Apple to Discontinue the iPod Shuffle
July 08, 08 by Daniel Foster
First introduced in January 2005 by Apple, the iPod Shuffle has been popularized as Apple’s attempts to reach to the low-end market. In reality, the Shuffle is just the stunted half-brother of the iPod Nano, lacking a screen and any real features for that matter. Though the postage-stamp sized MP3 player has received quite a bit of fanfare for its compact size, who would buy something so crippled and stunted? The answer is no one. Additionally, competition in the low-end market from the likes of Creative and changes in the iPod line Apple will make in the coming months give the Cupertino company good reason to change their ball game. Consequently, Apple will drop the Shuffle from their line and replace it with something with more features by the post-holiday season.
Daniel touched on the issue of discontinuing the Shuffle yesterday, but didn’t go into much depth. If Apple creates a more Touch-like replacement to the iPod Classic and introduces more features to the iPod Touch as he predicted, the iPod Nano will look pretty skimpy in comparison, making it unsuitable for the lower midrange market it is meant for. The iPod Shuffle, way behind on the market because of its lack of screen, will look even worse. In keeping with improving its high-end, Apple will be forced to make things up on the low-end, and will probably do so by making the Nano or something like it its solution to the low-end market.
The only thing the Shuffle has going for it is its small size, and the fact it’s made by Apple. Most low-end consumers, however, are not swayed by brand names. They look for bang for the buck, which the Shuffle has none of. Instead, as I have observed first-hand, most consumers not looking to spend much on an MP3 player go buy a Creative or comparable competitor that has a screen and more storage for the same price. Go look at just about any budget digital music player these days, and you’ll see they all have screens. It’s the reality of the market. Apple and other companies could get away with selling a screenless player three years ago, but now we’re well into 2008. Sorry Steve, but the Shuffle just won’t cut it any more. I expect the Shuffle to be dropped by February 2009, possibly before Christmas in November if they have a replacement for it by then.
dfritzin Says: 08.07.08 at 11:55 am
I think it is a shame that Apple is about to drop the Shuffle, if that is indeed the case. I bought a 2 Gig shuffle a few months ago to use while working out. I loaded just “upbeat” music onto it, and found that it was the perfect companion at the gym. Because it has the clip built-in, I could clip it to my sleeve. Because it is light and small, it doesn’t get in the way. Personally, I think Apple should always have something similar to the shuffle in their iPod lineup.
Tim Says: 08.07.08 at 4:51 pm
First your title is deceptive. Apple is not discontinuing the iPod Shuffle. You only think Apple is going to. Every year since its introduction, people have speculated on its demise and yet it still lives.
Secondly, for those of us who work out, or walk, and live in a climate that has excesses of temperature, the Shuffle is the only way to go. I had a classic-style iPod which died in 90+ degree weather, not to mention, that carrying around something that size and weight on a hot day is not fun. I clip it to my pocket and forget about it.
I’m going to stop and fiddle with my screen while out like that? No, absolutely not. I have my podcasts (and music sometimes) lined up ready to go. The buttons are also quite easy to determine without looking so who needs a screen?
I see Shuffles all the time, more so than any other type iPod.
One other thing… Not everyone can afford a regular iPod, but they still want an Apple iPod; they still want to use iTunes even! Some even own Macs! They don’t want a crappy zen or whatever they’re being called now.
My point is just because you and your friends don’t want them, doesn’t mean the entire world moves the same way, and stop making pronouncements about Apple products as if they’ve already happened. Stick “Opinion:” at the front, or just learn to write better headlines, a skill sorely lacking today.
Viurre Says: 11.07.08 at 7:48 pm
I like the shuffle because I can hook it up to my car radio and fiddle with it while I am driving without looking at it. All other models, you have to look at to operate, especially if you want to skip a song. The others are fine if you set off with a playlist you don’t ever want to skip through. They are fine if you aren’t driving and have time to look at a screen. If you have the button that freezes the controls on, you can’t skip, and if you have it off, the volume can change by accident too easily. You do not have to look directly at the shuffle to operate it, once you become familiar with its orientation. That is its value.
ddaddy2420 Says: 03.08.08 at 5:55 pm
the shuffle was a very convenient item, however, it needed to be a lot cheaper considering what all it lacked.
mike.d Says: 31.05.09 at 9:49 am
Well, midway into Q2 of 2009, it seems the Shuffle still lives on.
Like several people have said, having a no-fuss MP3 player is often times quite beneficial. I doubt we’re going to see the discontinuation of the iPod shuffle while people still use their hands to control their players.