Marketed in 2001, the iPod was originally intended to extend the sphere of influence of Apple, whose sources of revenue came almost exclusively from its computers. It was only through a masterful marketing campaign that Apple saw the popularity of the iPod explode.
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To a degree that it probably didn't expect, sales of the product specialising in music listening reached 40% of the company's turnover in 2006. A resounding success that testifies to the fact that the iPod has greatly contributed to the creation of Apple's overwhelming domination of the high-tech sector, in the same way as the iPhone and the Mac.
Reasons for the iPod's decline
Despite the undeniable supremacy of the iPod in the niche market of MP3, several factors explain the decline of successive models. These include a shift in consumer habits, brought about by the arrival of streaming platforms such as Spotify, Deezer, and Napster, to name a few.
If the streaming giants have contributed to making this gadget that we considered indispensable in the early 2000s obsolete, it can be said that Apple shot itself in the foot in a way, by competing directly with it with the appearance of the iPhone in 2007.
The iPhone did away with the iPod
However, this choice ended up being more than profitable. But it is true to say that the technological jewel that is the iPhone has overshadowed the iPod. To the point where the iPhone's functionalities have totally eclipsed, if not ousted, those of the iPod, thus relegating it to second place.
The final key element in this decline is the lack of modernisation of the iPod, while at the same time Apple's other products were distinguished by their innovative features.
The iPod Mini, Shuffle and Nano are already gone
iPods have been experiencing a gradual decline in interest. Commercial reality has caught up with Apple's decision-makers, who have been obliged to continue the process that began with the disappearance of the iPod classic in 2014.
The Nano and Shuffle soon suffered the same fate, joining the graveyard of objects left behind by the founders of the multinational. So it was only a matter of time before the iPod finally put both feet in the grave.
The date of May 10 2022 will thus go down in history as the date on which the last surviving iPod, the Touch model, was discontinued.
Last mile for iPod nostalgia
What does this all mean?
Quite simply that those who have ambitions to buy one before it is no longer possible will have to be quick. Even though the various iPods will remain available for sale 'while stocks last' in many stores, it's not certain that you'll be able to get your hands on one.
Whether you want to use it as it was originally intended, keep it to complete your collection of gadgets or relics of the past, don't hesitate to hit the shops now.
This article has been translated from Gentside FR.
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