T
hese days, the iPod touch seems to be
one of Apple’s “forgotten” devices. This
year, though, Apple has updated the iPod
touch by giving it 2016’s A10 Fusion chip and
a new 256GB capacity. Prices start at $199
for the 32GB model and go up to $399 for
the 256GB version.
The A10 processor may be a few years old
now, but it’s plenty fast enough for the iPod
touch. Apps load in a snap, and even the
chunkiest, most demanding games like
Asphalt 9 run smoothly.
Its real advantage, though, is its size. At
just 88g it’s by far the lightest of Apple’s
iPhone and iPod devices. Coming from one of
Apple’s more recent phones like an iPhone XS
Max or iPhone XR, you’ll be amazed at how
small it is. Just think — all of Apple’s phones
used to be this size (but never this light).
Now here’s an interesting situation. Apple
has disabled the Phone app, so theoretically
you’re limited to text messages and on–device
tasks. The reality, though, is a little different.
Download Facebook Messenger, for example,
and you can make Wi–Fi calls. That means
you get the call and text capabilities of an
iPhone as long as you’re within Wi–Fi range.
But you won’t be able to take it out into the
middle of nowhere and be able to call people.
That means if you’re hoping for a new
iPhone SE, you’re out of luck; the iPod touch
is not a true phone replacement. There’s also
no Face ID or even Touch ID; no dual camera
support; no edge–to–edge screen. There is,
however, a 3.5mm headphone jack.The $199 price tag for the 32GB model
is reasonable. You can get a 16GB Sony
Walkman MP3 player for around $140, but
that has half the storage and no access to
Apple Music (or other streaming services).
Paying $399 for the 256GB iPod touch is
a tougher sell, as you’re starting to move
towards iPhone price territory.
Where the iPod touch is hard to justify is
when it’s compared to the iPhone 7, which
is $449 for the 32GB model. Though that’s
over twice the price of the 32GB iPod touch,
you get Touch ID, a bigger screen, plus full
phone and messaging capabilities. Apple will
let you trade in an older iPhone to get money
off; trade in a 16GB iPhone 6 Plus and the
iPhone 7 drops to $299, for example.
Should you buy an iPod touch, then?
Well, the 32GB model would certainly make
the perfect portable music and games device
for a child who doesn’t need a phone yet. Add
them to an Apple Music family subscription
and they get as much music as they could
ever want, too.
Otherwise, it’s a pretty hard sell. Most
people already have a phone that can play
music — do you need an iPod touch as well?
You can get a second–hand 32GB iPhone 7
for the same price as the base iPod touch,
and it’s far, far more capable. The iPod touch
is a great device — just give it plenty of
thought before buying one.
THE BOTTOM LINE. A good device in its
own right, but hard to justify unless it’s being
bought for kids. ALEX BLAKEiPod touch
Improved, but is it for you?
From $199 From Apple, apple.com
Features 4–inch Retina display, A10 Fusion chip, 32GB–256GB
storage (256GB reviewed), 8MP camera, 88g weight, six colorsiPOD TOUCH
Very lightweight
Reasonably priced
Manual unlock
feels slow
Do you need it?
SOLID
Reviews
48 SEP 2019 maclife.com