Apple discontinues iconic product 20 years after first release

APPLE is discontinuing the iPod 20 years after its first release.

The US tech giant has said the iPod is essentially redundant after being replaced by other gadgets over the decades.

GettyApple is discontinuing the iPod, which has been around for two decades[/caption]

Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing Greg Joswiak, said: “Today, the spirit of iPod lives on.

“We’ve integrated an incredible music experience across all of our products, from the iPhone to the Apple Watch to HomePod mini, and across Mac, iPad, and Apple TV.

“And Apple Music delivers industry-leading sound quality with support for spatial audio – there’s no better way to enjoy, discover, and experience music.”

The first iPod went on sale in November 2001.

The iPod has been through many changes since that first release.

The first iPod was monochrome, could store up to 1,000 songs and retailed at $399.

After the classic came the iPod touch, shuffle, mini and nano.

Apple is still selling the iPod touch on its website despite the announcement.

Prices for the iPod Touch start at $199.

Apple said in a statement: “Customers can purchase iPod touch through apple.com, Apple Store locations, and Apple Authorized Resellers while supplies last.”

The tech giant used the statement to list other Apple products which can be used for listening to music.

It said: “Among the incredible ways to enjoy music across a range of devices, including a wide variety of models from the new iPhone SE to the latest iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone is the best device for streaming Apple Music or storing an entire music library on the go.”

Apple Watch and the HomePod mini were also listed as alternatives.