6 Reasons The iPod Touch Is Still Worth Buying Today.
It came as a surprise to many that Apple decided to update the iPod Touch in 2019 with new hardware. With the rather impressive A10 Fusion SoC, the “coach iPhone” of yesteryear has returned to Apple’s latest pantheon of portable devices.
This immediately raises the question, why would anyone buy this nifty little device? Obviously, Apple itself does not consider the iPod Touch to be as dead as everyone else.
While the ghost of Steve Jobs may not be on hand to whisper an explanation in our ear, we tried to think of several reasons to justify the 2019 iPod Touch, and it turned out that it was not difficult to justify it.
It’s the most affordable travel ticket to the Apple ecosystem
Starting at $ 199 for the 32GB model, there is no cheaper way to get into the Apple ecosystem. Given the end-to-end entertainment solution offered by Apple’s subscription services, its appeal as a content-consuming device is high.
You can also get the 2019 iPod Touch in 128GB and 256GB variants, respectively, if you’re willing to part with $ 299 and $ 399 of your hard-earned dollars. However, this directly applies to iPhone SE territory, where you get a full-fledged phone with a similar small form factor.
The limitation of the base iPod model creates a reasonable niche for the device.
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It’s a great (and affordable) portable gaming device
iOS has always offered many early or exclusive game releases with a focus on premium quality games. Of course, it still has its share of exploitative free games.
Apple’s new Arcade service, which only offers premium games without IAP, makes iPod Touch a great gaming machine. Add new gamepad support to that and it’s an affordable alternative to something like the Nintendo Switch, where a single premium game can cost almost as much as an annual Apple Arcade subscription.
Keep in mind that Apple has family access to Arcade, which means up to six people can access with a single subscription. At the time of writing, there hasn’t been a better gaming solution on the market at a bargain price. This is definitely a good way to keep kids from sticky fingers on the new iPhone 11.
It’s a good way to introduce kids to smart devices
When it comes to kids, Apple iOS provides exceptional parental control. That way, you can set up and transfer your iPod Touch with the confidence that your child won’t have a problem with it.
This is not a phone that removes the question of whether to give smartphones to young children. It is much smaller than even the iPad Mini. So the little handles will handle it easily. The low price tag also means replacing a broken iPod Touch isn’t as painful for the wallet.
It’s a smart home control
If you’re fully using Apple HomeKit, the iPod Touch is the perfect device you can leave at home to control all of your other HomeKit hardware. Since it launches a home application, you can leave it in the guest bedroom, living room, or any other place you feel is right for you.
Other HomeKit devices like the HomePod are more expensive and less versatile. Especially as an auxiliary or mobile home automation controller. So if you value a laid-back, automated life, this might be one of the best kits you can add to the system.
It’s perfect as a shared device
Few people will share their iPhone or iPad with the rest of the family or guests. These devices are usually quite personal and quite expensive. On the other hand, the iPod Touch is cheap enough to act as a general entertainment device for anyone who needs it.
Think about services like Siri, or just having access to a web browser or e-book reader. For the price that Apple is asking for the base model, the iPod Touch seems like the perfect iOS device for home use.
(not surprising) it’s a great dedicated music player
Yes, it seems obvious, but the iPod Touch 2019 is a really good dedicated music player. Almost all music streaming services are on iOS, with Bluetooth and an increasingly rare headphone jack. If you have a home gym or other place where music is played frequently, connecting your iPod Touch to a stereo system with a good Bluetooth speaker is a great idea.
It’s actually a great way to breathe life into old sound systems that were left behind because they lacked “intelligence.” Basically, it’s the perfect little jukebox.
Some good reasons not to purchase a 2019 iPod Touch
While the latest iPod Touch is a device that has many legitimate reasons to exist, it’s definitely not for everyone. It is not a replacement for a real smartphone as it has no access to text messages and phone calls.
If you’ve been impressed with the screens that most modern Apple devices have, 2019 can be a little difficult. Four inches is a bit archaic and controversial. There are those who like the 3.5-4 ”line of classic iDevices, but iPhone SE sales show that this is not a mass look. Don’t expect the display to compete with the new iPhones.
It also doesn’t make sense to buy a new iPod as a music device on the go. If you already have a smartphone, then you are much better off just using it. The ubiquity of smartphones and Bluetooth headsets means you always carry something as good as your iPod with you.
While the 2019 iPod Touch may not be for everyone, Apple has done a pretty decent job of updating it so you don’t have to spend $ 1,000 to access their great subscription services and premium apps.
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