David Carnoy speculates that Apple is going to let the iPod Classic fade out, switiching emphasis to the iPhone and iPod Touch.
As rumors continue to circulate that Apple will introduce new iPod models this fall (as it traditionally has), the big question is whether the iPod Classic becomes the odd iPod out. In a recent MP3 Insider podcast, CNET editor Donald Bell points out that orders for new Samsung hard drives that would go into an updated Classic appear to be nonexistent, according to Ars Technica and Apple Insider. And shortly after the earnings were posted, TechCrunch writer MG Seigler asked whether the iPod as we know it is dying.
The prevailing bet among iPod followers is that the Classic may stick around for a little while, but it probably won't be upgraded and will be quietly put out to pasture. The fact is that the iPod Touch offers a lot more functionality and, most importantly, it can run iPhone apps, which people find appealing, and they generate revenue for Apple.
Of course, there's a lot of folks out there who need a high-capacity iPod to store all their tunes and videos.
I'm one of them. I've got over 275 GB of audio, video, etc.... I can't fit it all onto my iPod Classic as things stand. I'd like to see Apple developing higher capacity models, instead of focusing on low capacity units like the Touch.
If Apple insists on letting the Classic die instead of growing it, Apple ought to include flash memory card slots for those of us who need extra capacity.
