aside from giving the kids a handheld to play games on, iPod is probably a lot more niche than we’re willing to admit, and it’s no longer needed as a gateway device to Apple’s mainline offerings. It’s even lumped into Apple’s ‘other devices’ category in its quarterly earnings reports.
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Unlike the iPod Classic, iPods aren’t going away just yet — but look for the nano and shuffle to slip off store shelves at some point. The iPod Touch is the only device worth keeping around.
Shelving the iPod suggests Apple sees a use for it, and I’m still hoping it’s going to serve as an Apple TV remote; another item Apple keeps on a shelf but doesn’t let go of.
The iPod Touch also received an update not long ago, bringing in better processors and sensors. Sounds an awful lot like a living room device that you can AirPlay media and games from; HomeKit is coming, too. You may want a dedicated device for your home.
Even if iPod languishes on a shelf, the subtext of its move is likely more important: What’s Apple making room for?
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