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Apple Discontinues iPod Nano, Shuffle

If by some slim chance you happen to be in the market for a tiny Apple gadget that can play music and do nothing else, we have some bad news.

 & Angela Moscaritolo Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

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With the Apple Music app now built into iOS devices, there's no longer much of a reason to purchase a standalone iPod. With the exception perhaps of hipsters carting around their ancient iPod classics or runners who rely on Apple's smaller MP3 players, most of us now listen to music and podcasts on our phones.

As a result, Apple is discontinuing the iPod nano and iPod shuffle. Speculation about the move first started swirling this morning when Apple removed the vintage devices from its online store, and Cupertino has now confirmed it's paring down its iPod lineup.

Apple did not immediately respond to PCMag's request for comment but told Business Insider it's axing the iPod nano and shuffle and updating its pricing for the iPod touch. The 32GB iPod touch will now set you back $199, or you can get the 128GB version for $299.

"Today, we are simplifying our iPod lineup 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," an Apple spokesperson told Business Insider.

If you're feeling nostalgic, Apple will reportedly still be selling its iPods until they run out, so grab one while you can.

The iPod nano and shuffle both made their debut in 2005. Apple last updated the iPod nano in 2012 and the iPod shuffle in 2010, so this move isn't too much of a shocker. As PCMag discovered, Apple as of last year didn't even have the iPod nano on display at its Los Angeles store, and its employees there were pushing potential buyers towards the newer, more expensive iPods.

Meanwhile, Apple is now prepping its Siri-enhanced smart speaker, the HomePod. The $349 device is expected by the holiday season.

About Our Expert

Angela Moscaritolo

Angela Moscaritolo

Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

My Experience

I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade. 

Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The Technology I Use

My little Florida beach bungalow is brimming with smart home tech. I have a smart speaker or display in every room, allowing me to control other connected devices by voice. The Nest Hub on my bedside table lets me set wake-up alarms, control my smart light bulbs, and set the temperature on my smart thermostat. I use the Amazon Echo Show 8 on my kitchen counter to browse recipes, reorder protein powder, check the weather, and watch the news while I do dishes. 

Because I suffer from allergies, air purifiers are essential. My favorite model is the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, which doubles as a fan and continuously sends indoor pollution data to its companion mobile app. 

My pitbull Bradley sheds, so a good robot vacuum is a must. I currently use a premium Ecovacs Deebot that can both vacuum and mop, empty its own dustbin, and wash its own mop cloth. 

For fitness, I like to mix up my routine with cycling, indoor rowing, running, and strength training in addition to yoga. I take classes on the Tonal 2 smart strength training machine, I row indoors on an Aviron machine, and track my beach runs with an Apple Watch while listening to music on my Apple AirPods Pro. On the weekends, I love riding e-bikes like the rugged, beach-friendly Aventon Aventure for fun and fitness.

My job involves a lot of virtual meetings, so a quality webcam, microphone, and ring light are important. I use the Jabra PanaCast 20 webcam, the Elgato Wave: 3 microphone, and a Yesker tripod ring light. 

As for my preferred phone platform, I'm an iPhone person, but I've also extensively used Android for product testing.

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