Lots of the focus on Apple right now is on next week's WWDC 2019 keynote and the new features iOS 13 will bring, but today Apple surprised us with something completely unexpected.
Apple has introduced a new iPod touch. This updated model includes an Apple A10 Fusion processor, which is the same chip that's in the iPhone 7. It's a big jump from the A8 processor that's found in the previous iPod touch, enabling features like augmented reality (AR) and Group FaceTime, both of which are available for the first time on an iPod touch.
Another benefit of the updated chipset inside the new iPod touch is better gaming, as Apple touts that this iPod touch offers three times faster graphics. Mobile gaming continues to grow in popularity thanks to titles like Fortnite, PUBG Mobile, and Pokemon Go, and this new iPod touch provides a more affordable way to game on an iOS device.
Other features of this new iPod touch include a 4-inch 1136x640 screen, 8MP rear camera with HDR for photos and 1080p video capture, and a 1.2MP front camera. There's 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi included along with Bluetooth 4.1, too, along with one speaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The new iPod touch is available to order online from Apple today and will be available in stores later this week. Pricing starts at $199 for the 32GB model and goes up to $299 for the 128GB version, while the top-end $256GB model is priced at $399.
Apple's color options for the new iPod touch include space gray, white, gold, blue, pink, and PRODUCT(RED).
It's kind of wild to see Apple launch a new iPod touch, but the device still makes sense for a lot of people. It's an option for parents who want to get their kids a smart device for gaming, iMessage, FaceTime, and music but don't want to buy a full-on smartphone. The new iPod touch could also be good for folks who want a small, lower-cost music and podcast player with a 3.5mm headphone jack. And while it may not have top-of-the-line specs, the new iPod touch ought to handle those tasks just fine.
