Apple drops a new $199 iPod touch with first major upgrade in four years – including an A10 chip that makes it run ‘twice as fast’
- Apple’s new $199 iPod touch now packs the same processor as the iPhone 7
- It’s ‘twice as fast’ as before and can handle Group FaceTime calls and AR games
- The last time Apple released a new iPod Touch was the 6th gen model in 2015
- It looks the same as previous versions, with a 4-inch screen and home button
Apple has given the iPod touch its first major facelift after four years.
The tech giant on Tuesday revealed a new $199 iPod touch that packs a range of modest upgrades, while still maintaining the device’s classic and colorful design.
It’s available for orders online starting today and will hit the shelves in stores this week.
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Apple has given the iPod touch its first major facelift after four years. The tech giant on Tuesday revealed a new $199 iPod touch that features the same processor used in the iPhone 7
The new iPod touch features the same A10 Fusion chip used in the iPhone 7, allowing it to run many of the modern features iOS users have become accustomed to, like Group FaceTime calls and augmented reality.
With this upgrade, users can also play newer mobile games that older processors wouldn’t be able to run as smoothly.
Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of product marketing, said in a release that the new processor translates to ‘performance that is twice as fast as before.’
It also allows for up to three times faster graphics, which is crucial for games that utilize Apple’s ARKit.
Apple highlighted that the iPod touch will be equipped to play games from its yet-to-be-released game subscription service, Apple Arcade.
The spec upgrade will also mean that users can run the latest versions of iOS 12 on the iPod touch.
Apple is offering up to 256gb of storage for the new iPod touch, allowing users to download larger music libraries onto the device.
The new iPod touch features the A10 Fusion chip, allowing it to run many modern features iOS users have become accustomed to, like Group FaceTime calls and augmented reality
Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of product marketing, said in a release that the new processor translates to ‘performance that is twice as fast as before’ and speedier graphics
The storage bump will cost users, however, as the 256gb option comes with a price tag of $399 vs. the $299 128gb version and the $199 32gb model.
Aside from processor and storage upgrades, the 7th-generation iPod touch remains largely the same.
The device still features a 4-inch display with a significant bezel, as well as the familiar home button.
The front-facing 1.2-megapixel camera and 8-megapixel rear camera are also the same in the latest iPod touch.
Outside of the US, Apple said the iPod touch is available for purchase in the UK, Canada, Australia, Spain and a range of other countries.
WHAT IS APPLE ARCADE?
Apple is launching a subscription-based gaming service that will let users play across mobile, desktop, and Apple TV.
Called Apple Arcade, the platform will live as a tab inside the App Store and gives users access to more than 100 new and exclusive games, the firm says.
It will feature games from Annapurna Interactive, Bossa Studios, Cartoon Network, Finji, Giant Squid, Klei Entertainment, Konami, LEGO, Mistwalker Corporation, SEGA, Snowman, ustwo games and dozens more.
Games will be across iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV. And, users will be able to pick up where they left off on a different device.
Apple has not yet revealed any details on pricing, but says it will be coming to 150 countries in Fall 2019.
Apple introduced Apple Arcade in a star-studded event at the Steve Jobs Theater
